How to File a Home Insurance Claim After a Fire

A house fire is one of the most disorienting events a family can face. On top of the loss itself, you're suddenly expected to navigate a claims process you've probably never used before — under deadlines, with insurance terminology that doesn't always mean what it sounds like.

This guide walks through what actually happens, in the order it happens, with the specific steps that matter most for getting a fair settlement.

Step 1: Call your insurer within 24–48 hours

Most policies require prompt notice of a loss. Some specify 24 hours, some 30 days; in practice, calling within the first day or two protects you from any dispute later. You don't need to have all the details — just report the fire, get a claim number, and ask who your assigned adjuster will be.

Write down the claim number, the adjuster's name, and the date of every call. You'll reference this constantly over the coming weeks.

Step 2: Get temporary housing through ALE coverage

Almost every homeowners policy includes Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage, which pays for hotels, rentals, food, and other costs while your home is uninhabitable. Ask your insurer specifically how to access this — many issue a card or direct reimbursement.

Keep every receipt. ALE is reimbursable but requires proof.

Step 3: Document everything before cleanup

Do not let restoration crews start hauling things away until you have comprehensive photos and video of the damage. Walk every room, every closet, every drawer. Even items that are obviously destroyed should be photographed where they sit.

This documentation is the single biggest factor in how much your contents claim pays. The more thorough it is, the harder it is for the adjuster to dispute or undervalue your loss.

Step 4: Build your contents inventory

The contents claim is the itemized list of personal property you lost — furniture, clothing, electronics, kitchenware, books, decor, everything. Insurers typically want for each item:

• Description (brand, model, what it was)
• Quantity
• Approximate age or purchase date
• Original cost (if known)
• Replacement cost today

Most homeowners massively under-claim because they list from memory. You forget the chargers, the kids' toys, the items in the back of the closet, the spices in the pantry. A complete claim is built from photos — yours, family photos, social media, anywhere belongings appear. ProofList builds this list automatically from your photos, which is faster and far more complete than working from memory.

Step 5: Understand your coverage type

Replacement Cost Value (RCV)

Pays what it costs to buy the item new today. You usually receive the depreciated value first (ACV), then the difference once you actually replace the item and submit receipts.

Actual Cash Value (ACV)

Pays the depreciated value of the item — what it was worth at the moment of the fire, accounting for age and wear. You receive a single payment with no need to replace.

Check your policy declarations page. The difference between RCV and ACV on a typical home's contents can be tens of thousands of dollars.

Step 6: Don't sign the first settlement offer

Adjusters often present an initial offer before you've finished documenting your loss. Their job is to settle quickly; yours is to settle fairly. You can negotiate. You can also request a re-inspection if items were missed.

For larger claims, many homeowners hire a public adjuster — an independent professional who works on your behalf for a percentage of the settlement. They're worth considering once a claim exceeds roughly $50,000.

Step 7: Track every deadline

Policies impose deadlines for filing proof of loss, for completing repairs, and for claiming the depreciation portion of an RCV settlement. Missing these can forfeit money. Common ones:

1. Sworn proof of loss: usually 60 days from request
2. Replacement cost claim deadline: typically 180 days to 2 years after the loss
3. Statute of limitations on disputes: 1–3 years depending on the state

Common mistakes to avoid

• Throwing away damaged items before the adjuster sees them
• Listing only the obvious losses and forgetting half the contents
• Accepting the first offer without documenting the full loss
• Not keeping ALE receipts for hotels, meals, and rentals
• Missing the deadline to claim depreciation reimbursement under RCV

Bottom line

A fire claim is a documentation game. The clearer and more complete your records, the smoother the process. Take photos, list everything, keep receipts, track deadlines, and don't accept offers until you've documented the full loss.