Home Claims

Home Insurance Claims Help

Dealing with water damage, fire, theft, storm damage, sewer backup, or another home insurance loss? Start here. Reliable Insurance Brokers can help you understand your deductible, your coverage, and whether it makes sense to open a home insurance claim.

Safety first Deductible review Coverage guidance before claiming
Not sure whether to make a home claim? Speak with a Broker: 1-289-812-4225

If you, your family, or anyone in the home is in danger, call 911 first. Do not enter flooded, fire-damaged, unstable, or unsafe areas of the home.

When should I make a home insurance claim?

First, am I safe?

Before thinking about coverage, deductibles, or claims, ask yourself: am I safe? If your basement is flooded, there is fire or smoke damage, the ceiling is sagging, electrical systems may be affected, or there is any risk to you or your family, do not put yourself in harm’s way.

Call 911 if anyone’s life or safety is in danger. Do not enter unsafe areas of the home just to take photos, move belongings, or inspect damage. Your safety comes first.

Does the damage or loss exceed my policy deductible?

We highly recommend speaking with a Reliable Broker before making a home insurance claim, if it is safe and practical to do so. We can help you understand the details of your policy, your deductible, and the potential financial impact a claim may have on future insurance renewals.

If the loss is less than your deductible, it usually does not make sense to claim. For example, if a bicycle is stolen from your garage and the bike was purchased this year for $800, but your home insurance deductible is $1,000, making a claim would likely not make financial sense.

Was the damage caused by a sudden and unexpected occurrence?

Home insurance is generally designed to respond to sudden and unexpected losses. It is not intended to cover maintenance issues, gradual deterioration, wear and tear, or damage that develops over a long period of time.

For example, if a hot water tank is 30 years old but the manufacturer’s expected service life is closer to 15 years, and the tank bursts because of corrosion from the inside, the claim may not be covered. This type of situation can be treated as maintenance, age, deterioration, or wear and tear rather than an insured sudden loss.

If you are unsure whether the loss was sudden, accidental, gradual, or maintenance-related, call a Reliable Broker before opening a claim. We can help you review your policy and next steps.

Does my policy cover this type of damage or loss?

Before opening a claim, it is a good idea to check whether your policy includes the coverage needed for the loss or damage you want to report. Different home policies and endorsements respond differently to water damage, sewer backup, overland water, theft, fire, wind, hail, and other losses.

This is why having a Reliable Broker on your side matters. We help you navigate your policy, understand your coverage, and select the right protection before a claim ever happens. If you are not sure whether you are covered, call us before contacting the insurance company to open a claim.

What should I do after damage to my home?

1. Make sure everyone is safe

If there is danger from fire, flooding, electrical systems, structural damage, smoke, gas, or unsafe conditions, leave the area and call 911. Do not enter a dangerous part of the home to inspect damage or collect belongings.

2. Prevent further damage if safe

If it is safe, take reasonable steps to stop the damage from getting worse. This may include shutting off water, moving undamaged belongings away from the affected area, placing a bucket under an active leak, or arranging emergency repairs.

3. Document and call your broker

Take photos and videos of the damage, keep receipts for emergency repairs, and write down what happened. Then contact Reliable Insurance Brokers before opening a claim if you are unsure what to do.

Stopping Further Damage

After a home loss, homeowners are generally expected to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, as long as it is safe to do so. Think immediate action after a sudden loss, not long-term repairs that put you at risk.

Act when it is safe

If a pipe bursts and it is safe to access the shutoff valve, turn off the water. If water is entering through a damaged opening and it is safe to do so, temporary protection may help reduce further damage.

Keep receipts

Save receipts for emergency cleanup, temporary repairs, plumbers, restoration companies, materials, and other reasonable steps taken to protect the property after the loss.

Do not delay obvious repairs

A small leak left alone for weeks or months can become a maintenance issue. Insurance is generally meant for sudden and accidental damage, not damage that grows because the original issue was ignored.

Immediate damage vs. gradual wear and tear

  • More likely to be treated as sudden: a pipe bursts unexpectedly and water damages the floor before you can stop it.
  • More likely to be treated as preventable: a known leaky window sill is left for a long period of time and creates ongoing water damage.
  • More likely to be treated as maintenance: a roof, hot water tank, appliance, or plumbing component fails because of age, corrosion, deterioration, or lack of upkeep.
  • Best next step: stop the source of damage if it is safe, document the damage, keep receipts, and call Reliable Insurance Brokers before opening the claim if you are unsure.

Do not put yourself in danger to prevent damage. If the situation is unsafe, call emergency services or the appropriate professional first.

Call a Reliable Broker Insurance Company Claims Contacts

Home Claim Tips

The information you collect early can make the claims process smoother. Only collect information when it is safe, and never put yourself or others at risk.

Take photos and videos

Document the damaged areas, damaged belongings, the source of the damage if visible, and any emergency steps taken to prevent the loss from getting worse.

Make a list of damaged items

Write down damaged belongings, approximate purchase dates, values, model numbers, serial numbers, and any receipts or photos you may have.

Do not throw items away too early

Unless damaged items are unsafe or must be removed for emergency cleanup, wait for direction before disposing of them. Take photos first if items must be removed.

Information to prepare for a home claim

  • Date and time the damage was discovered
  • What happened and what area of the home was affected
  • Photos and videos of the damage
  • Steps taken to prevent further damage
  • Receipts for emergency repairs or cleanup
  • Names and invoices for plumbers, restoration companies, contractors, or emergency services
  • List of damaged belongings, including approximate values
  • Your policy number and insurance company name
  • Any police, fire department, or emergency report number, if applicable

Before opening a claim, call Reliable Insurance Brokers if you are unsure. We can help you understand your deductible, your coverage, and the best next step.

Report a Claim Call a Reliable Broker

Need Help?

Talk to Reliable before you claim

A home insurance claim can affect your deductible, claim history, and future insurance renewals. If you are unsure whether to make a claim, contact a Reliable Broker first. We can help you review the situation and decide what makes sense.

Ready to report directly?

Use our insurance company claims contacts page to find claims phone numbers, online claim reporting links, and the information you may need before starting your claim.

Insurance Company Claims Contacts