While individual claims vary, when it comes to making a home insurance claim, there are a few basic steps that serve as a guideline for making the process as easy as possible.

1.    First and most importantly, check your policy documents to ensure that your claim is covered. If in doubt, contact your insurer.

2.    Timeliness is important, so send in a claims form as quickly as possible, along with any estimates for repair and/or replacement costs. If there is a delay in getting quotations, go ahead and send in the form and provide the estimates when available.

3.    Be sure to keep all of the damaged items, because it is highly likely that your insurer will want to see them. If you have any emergency repairs done, keep your receipts, as they may form part of the claim.

4.    If the home insurance claim is a substantial one, your insurer will probably send out a loss adjuster to review the situation. The loss adjuster will take a look at the claim, both from an individual item standpoint and as a whole. Remember, the loss adjuster is not impartial; he/she works for the insurance company and has their best interest at heart.

5.    If your claim is substantial, you have the right to hire your own loss assessor. Unlike the loss adjuster, the loss assessor works on your behalf. Generally they are paid on a commission basis and will deal directly with the insurance company on your behalf.