We know filing a homeowners’ insurance claim can feel overwhelming here at the Alexander Insurance Agency of St. Charles, but it doesn’t have to be. The more prepared you are, the smoother the process becomes, and the more likely you are to receive a fair payout. Here are eight practical steps to take if you ever need to file a claim:

Recent studies show that nearly 1 in 20 insured homes file a claim each year, with weather-related events like wind and hail making up the majority. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average homeowners insurance claim is around $13,000, though larger losses can climb much higher. 

Despite this, many homeowners aren’t fully aware of their policy details, which can lead to delays, disputes, or smaller payouts than expected. By understanding how the claims process works and preparing in advance, you put yourself in the best position to protect both your home and your financial peace of mind.

1. Know Your Policy Inside and Out

Before filing a claim, review your policy so you’re clear on what’s covered and what isn’t. This avoids surprises later. Key areas to check include:

• Dwelling Coverage – Make sure your coverage limit matches the cost to fully rebuild your home, not just repair it. After a tornado in Missouri damaged his roof, Mark realized his coverage was only set for repairs, not full replacement costs. Reviewing his policy beforehand helped him update it before filing a claim.
• Personal Property – Understand coverage limits and exclusions for belongings like furniture, appliances, and electronics. When her basement flooded, Lisa discovered her electronics were covered up to $2,000. Because she had read her policy earlier, she had receipts ready and avoided delays.
• Liability Protection – Review your liability coverage in case someone is injured on your property. A delivery driver slipped on ice outside Tom’s house. Since Tom knew his liability coverage limits, he wasn’t caught off guard when the claim was filed.
• Additional Living Expenses (ALE) – See how much support is available if you need temporary housing while repairs are made. After a fire, the Johnson family had to live in a hotel for two months. Knowing their ALE coverage beforehand helped them find housing within budget.
• Exclusions – Know what isn’t covered, so you can plan for extra protection if needed. Emily learned that her policy excluded sewer backup, so she added a rider before heavy spring rains caused flooding in her neighborhood.

2. Document Damage Thoroughly

Take photos and videos of all damage right away. Capture:

• Wide shots of entire rooms
• Close-ups of damaged areas
• Before-and-after comparisons (if you have them)
• A video walkthrough for context
• Damaged personal items with serial numbers or other identifiers

The more evidence you provide, the stronger your claim will be.

After a tree fell on his garage, Chris documented the entire area with his phone, including before-and-after pictures from last summer’s remodel. His claim was approved quickly because the evidence was so clear.

3. Keep Records of Your Belongings

Proof of ownership helps your claim move quickly. Keep a digital home inventory that includes:

• A list of valuables like jewelry, electronics, and furniture
• Purchase details (dates, costs, and receipts)
• Photos or videos with identifying details
• Regular updates when you buy or sell items

Storing these records in the cloud ensures they’re safe even if your home isn’t.

When Sarah’s apartment was broken into, she quickly pulled up her cloud-stored receipts and photos of her stolen laptop and TV. The insurance company processed her claim without hassle.

4. Prevent Further Damage

Make temporary repairs to stop damage from getting worse. For example, cover broken windows, tarp a leaky roof, or shut off water to a burst pipe. Not only does this protect your home, but it also shows your insurer you acted responsibly.

After hail broke his skylight, Daniel covered it with a heavy-duty tarp the same day. His insurer noted that he prevented additional rain damage, which sped up his claim approval.

5. Track Every Conversation

Keep detailed notes of all communications with your insurance company. Record dates, names, and what was discussed. Whenever possible, ask for email confirmations. This creates a paper trail and protects you if there are questions later

Jennifer kept a notebook of every call with her adjuster and followed up with email confirmations. When a discrepancy came up, she had clear records that helped resolve the issue.

6. Follow Up Consistently

Don’t be afraid to check in on your claim. Regular follow-ups keep your claim moving, prevent delays, and show you’re engaged in the process.

Mike called his insurance company every week after a kitchen fire. His persistence kept his claim from stalling in the system, and he received payment faster than expected.

7. Get Contractor Estimates

Request written estimates from licensed contractors. Having two or three quotes ensures accuracy and gives you leverage in settlement discussions. Choose reputable professionals with detailed breakdowns of labor and material costs.

After wind damage, Laura gathered three roofing quotes. When her insurer’s initial offer was too low, she used the contractor’s estimates to negotiate a higher, fairer payout.

8. Negotiate if Necessary

You don’t have to accept the first settlement offer. If the payout doesn’t cover your costs, speak up. Provide your documentation, estimates, and photos as proof. Sometimes a fair settlement takes a little back-and-forth.

After water damage ruined his hardwood floors, David received a settlement that wouldn’t cover full replacement. He submitted his contractor’s estimate and photos, and after a short negotiation, his insurer increased the payout.

Bottom Line

Your home is more than a place; it’s your biggest investment and a symbol of independence. Here at the Alexander Insurance Agency, we’ve helped many age groups handle claims smoothly by staying proactive: understand your coverage, document thoroughly, and track the process. With the right preparation, you’ll keep control and get the protection you’ve worked hard for.