A Homeowner's Guide to Restoration Insurance Claims

Most homeowners have never filed a large property claim before their first water or fire loss. Here is the plain-English version of how it works.

Report promptly

Call your carrier the same day the loss happens. Most policies require prompt notice, and delays give the carrier grounds to reduce or deny payment.

Understand mitigation vs reconstruction

Your policy usually covers reasonable steps to prevent further damage (mitigation) and covers repairs (reconstruction). These are billed separately and often handled by different crews.

Know your deductible and coverage limits

Ask your carrier for the ACV vs replacement cost breakdown. Many homeowners are surprised at recoverable depreciation being paid only after work is complete.

Get a Xactimate estimate

Most carriers estimate in Xactimate. Ask your restoration company for a copy of their estimate in the same format so numbers can be compared line by line.

Do not sign an unrestricted AOB

An Assignment of Benefits transfers your claim rights to the contractor. In some states this is heavily regulated. Read carefully and consider limiting the assignment to a specific scope.

Keep every receipt

Any out-of-pocket expense — hotels, meals, replacement clothing during additional-living-expenses coverage — is potentially reimbursable. Keep them all.