The process of filing a renters insurance claim may be easier than you think. The key is to break it down into simple steps.
Whether you’ve faced theft, damage from severe weather or other types of problems, knowing how to file a claim with the best renters insurance companies can help you get your life back on track.
How Do I File a Renters Insurance Claim?
When an unexpected incident such as a fire or theft happens, you’ll want to file a renters insurance claim as soon as possible. But you’ll also want to make sure you have the right information to speed up the claims process and get a fair settlement from your renters insurance company. Here’s how to do it.
1. File a Police Report (If Necessary)
2. Tell Your Landlord
3. Contact Your Renters Insurance Company
4. Document Your Losses
5. Make Temporary Repairs
6. Finish Filing Your Claim
7. Update Your Home Inventory
1. File a Police Report (If Necessary)
If something like a break-in or vandalism happens, you’ll want to call the police and file a police report. Your insurer will likely want a copy of the police report for a theft or vandalism claim.
2. Tell Your Landlord
Rental agreements typically require you to report to the landlord any incidents that cause damage to your unit or otherwise pose a risk to the property.
Assess the safety of your home by ensuring doors and windows lock properly, plumbing and electricity function correctly, and hazardous materials are not present.
3. Contact Your Renters Insurance Company
After you’ve contacted the police (if necessary) and your landlord, contact your renters insurance company. Have your policy number handy, along with any other helpful documentation (such as the police report number). You’ll complete a claims form that will include the details of the incident, such as the items that were damaged or stolen.
Your insurance company can explain what your policy covers, your insurance deductible amount and what you can expect from the claims process. A claims adjuster may need to come to your home to inspect damage.
4. Document Your Losses
Before you start cleaning up, take pictures or make a video of the damage. Send these images along with your claim.
You should also keep records of the insurance company representatives you talk to and when you called—including the date and time—and what you talked about. Keep all your papers organized and in one place.
5. Find a Temporary Place to Live
If your home has damage, you may need to live elsewhere during repairs.
The additional living expenses coverage within a renters insurance policy covers extra costs like hotel bills, restaurant meals and other services, such as pet boarding or laundry services. Save your receipts so you can submit them with your renters insurance claim.
6. Finish Filing Your Claim
You may have gathered additional documentation or receipts, so make sure you provide them to your claims adjuster so they’re included in your renters insurance claims settlement. If you had to temporarily relocate, continue to keep your receipts and provide them to your insurer.
7. Update Your Home Inventory
You’ll also want to update your home inventory. If you purchased new items like electronics or a bicycle, make sure you include them. A good home inventory contains a description of the item, estimated value, purchase date, receipts and serial numbers.
If you haven’t already created a home inventory, it’s a good idea to do so. It can speed up a claims process. You can create a home inventory with a written list, by taking videos or photos with your phone or by using an app such as the home inventory app from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Reasons to File a Renters Insurance Claim
If you’re not sure whether or not to file a renters insurance claim, it’s a good idea to contact your insurer or agent to discuss a potential claim. Common reasons to file a renters insurance include:
- Someone breaks into your home.
- Personal belongings are stolen from your car or home.
- Your home is damaged by a fire, smoke or another problem..
- A guest is hurt while visiting your home and you’re liable.
- Your dog bites someone.
Pros and Cons of Filing a Renters Insurance Claim
Not every incident may be worth filing a renters insurance claim. For example, a minor incident such as a thief stealing a $20 item will be less than your deductible and is likely not worth the time spent filing a claim.
Here are some pros and cons of filing a renters insurance claim.
Pros
- You won’t have to pay out of your own pocket to repair or replace items that were damaged or stolen. Especially after a disaster, this is the primary reason to have good insurance.
Cons
- Your renters insurance costs may increase at renewal time.
- You could lose insurance discounts that you previously had for being claim-free.
- The value of your stolen or lost items may be less than your deductible, meaning it’s not worth filing a claim.
How Can Filing a Renters Insurance Claim Affect My Rates?
If you file a renters insurance claim, your rates could go up when your policy renews. That’s because insurers generally use your claims history as a price factor when setting rates.
Not all insurers factor in past claims the same way when calculating rates. If your renters insurance rates go up after you file a claim, you may want to compare renters insurance quotes to find a better price.
1
American Family
$149
19 states
2
Lemonade
$160
28 states + DC
3
Erie
$182
12 states
Types of Renters Insurance Claims
Familiarizing yourself with various types of renters insurance claims can help you navigate the claims process more effectively. Typical types of renters insurance claims include:
Property Damage or Loss Claims
The personal property coverage portion of a renters insurance policy covers stolen or damaged property for problems that are covered by the policy, such as damage from a fire or theft. For example, if a burst pipe destroys your living room furniture, you can file a renters insurance claim to replace it.
