Dealing with insurance shouldn’t feel like a mystery.
Here’s how to file a Florida auto and home insurance claim, and what to expect once you hit submit.
The time has come to finally use the insurance policy you’ve been paying for every month. Maybe a tree branch fell on your roof, someone backed into your car in a parking lot, or you opened a cabinet and discovered a slow leak quietly causing damage (spoiler alert: a slow leak that goes on for a while is often excluded from coverage).
And then you press the next question: how do you actually file an insurance claim?
It can feel embarrassing, but the people who deal with your insurance policy (like us!) understand that you’re dealing with an unpleasant situation. It’s their job to guide you through it.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to file an insurance claim, what happens after you file it, and how long you typically have to file a claim in Florida. If you get stuck at any point, an independent agent can help you figure out the right next step and make sure your claim starts with the right company.
How to file an insurance claim
Filing an insurance claim is really just the beginning of a process: you notify the insurance company, share the basic facts and documentation, and then the claim is assigned to someone who will guide you through the next steps.
How to file a car insurance claim
- Contact your insurer or agent
You can usually start a car insurance claim online, through an app or over the phone. If you’re not sure which company to contact or which policy applies, call your agent first. Either way, the goal is the same: to open your claim and get a claim number. - Share basic information
You will be asked for a simple summary of what happened, along with the date, time and location of the incident. If another vehicle was involved, you will usually share details of the driver and vehicle and upload any photos you have. If there is a police report, include the report number if available. - Confirm which coverage is used and your deductible
Ask if the claim is collision, comprehensive or liability and confirm yours deductible so you know what you may be responsible for out of pocket. - Keep receipts for claims-related expenses
If you pay for collection, storage or other costs related to the claim, keep these receipts and send them as the insurer requires. If you have rental reimbursement coverage and you end up with rental expenses, keep that documentation as well.
How to file a home insurance claim
- Contact your insurer or agent
You can usually start a home insurance claim online or over the phone. If you’re not sure which company to contact or want help deciding if it’s the right policy to file under, call your agent first. Once the claim is opened, get your claim number and the adjuster’s contact information, if available. - Share basic information
Be prepared to explain what happened, when it happened, and where the damage is located. Upload photos or videos if you can. If you already have invoices or receipts related to the damage (such as an 911 call), include those as well. - Prevent further damage and keep receipts
Once it’s safe, take reasonable interim steps to stop the loss from getting worse. Keep receipts and invoices for anything you spend on temporary repairs or mitigation, and keep damaged items in a safe place whenever possible so they can be inspected.
- Confirm your deductible (and all special deductibles)
Ask what deductible applies to this claim and if a special deductible applies based on the cause of the loss. In Florida, this is especially important for storm-related claims where hurricane deductible can be applied.
Claim Information Checklist
When you file a claim, having a few details can make the process much faster. And if you don’t have everything, submit anyway. You can usually add documents and photos once your claim is open.
- Policy name and best contact information
- Policy number (if you have one)
- Date and approximate time of incident
- Location of the incident and a brief description of what happened
- Photos or video of the damage (if any)
- Names and contact information of everyone involved (if applicable)
- Any receipts or invoices related to the loss (towing, temporary repairs, emergency services, etc.)
- Police report number (if applicable)
What happens after you file a claim?
Once your claim is open, the next steps are primarily to inspect, document the damage, and negotiate the cost to repair or replace what was lost. If anything is unclear, this is a good time to call your agent. They can help you understand what the insurer wants and help you move forward with the process.
Here is the typical flow.
What happens after you file a car insurance claim?
- You receive a claim number and a claim representative
You will receive your claim number and contact information for the person handling your file. - An inspection and evaluation of the vehicle is pending
Depending on the insurer and the situation, this can be done through photographs, an appraiser or a workshop estimate. - The repair is approved
Once repairs begin, the shop may find additional damage that was not initially apparent. When this happens, they usually send an updated estimate (often called a supplement) to the insurer for review. - Payment has been made and your deductible has been applied
Depending on how the claim is set up, the payment can go to you or directly to the repair shop. Your deductible is usually your responsibility and is usually paid to the store. - Coordinating a rental car (if you have coverage)
If you have rental reimbursement coverage, you will confirm the limits and whether the rental is billed directly or reimbursed.
What happens after you file a home insurance claim?
- You receive a claim number and an adjuster
You will receive your claim number and the adjuster’s contact information, along with any next-step instructions. - The regulator check is in progress
The adjuster documents the damage and prepares an estimate or scope of repair, or may request more information. - You may be asked for supporting documentation
This may include photos, repair estimates, invoices and proof of ownership or value for certain items. - A coverage decision is made and payment is issued (if approved)
Depending on the claim and your policy, payment may come in stages as the repair progresses. - Repairs are ongoing and the scope may be updated
If additional covered damage is discovered during the repair, the claim can be updated so the insurer can review the new information. - Additional living expenses may be reimbursed (if applicable)
If the home is uninhabitable, you may have cover for additional living expenses or loss of useand you will usually need to track and send receipts in accordance with the insurer’s process.
How long do you have to file an insurance claim in Florida?
It depends on the type of insurance.
According to Florida law for home insurance:
- New claims and rediscovered claims must be reported to the insurer within 1 year from the date of loss.
- Additional claims (additional damages or costs associated with the same loss) must be reported within 18 months from the date of loss.
For car insurance claims, the scheduling requirements come from your policy language (often worded as reporting the claim immediately or as soon as possible).
One place Florida law mentions time is PIP (Personal Injury Protection)where insurers can require written notice as soon as possible after an accident.
How long does an insurance claim take?
Most claims follow the same basic arc: the claim is discovered, the damage is documented and inspected, an estimate is written, and then the repair (and payment) proceeds.
If the damage is clear, this can be relatively quick. If inspections, appraisals, repairs or additional damage reviews are involved, this usually takes longer – often weeks rather than days.
Does your insurance increase after a claim?
It can. There is no one-size-fits-all rule because each insurance company rates claims a little differently.
Generally, the biggest factors are the type of claim, how big it is, and how often claims are filed. For car insurance, whether you were at fault can also play a role. For home insurance, the cause of the loss and whether there have been multiple claims in a short period of time can matter.
This is one reason to be smart compare the cost of repairs to your deductible before you file, especially for smaller losses. If the damage is close to (or below) your deductible, you may be paying most of it yourself anyway.
However, the purpose of insurance is to protect you from the big stuff. If you’re facing significant damage, a situation that could involve liability, or you’re not sure what your policy would do, it’s usually better to start the conversation early. You can always call your agent, explain what happened and get clarity on next steps before making assumptions.
File a claim. Keep your wits about you.
Insurance claims are stressful enough without having to understand the process yourself. If you’re a Harry Levine Insurance customer, you don’t have to. When something happens, we can help direct you to the right carrier, start the claim, and find out what the insurance company wants along the way.
And if you’re not yet a customer, it’s a good reminder that the right insurance isn’t just about having a policy – it’s about having someone you can call when you really need it.
If you have questions about filing a Florida home or auto claim, contact Harry Levine Insurance. We’ll help you figure out your next step and make sure the claim starts with the right company.
