An insurance claim is your formal request to be paid for a covered loss. The process is the same across home and auto: report it, an adjuster reviews it, they estimate the damage, and you’re paid minus your deductible.
By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Last updated 2026
The 5 steps
- Report the loss promptly.
- Document the damage.
- An adjuster reviews and inspects.
- They issue an estimate.
- You’re paid, minus your deductible.
First-party vs third-party
First-party is against your own policy; third-party is against someone else’s insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Should I always file?
No — weigh small claims against your deductible.
Will it raise my rates?
Often, especially at-fault claims.
The bottom line
A claim is a documented request for a covered loss — report fast and document everything.
Related guides
- How to File a Homeowners Insurance Claim
- How to File a Car Insurance Claim
Sources: Insurance Information Institute (iii.org); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; FEMA; state Departments of Insurance. General information, not insurance advice.
Complete Insurance Claims guide
Every insurance claims question we’ve answered, in one place:
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