How long do home insurance claims take?

When dealing with home insurance claims, one of the biggest concerns for homeowners is how long the process will take. Unfortunately, there isn’t a single, fixed answer, as the duration varies depending on the complexity of the claim, the insurer’s efficiency, and the policyholder’s promptness in providing the required information. In this article, we outline typical home insurance claim timelines and offer tips to help prevent delays in the claim process.

Example home insurance claim timelines

Example 1. Minor water damage from a burst pipe

• Day 1: Homeowner notices water damage, turns off the water supply, and calls the insurer.
• Day 2-5: Insurance company might send a Loss Adjuster to assess the damage.
• Week 2: Estimate for repairs is approved, and the first payment is issued.
• Week 4: Repairs are completed, and the final settlement is paid.

Total duration: 3 to 4 weeks.

Example 2: Fire damage in the kitchen

• Day 1: Fire occurs, emergency services put it out, and the insurer is notified.
• Week 1-2: The Loss Adjuster and contractor assess the damage and estimate repair costs.
• Week 4: A settlement offer is made, but the homeowner disputes it and seeks a higher payout.
• Week 6: A Loss Assessor is appointed to negotiate with the Loss Adjuster.
• Week 8-10: Revised settlement is agreed upon, and repairs begin.

Total duration: 2 to 3 months.

Example 3: Major flood damage

• Day 1: Flood recedes, and the homeowner reports the damage to their insurer.
• Week 1-3: Emergency works commence to begin the drying process. The insurance company’s Loss Adjuster inspects the property, a Loss Assessor is appointed by the homeowner, and documentation is gathered.
• Month 1-2:  Scope of works agreed between Chartered Surveyor, Loss Assessor and Loss Adjuster. Contractor who wins the tender commences reinstatement works.
• Month 3-4:   Rebuilding is continuous. Initial settlement proposed, but disagreements lead to further negotiation.
• Month 5-6: Settlement is finalised while contractors are still rebuilding.
• Month 7-8: Full recovery and completion of repairs.

Total duration: 7 to 8 months.

These timeframes are examples only and will vary based on your insurer’s processes, the availability of repair contractors, and any disputes that may arise during negotiations. Complex claims can take as long as a couple of years to resolve.

Watch our video for more about how long an insurance claim can take, an explanation of the insurance claim process and what you can expect to happen in the months following a claim.

How to avoid delays and speed up your claim

While some factors are out of your control, there are steps you can take to help move the claims process along.

1. Report the claim immediately. Notify your insurer as soon as possible and provide all relevant details about the damage. The sooner you report, the quicker the insurance claims process can start.

2. Document everything thoroughly. Take photos and videos of the damage before making any temporary repairs. Keep records of conversations with your insurer, repair estimates, and receipts for expenses.

3. Understand your policy. Knowing what is covered and any exclusions can prevent disputes and delays. If you’re unsure, request clarification from your insurer or an independent professional, like a Loss Assessor.

4. Appoint a Loss Assessor. A Loss Assessor is a professional who works on your behalf (not the insurer’s) to ensure you receive a fair settlement. A Loss Assessor will:

• Handle negotiations with the insurer and their Loss Adjuster.
• Provide expert assessments of the damage, giving you a good idea of timeframes for your claim
• Help speed up the claims process by avoiding settlement disputes

Hiring a Loss Assessor can be especially helpful for large or complex claims where the insurer’s initial offer may not be sufficient.

5. Cooperate with your insurer’s Loss Adjuster. Providing requested documents quickly and answering questions promptly can prevent unnecessary delays in processing your claim.

The length of time it takes for a home insurance claim to be processed depends on the type of claim, the level of damage, and how efficiently the process is managed. While small claims may be resolved in a few weeks, larger claims can take several months.

To ensure a smoother experience, stay organised, act quickly, and consider professional assistance from a Loss Assessor. By being proactive, you can minimise delays and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.