Renters insurance protects your belongings and personal liability, but when something goes wrong, many renters aren’t sure how to actually file a claim. Whether you’ve experienced theft, water damage, fire, or another covered loss, knowing the proper steps can help you get reimbursed quickly and avoid unnecessary delays.
Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to filing a renters insurance claim successfully.
Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Before handling any insurance details, prioritize safety.
• Check for hazards like fire, smoke, or active water leaks
• Evacuate if needed
• Call emergency services when required
• Notify your landlord immediately of any dangerous conditions
Your well-being comes first — everything else can follow.
Step 2: Document the Damage or Loss
Strong documentation is essential for a smooth claim process.
• Take photos and videos of all affected items
• Capture wide shots and close-ups
• Document damaged furniture, electronics, clothing, and valuables
• For theft: photograph broken locks, windows, or points of entry
Insurers rely heavily on visual evidence to verify claims.
Step 3: Contact the Police (If Theft or Vandalism Occurred)
For theft, break-ins, or vandalism:
• Call the police to file an official report
• Get the report number and copy of the report
• Provide this information to your insurer
Most renters insurance policies require a police report for theft claims.
Step 4: Notify Your Landlord
Your landlord needs to know about damages that affect the property.
• They may need to repair windows, locks, plumbing, or appliances
• They may need to inspect structural issues
• Landlords often have separate property insurance to handle building damage
Renters insurance covers your belongings — your landlord is responsible for the structure.
Step 5: Review Your Renters Insurance Policy
Before filing, understand what’s covered.
• Covered perils: fire, smoke, theft, vandalism, water damage (not floods), windstorms
• Exclusions: earthquakes, floods, pests, wear and tear
• Deductible amount
• Limits for personal property
• Sub-limits for jewelry, electronics, and specialty items
• Additional living expense (ALE) coverage
This helps set realistic expectations for the claim outcome.
Step 6: File the Claim With Your Insurer
You can file through:
• Mobile app
• Online account
• Phone call
• Your insurance agent
Be ready to provide:
• Date and description of the incident
• Photos and videos
• Police report number (if applicable)
• Inventory of damaged or stolen items
• Receipts or proof of ownership (if available)
• Your landlord’s contact information
Most claims can be filed in under 15 minutes.
Step 7: Create an Itemized List of Damaged or Stolen Property
A detailed inventory speeds up the approval process. Include:
• Item names
• Brand and model
• Date of purchase
• Estimated value
• Receipts or bank statements if you have them
For older items, insurers calculate value based on actual cash value (ACV) unless you purchased replacement cost coverage (RCV).
Step 8: Cooperate With the Claims Adjuster
Depending on the severity of the claim, your insurer may assign an adjuster.
They may:
• Call you for more details
• Request additional documentation
• Ask for a virtual or in-person inspection
• Ask questions about how the damage occurred
Be honest, concise, and thorough. Consistent information helps avoid delays.
Step 9: Prevent Further Damage
You’re responsible for preventing further loss.
• Clean standing water (if safe)
• Move undamaged items to a safe area
• Secure broken doors or windows
Keep receipts — insurers typically reimburse temporary protective measures.
Step 10: Track Claim Progress
Most insurers provide:
• Email updates
• Mobile app notifications
• Online claim dashboards
Respond to requests promptly to keep things moving.
Step 11: Receive Your Settlement
Once approved, your payout depends on your policy type:
• Actual Cash Value (ACV): You receive the depreciated value of items
• Replacement Cost Value (RCV): You’re reimbursed for the cost to buy the item new
Some RCV policies issue partial payment first and the remainder after you purchase replacements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Throwing away damaged items before photographing them
• Forgetting to file a police report for theft
• Not documenting temporary repairs
• Waiting too long to notify your insurer
• Not keeping receipts for emergency purchases
• Overlooking your deductible amount
Avoiding these mistakes protects your payout.
Tips for Filing a Renters Insurance Claim Smoothly
• Keep a digital inventory of your belongings
• Save receipts for big-ticket items
• Review your policy annually
• Know your deductible before filing
• Communicate clearly with your adjuster
• Ask questions if anything is unclear
• Use ALE (Additional Living Expenses) if you’re displaced
Preparation makes the claim experience far easier.