If your home emergency looks like it will get expensive, call your insurance agent right away and file a timely claim. But hold off on filing a claim.
Home insurance is really there for a catastrophe.
When you file a lot of little claims, year after year, it will drive your rate up and might even lead to the policy not being renewed. Take a complete inventory of your losses and photograph or videotape the site before you make any temporary or permanent repairs. Keep all receipts. And be sure to check with your tax adviser or accountant to see if you can claim a personal casualty loss on your federal income tax.