How to File an Insurance Claim Successfully: A Step-by-Step Guide
By Rozmek Team
•
September 25, 2025
Dealing with a car accident or damage to your home is stressful enough. The last thing you need on top of that is a confusing and difficult insurance claim process.
The good news is that by following a few simple, organized steps, you can make filing a claim a much smoother experience and significantly increase your chances of a successful outcome.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Smooth Claim ????
Step 1: Safety First & Document Everything (Immediately After)
Your first moments after an incident are the most critical for your claim.
Prioritize Safety: Before you do anything else, make sure everyone is safe. If it's a car accident, move to the side of the road if possible. If it's damage at home (like a burst pipe), turn off the main water valve to prevent further damage.
Become a Photographer: This is the most important step. Use your smartphone and take more photos and videos than you think you need. Get wide shots of the scene, close-ups of the damage from every angle, and pictures of any relevant details (like a fallen tree on your roof).
Get an Official Report: For a car accident, a break-in, or any major event, always call the police. The official police report is a crucial piece of evidence for your claim.
Take Detailed Notes: Write down exactly what happened, the date and time, and the names and contact information of everyone involved, including any potential witnesses.
Step 2: Contact Your Insurer ASAP ????
Don't wait. Your policy requires you to report a potential claim "promptly."
Make the Call (or Use the App): Call the claims phone number on your insurance card or, even better, use your insurer's mobile app. Using the app is often the fastest way to start the process and upload your photos directly.
Get Your Claim Number: The insurer will assign you a claim number and tell you that an adjuster will be in contact. This claim number is your reference for everything going forward—keep it handy!
Step 3: Cooperate with Your Adjuster ????
The insurance adjuster is the person assigned to investigate your claim. Their job is to assess the damage, determine if it's covered by your policy, and calculate the settlement amount.
Your Role: Be honest, responsive, and provide all the documentation you gathered in Step 1. Answer their questions promptly and professionally. A good working relationship with your adjuster can make the whole process much easier.
Step 4: Get Your Own Repair Estimates ????
The insurance company's adjuster will create their own estimate of the damages. For any significant repair to your home or car, it's a smart move to get one or two independent estimates from reputable, local contractors or body shops that you trust.
Why it Matters: This helps you confirm that the insurer's offer is fair and will be enough to cover the full cost of quality repairs.
Step 5: Keep a Detailed "Claim File" ????
Stay organized from day one. Create a folder (either digital on your computer or a physical one) to keep everything related to your claim in one place.
What to Keep: A copy of the police report, all your photos, your independent repair estimates, receipts for any temporary repairs or related expenses (like a hotel stay if your home is unlivable), and a log of every phone call and email, including the date and the name of the person you spoke with.
Step 6: Review and Receive Your Settlement ????
Once the adjuster has approved your claim, the insurance company will issue a payment for the cost of the loss, minus your deductible.
The Final Check: Before you cash that check or sign any final settlement forms, read everything carefully. Make sure you understand and agree with the terms and that the amount is sufficient to cover the repairs as planned.
By being prepared, organized, and proactive, you can navigate the claims process with confidence and get the fair and prompt settlement you deserve.
The good news is that by following a few simple, organized steps, you can make filing a claim a much smoother experience and significantly increase your chances of a successful outcome.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Smooth Claim ????
Step 1: Safety First & Document Everything (Immediately After)
Your first moments after an incident are the most critical for your claim.
Prioritize Safety: Before you do anything else, make sure everyone is safe. If it's a car accident, move to the side of the road if possible. If it's damage at home (like a burst pipe), turn off the main water valve to prevent further damage.
Become a Photographer: This is the most important step. Use your smartphone and take more photos and videos than you think you need. Get wide shots of the scene, close-ups of the damage from every angle, and pictures of any relevant details (like a fallen tree on your roof).
Get an Official Report: For a car accident, a break-in, or any major event, always call the police. The official police report is a crucial piece of evidence for your claim.
Take Detailed Notes: Write down exactly what happened, the date and time, and the names and contact information of everyone involved, including any potential witnesses.
Step 2: Contact Your Insurer ASAP ????
Don't wait. Your policy requires you to report a potential claim "promptly."
Make the Call (or Use the App): Call the claims phone number on your insurance card or, even better, use your insurer's mobile app. Using the app is often the fastest way to start the process and upload your photos directly.
Get Your Claim Number: The insurer will assign you a claim number and tell you that an adjuster will be in contact. This claim number is your reference for everything going forward—keep it handy!
Step 3: Cooperate with Your Adjuster ????
The insurance adjuster is the person assigned to investigate your claim. Their job is to assess the damage, determine if it's covered by your policy, and calculate the settlement amount.
Your Role: Be honest, responsive, and provide all the documentation you gathered in Step 1. Answer their questions promptly and professionally. A good working relationship with your adjuster can make the whole process much easier.
Step 4: Get Your Own Repair Estimates ????
The insurance company's adjuster will create their own estimate of the damages. For any significant repair to your home or car, it's a smart move to get one or two independent estimates from reputable, local contractors or body shops that you trust.
Why it Matters: This helps you confirm that the insurer's offer is fair and will be enough to cover the full cost of quality repairs.
Step 5: Keep a Detailed "Claim File" ????
Stay organized from day one. Create a folder (either digital on your computer or a physical one) to keep everything related to your claim in one place.
What to Keep: A copy of the police report, all your photos, your independent repair estimates, receipts for any temporary repairs or related expenses (like a hotel stay if your home is unlivable), and a log of every phone call and email, including the date and the name of the person you spoke with.
Step 6: Review and Receive Your Settlement ????
Once the adjuster has approved your claim, the insurance company will issue a payment for the cost of the loss, minus your deductible.
The Final Check: Before you cash that check or sign any final settlement forms, read everything carefully. Make sure you understand and agree with the terms and that the amount is sufficient to cover the repairs as planned.
By being prepared, organized, and proactive, you can navigate the claims process with confidence and get the fair and prompt settlement you deserve.