For your renters insurance to cover a loss or damage, you need to file a claim. Filing a claim involves providing information about the incident to your insurance company. Each claim is different meaning you may need different papers filed or documentation. Once you submit the proper information, your carrier will assess the claim. If your claim is approved, your renters insurance company makes a payment to you, but in many cases this means only after a deductible amount is hit. Your insurance company may also impose maximum amounts of how much they will pay for certain claims, known as limits of liability.
Every claims process is different, so be sure to talk through your process with an agent if you’re unsure of your next steps.