Liability Claims
Renters liability insurance covers accidental property damage or bodily injury you cause to others. For example, if your dog bites someone, the liability portion of your renters insurance will can pay for their medical expenses and your legal costs if you’re sued.
Smaller Medical Claims
The medical payments coverage portion of a renters insurance can pay for minor medical bills, no matter who is at fault for the accident. For example, if a guest cuts their hand on broken glass in your apartment, medical payments coverage can pay for urgent care bill.
Loss of Use Claims
If you can’t temporarily live in your rented home due to a problem like a fire, your loss of use coverage will pay for expenses like hotel bills and takeout meals. Loss of use is also called additional living expenses coverage.
Renters Insurance Claims Process
Submitting a renters insurance claim marks just the beginning of the process. After the claim is filed, your insurance company will evaluate the loss, approve or deny your claim, and offer you a settlement (if your claim is approved).
Here are some things to look for as the claims process unfolds:
Investigation and Review by a Claims Adjuster
Upon filing your claim, your insurer may request photos, videos and/or receipts and other types of documentation for your damaged or stolen items. An insurance adjuster will be assigned to your claim and may ask for additional information. The adjuster may schedule a time to visit your home to inspect the damage.
Estimates
Your insurance adjuster will assess the damaged items and make estimates on how much it will cost to replace or repair the damaged items.
Approval or Denial
If your damage is covered by a problem due to your policy (like a fire or theft) and your renters insurance claim is approved, your insurer will offer you a settlement figure. If you do not agree with the settlement figure, you can negotiate a higher settlement, but you’ll likely need to provide additional documentation to support your claim.
If your claim is denied, ask your renters insurance company for the reason for denial in writing, including any additional steps you may have, such as an appeal. Your claim could be denied for reasons such as:
- The item is not covered by your policy.
- The damage is caused by a problem that’s not covered by your policy, such as a flood (you would need a separate renters flood insurance policy).
- The claim amount is less than your deductible amount.
- The incident happened before your policy was effective.
Payment and Reimbursement
After your claim has been approved and you agree on the settlement figure, your insurer will send you payment (minus your deductible). Your insurer may send a check or it may deposit the settlement money directly into your bank account.
How Are Renters Insurance Claims Paid?
Your insurance company may send a claim payment via check or use a digital payment, which could be a debit card, Venmo deposit or PayPal payment, depending on the insurer. If you have an ongoing claim, such as ongoing bills for additional living expenses, your insurer may send multiple payments.
How Long Does It Take to Pay Out a Renters Insurance Claim?
It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks or longer before the insurer pays a renters insurance claim. The complexity and scope of the claim can play a big role in how long it takes to receive payment. For example, if the insurer wants to investigate a theft claim, the payment will take longer.
The sooner you begin the claims process, the faster the process should go. Following your insurer’s claims process to the letter can also help expedite payment.
How to Get the Most Out of a Renters Insurance Claim
Provide Specific Details
Providing as much information as possible about the incident can streamline the process. It can also strengthen your case, helping your insurance company understand the claim and resolving it faster.
Give the insurer as many pieces to the puzzle as you can so it can see the whole picture.
Check Your Coverage and Deductible
It’s a good idea to review your renters insurance policy before submitting a claim. Knowing what’s covered and what’s not can save you from wasting time and energy.
For example, a standard renters insurance policy doesn’t cover belongings damaged by an earthquake or flood.
File a Police Report in Case of Theft
In case of theft, insurance companies typically require a copy of the police report to process a claim. The quicker you are able to get the police report to your insurer, the faster the claims process will go.
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Renters Insurance Claim Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the mistakes to avoid when filing a renters insurance claim?
A big mistake to avoid when filing a renters insurance claim is not having a home inventory. Having a home inventory before an accident or theft occurs can streamline the claims process and ensure that you account for all of the items that are damaged or stolen.
For example, if a fire destroys your apartment, would you be able to list all belongings, including your clothes, electronics, jewelry, furniture and kitchen items? Would you know their approximate value offhand? Having a home inventory handy is one less thing to worry about.
Does renters insurance cover relocation costs?
The additional living expenses portion of a renters insurance policy covers temporary relocation costs, such as hotel bills if you cannot live in your apartment due to a problem covered by your policy, like an explosion. It also covers extra expenses like restaurant meals, pet boarding and laundry services.
Why was my renters insurance claim denied?
A renters insurance claim could be denied because the damage is caused by a problem that’s not covered by the policy. For example, flood damage is not covered by a standard renters insurance policy.
A renters insurance claim could also be denied if the damage or theft occurred before your coverage was effective. Other reasons for denial include fraud or accidents that happen in common areas that are covered under a landlord’s insurance policy.
