Filing a Home Insurance Claim

Home insurance remains one of the most under-utilised policies in India, largely because policyholders are unfamiliar with the claims process. Whether your home has suffered storm damage, a burst pipe, or a break-in, the right actions in the first 24–48 hours can determine how much — and how quickly — you are compensated.

Step 1: Secure the Property and Ensure Safety

Before anything else, make sure the property is safe to enter. For fire or structural damage, contact the fire brigade or municipal authority for a clearance report. Do not undertake permanent repairs until the insurer''s surveyor has visited — premature repairs can void your claim.

Step 2: Document the Damage Thoroughly

Photograph and video every damaged area, item, and surface from multiple angles before any cleanup. Photograph serial numbers on damaged appliances. This visual evidence is critical because it creates an objective record that precedes the surveyor''s assessment.

Step 3: Intimate the Insurer

Call your insurer''s claims helpline within 48 hours of the event (check your policy for the exact window — some require intimation within 24 hours for theft or malicious damage). Obtain an acknowledgement with a reference number. The insurer will appoint a licensed surveyor within a few days.

Documents to Prepare

• Completed home insurance claim form
• Policy document / certificate of insurance
• Photographs and videos of damage
• FIR (for theft, burglary, riots, or malicious damage)
• Fire brigade report (for fire damage)
• Purchase invoices or bills for damaged contents
• Repair estimates from a licensed contractor
• Bank account details and cancelled cheque

The Surveyor Visit

A IRDAI-licensed loss assessor / surveyor will visit your property to assess the damage. Be present during the survey. Walk the surveyor through every damaged area and present your photographs. The surveyor''s report forms the basis of the insurer''s settlement offer.

Settlement — Reinstatement vs Indemnity

Home policies typically settle on either a reinstatement basis (replacement cost without depreciation) or an indemnity basis (current market value after depreciation). Most modern home insurance policies offer reinstatement for structure and apply depreciation to older contents. Check your policy schedule to understand which applies.

Pitfalls That Reduce Settlement Amounts

• Under-insuring the structure — if the insured value is below the actual rebuild cost, the insurer applies the average clause, proportionally reducing the payout.
• Starting permanent repairs before surveyor visit — destroys evidence.
• No purchase invoices for contents — claims for expensive electronics or jewellery are often reduced without proof of value.

Conclusion

A home insurance claim is most successful when you treat the damaged property as a crime scene until the surveyor visits — preserve, document, and report. If your policy''s sum insured feels outdated or you are unsure about reinstatement cover, TruePolicy can help you benchmark your current plan and find better options if needed.