CURRENT AS OF 8/11/2023
CHECKLIST FOR INDIVIDUALS FILING INSURANCE CLAIMSHow to File an Insurance Claim
You likely have multiple insurance policies with different insurance companies – e.g.
homeowner’s, renter’s, fire, hurricane, automobile, umbrella, or others. For each type ofinsurance you will need to:
1. Call the insurance company or insurance agent to file a claim.
If you do not know which insurance company issued your policy, check your credit card
statement or bank statement. If you do not have these documents, you can call yourfinancial institution or credit card company to see if they will assist.
If you do not have a copy of the insurance policy and/or policy number, ask theinsurance agent or insurance adjuster assigned to your claim.
2. Ensure your insurance premium is paid and up-to date.
3. Review your insurance policy for coverage, deductible, and additional living expenses(ALE). Start with the “declarations page.”
Coverage – What types of losses and expenses your insurance policy will pay or
reimburse you for. Also look for exclusions for specific items and situations that theinsurance policy will not cover.
Deductible – How much money you must spend before the insurance company begins
to make payments to you. You will need to provide proof of payment.
Additional living expenses (ALE) and Loss of Use – Some policies may covertemporary rent, pet boarding, gas and mileage, food and other expenses you have tocover because you’ve lost the use of your home. Save all receipts.
Homeowner’s and Renter’s policies – May cover damage to personal property andtemporary relocation expenses.
Fire, Hurricane, and Umbrella policies – Check what these policies cover and exclude
carefully, especially if you have more than one of these types of policies.
4. Gather documents and evidence of your property and its value BEFORE the fire.
Homes – Describe your home and its contents - how many rooms, what kind offinishes, what kind of windows, etc.? Documents and evidence might include:o Purchase documents and deed;o Photos prior to the fire;o Copies of any appraisals;o Professional drawings, detailed descriptions, renderings, and/or photos – askarchitects, engineers, designers, other contractors/ vendors or AOAO/HOA forcopies; ando Receipts, invoices, canceled checks or credit card statements – ask vendors orcontractors who performed maintenance, renovation, repair, or construction, or
any financial institution that loaned money for the work.

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Auto – Lost or damaged personal property left in an automobile is normally notcovered under automobile insurance. Identify make, model, color, year, VIN number,license. Documents and evidence might include:o Photos prior to fireo DMV registrations, emissions checks, copies of title;o Receipts, invoices, canceled checks or credit card statements – ask vendors orcontractors who performed maintenance, repair, installation, or any financial
institution that loaned money for the work or parts.
Property (may include with homeowners/renters policies) – list and describe items andtheir value (e.g. appliances, furniture, tools, equipment, devices, jewelry, artwork,clothing).
o Photos prior to fire;o Special government licenses – e.g. firearms, boats;o Copies of any appraisals; ando Receipts, invoices, canceled checks or credit card statements – ask vendors orcontractors who performed maintenance, repair, or other work, or any financial
institution that loaned money for the property.
5. Gather documents and evidence of your property and its value AFTER the fire.
Once safe and approved by emergency management, examine property to determine
if it is a total loss or partial loss. List and document all findings.
o Photograph the loss and/or damage to property and contents from many angles.
The more photographs the better to show the loss or damage.
o Beware hidden damage, even if your home/vehicle/property does not appear
damaged but was near a fire (e.g., water, smoke, ash, mold, air quality, ducts). Ask
insurance company to conduct or pay for proper inspections by licensed
professionals.
What to expect after you file a claim.
Upon filing a claim, you will receive a claim number that you can use to check on your claim
status. Save this number. You will also be assigned an adjustor who represents the insurancecompany in communicating with you and reviewing information you provide.
It may take some time to gather all the information requested by the insurance company. As
you go, it is important that you:
1. Start and maintain a file on your claim, including all documents provided to theinsurance company.
2. Respond to your adjustor as quickly as possible, and be persistent in getting a response.
Document all phone calls and retain all correspondence between you and the insurancecompany.
3. Document any and all payments you receive from your insurance company, and get
receipts for what you spend the money on.
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4. Do not rush to settle your claim or agree to a quick settlement.
Review your insurance policies in detail.
Develop a detailed scope of loss for your home.
Research the fair market value (FMV) of your car and any other property.
5. Do not sign releases or waivers of any kind until you know your rights. Ask theclaims adjuster the reason why you need to sign a release or waiver.
6. Continue to pursue other sources of aid.
It can take months or years to settle an insurance claim
Keep records of all money and assistance you receive, and how it was used. Insurers
and aid agencies may want to check that losses are not double-covered.

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