The Insurance Claim Timeline: What to Expect at Every Step
Reporting the claim (Day 1)
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after discovering damage. You can usually file a claim by phone, online, or through your insurer's mobile app. You will receive a claim number and be assigned an adjuster.
Take steps to prevent further damage (this is actually required by your policy). For water damage, this means stopping the water source and starting extraction. For storm damage, this means temporary tarps or board-ups.
Adjuster inspection (Days 3-14)
Your assigned adjuster will schedule an inspection of the damage. For large events like hurricanes, this may take longer due to high demand. During the inspection, the adjuster will photograph the damage, take measurements, and assess the scope of repair.
Walk through the property with the adjuster and point out every area of damage. Do not assume they will find everything on their own.
Estimate and initial payment (Days 14-30)
After the inspection, the adjuster prepares an estimate using XactimateHow Insurance Estimates Work: Xactimate Explained for HomeownersNearly every insurance repair estimate in the United States is created using Xactimate, a specialized software program. Understanding how Xactimate...
Read more →. You will receive a copy of the estimate along with an initial payment (if the claim is approved). For RCV policies, this initial payment is the Actual Cash Value (replacement cost minus depreciationDepreciation Holdback: Recovering the Rest of Your SettlementIf your insurance settlement uses Replacement Cost Value (RCV), your first check may only cover the depreciated value of your property. The rest, c...
Read more →).
Review the estimate carefully for missing items or incorrect quantities. This is when most claim disputes begin.
Repairs and supplements (Weeks 4-16)
Once you receive the estimate and initial payment, you can begin repairs. During construction, your contractor may discover additional damage not visible during the initial inspection (hidden mold, subfloor damage, code upgrade requirements). These items are submitted as supplements to your original claim.
Supplements are common and expected. Your contractor or public adjusterWhen Should You Hire a Public Adjuster for Your Insurance Claim?A public adjuster is a licensed professional who represents you, the homeowner, in your insurance claim. Unlike the company adjuster who works for ...
Read more → submits supplemental estimates to the insurer for approval.
Final settlement (After repairs)
After repairs are complete, submit all invoices and receipts to your insurer. If you have an RCV policy, this triggers the release of the depreciation holdback. Review the final settlement to make sure all approved items have been paid.
If you disagree with the final amount, you have options including requesting re-inspection, filing a complaint with your state's Department of Insurance, or pursuing appraisal or mediation.
See how this applies to your property
Upload photos of your damage and get a detailed analysis showing exactly where your estimate may fall short.