Policyholders should follow the below steps to file a renters insurance claim.

1. File a Police Report, If Necessary

If you are filing a claim due to theft or vandalism, your first step should be reporting the crime to the police. You may also need to alert the authorities if your property loss was caused by an unexplained fire. Keep a copy of any police reports.

You should also contact your landlord. Regardless of whether the damage stems from a plumbing issue, a natural disaster or a crime, your landlord needs to know. In some cases, your landlord may also need to file a claim with their insurance company.

2. Make a Record of Lost or Damaged Items

Once any associated crimes have been reported, document the incident. In the case of property loss, that means making a list of lost or damaged items. Take photos or a video of any visible damage to your belongings. You should also document the cause and take steps to prevent ongoing damage, if necessary.

Ideally, your list should include the value of each item. Receipts or a bank statement could provide proof of how much you paid. This information will be important later as the insurance company considers how much to pay out.

Keep any receipts for expenses related to your claim. If you need to make temporary repairs or stay at a hotel overnight while repairs are made, save the receipts so that you can submit them to the insurance company later.

3. Call Your Insurance Provider

Your next call should be to your insurance provider. Some companies provide other ways to get in touch, though. Depending on the company, you may be able to reach out via live chat or an app.

Regardless, the insurance company can explain how to file a claim. Again, the process may differ slightly from one company to another. Many insurers offer a convenient online claims form, which can be faster and easier than filling out a paper form.

4. Fill Out Paperwork Provided by Your Agent

As you fill out the claims form, you will need the following pieces of information:

• Your policy number
• Details about the lost or damaged items, such as the model numbers
• The estimated value or cost to replace the items

Be prepared to submit evidence that backs up your claims. The insurance company will want to see proof of ownership and proof of loss. The more thorough your documentation, the smoother the claims process will be.

5. Track Your Claim and Respond to Requests

Once the insurance company receives your claim, it will assign an insurance adjuster to your case. The adjuster will review the details of your claim and may ask follow-up questions or request additional documentation. In some cases, they may need to assess the damage in person.

Throughout this process, watch for communication from your insurance company. Respond to any requests as quickly as possible to avoid delaying your payout. Some companies make it possible to track your claim online. Otherwise, you can email or call periodically to ask for updates.

6. Receive Payment

Finally, the insurance company will decide whether to approve or deny your claim based on the adjuster’s findings. You may receive your payment via check, or the insurance company may deposit the amount into your bank account. Keep in mind that your payout will be reduced by the amount of your deductible. If your claim was worth $1,000 and you have a $250 deductible, you will receive $750.

In some cases, such as claims that involve liability coverage, the payment may be made directly to a third party.