- A home insurance adjuster reviews damage and helps determine how (and if) your coverage will apply.
- After you file, they’ll typically contact you, explain next steps and inspect the property.
- You can help by taking photos, listing damaged items and saving repair receipts.
- Staying organized and available can help your claim move forward more smoothly.
What to Expect From an Adjuster During the Home Insurance Claims Process
After a terrible hailstorm, you inspect your home and find broken windows, damaged shingles and downed trees. Dealing with damage is never easy, but the good news is: you have homeowners insurance. Let’s walk through how to file your claim and how you’ll work with a home insurance adjuster to navigate the claim.
Key Takeaways
A home insurance adjuster plays a pivotal role in the claims process. Wondering what an adjuster does and what to expect? Here's what you need to know.
Quick takeaway: A home insurance claims adjuster reviews damage, documents what happened and helps move your claim forward based on your policy and the details of your loss.
What is a home insurance claims adjuster?
A home insurance claims adjuster is a professional who helps with insurance claims by assessing the damage, determining what's covered, and calculating how much it will cost to repair or replace the damaged property. Based on their evaluation, they’ll provide a settlement amount for the claim.
Claims adjusters are insurance professionals typically hired by the home insurance company. Staff adjusters are employees of the insurance company, while independent adjusters are subcontractors hired by the insurance company. (And both of these differ from a public insurance adjuster, who is a professional who may be hired by the policyholder.)
Want more context on the overall claims process? Get a bird’s-eye view of how to file a home insurance claim.
What to expect when filing a property claim
Whether your home was damaged by a natural disaster or a fire, you can start the insurance claims process by contacting either your insurance agent or your insurer’s claims department and providing details about what happened. Your homeowners insurance company will appoint a claims adjuster to your claim. The exact process can vary based on the type of damage, the severity of the claim and your policy, but these are common stages.
| Stage | What the home insurance adjuster may do | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Before the visit | Review claim details and schedule an inspection | Gather photos, receipts and a list of damaged property |
| During the visit | Inspect the damage, take notes and ask questions | Walk through the damage and point out affected areas |
| After the visit | Prepare a report and compare the loss to your policy | Stay available for follow-up questions and keep records organized |
How to prepare for a home adjuster visit
Ahead of the claims adjuster's visit, secure your property to prevent further damage (for example, place tarps over damaged roofs or board up broken windows). You can also help prepare by:
- Taking photos and videos of the damage.
- Making a list of damaged or destroyed property.
- Saving receipts for emergency or temporary repairs.
- Keeping damaged items when possible, unless they create a safety hazard.
- Gathering any photos, receipts or records that show the condition of the property before the loss.
Need help organizing details? Learn how to document home damage as you prepare for a visit from your home insurance adjuster.
What does a home insurance adjuster look for?
As you go through the homeowners insurance claims process, the claims adjuster handles the following tasks:
Site inspection
The claims adjuster will visit the property to inspect the damage. If it's safe to do so, they’ll walk through the home, take photos and document the damage.
Damage review
The adjuster will review the extent of the damage; to make sure they have a comprehensive view, they’ll work with you to prepare an inventory of damaged items. They may also ask for photos from before and after the incident, and any receipts you may have for damaged property. If you spent money up front for emergency or temporary repairs, such as boards and nails for broken windows, share those receipts, too.
Claim evaluation
After the inspection, the claims adjuster’s role shifts to a behind-the-scenes position. They look at the property damage and compare it against your homeowners insurance policy, checking to see how coverage may apply.
The insurance company uses the claims adjuster's report to determine the cause of loss, scope of damage and amount of covered repairs. All of these factors determine the appropriate settlement amount.
Need a refresher on how your policy works? Take a look at this overview of your homeowners insurance policy.
Tips for working with the claims adjuster
To make the claims process go as smoothly as possible, here are some tips for working with the claims adjuster:
- Be present: If you can, show up in person for the adjuster's inspection. Your presence can be invaluable if the adjuster has questions about specific damages or affected areas.
- Stay organized: When it comes to insurance claims, organization is critical. Maintain a digital (or physical, depending on your preference) folder with photos and video, home inventory lists, receipts, and any communication with contractors, the insurance adjuster or your insurance company. Make sure you also have the contact information for the insurer and the adjuster.
- Hold on to damaged items: Although you may be anxious to clear out debris and toss damaged items, leave things alone as long as they don't create a safety hazard. The claims adjuster will want to see all of the damage, so wait to clean the space until after the adjuster's inspection.
- Ask questions: If you're unsure what happens next, ask your home insurance adjuster about timing, documentation and whether anything else is needed from you.
Remember: Your home insurance adjuster is here to help move the process forward. Stay in touch and feel free to ask questions at any time.
Get a home insurance quote today
FAQs about home insurance adjusters
A home insurance adjuster reviews the damage, documents the loss and compares the claim to your policy. Their work helps the insurance company evaluate covered repairs and next steps.
It can help if you're there, because you can answer questions and point out damaged areas. If you can't be present, ask your insurer what information the home adjuster will need in advance.
Have photos of the damage, receipts for emergency repairs, and a list of damaged belongings ready. Keeping these details organized can help your home insurance claims adjuster review the loss more efficiently.
You should take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, but try not to throw away damaged items or complete major cleanup before the adjuster sees the loss (unless safety requires it).
Your Policy, Policy Declarations or Amended Declarations in effect on the date of loss is the primary source of reference for your coverage, coverage limits and deductible amounts.
This inclusion of non-Amica companies, products, services or statement herein (“Third-Party Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by Amica Insurance. Policies, views, opinions or positions of Third-Party Content expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policies, views, opinions or positions of Amica Insurance. Amica Insurance makes no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy and reliability of Third-Party Content.
This content may contain helpful tips, explanation and advice. Your use of this information is voluntary and may not be effective in every circumstance. Amica encourages you to use good judgment and put safety first.
For more information on our editorial process and content standards, take a look at our editorial guidelines.
AMIC-06-060128