Dealing with insurance doesn’t have to feel like a mystery.
Here’s how to file an insurance claim in Florida for auto and home, plus what to expect after you press submit.
The time has come to finally use the insurance policy you’ve been paying for each month. Maybe a tree branch came down on your roof, someone backed into your car in a parking lot, or you opened a cabinet and found a slow leak that has been quietly doing damage (spoiler alert: the slow leak that’s been going on for a while is often excluded from coverage).
And then you hit the next question: how do you actually file an insurance claim?
It can feel intimidating, but the people handling your insurance policy (like us!) understand you’re dealing with an unpleasant situation. Their job is to guide you through it.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to file an insurance claim, what happens after you file, and how long you typically have to report 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 gets started with the right company.
How To File an Insurance Claim
Filing an insurance claim is really just starting a process: you notify the insurance company, you share the basic facts and documentation, and then the claim gets assigned to someone who will guide you through the next steps.
How To File an Auto Insurance Claim
- Contact your insurer or agent
You can usually start an auto insurance claim online, through an app, or by 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: get your claim opened and get a claim number. - Share the basic information
You’ll be asked for a simple summary of what happened, along with the date, time, and location of the accident. If another vehicle was involved, you’ll typically share the driver and vehicle details, and upload any photos you have. If there’s a police report, provide the report number if it’s available. - Confirm which coverage is being used and your deductible
Ask whether the claim is being handled under collision, comprehensive, or liability, and confirm your deductible so you understand what you may be responsible for out of pocket. - Keep receipts for claim-related expenses
If you pay for towing, storage, or other costs related to the claim, keep those receipts and submit them the way the insurer requests. If you have rental reimbursement coverage and you end up with rental costs, 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 by phone. If you’re not sure which company to contact or you want help deciding whether this is the right policy to file under, call your agent first. Once the claim is opened, get your claim number and the adjuster contact information if it’s available. - Share the basic information
Be ready to explain what happened, when it happened, and where the damage is located. Upload photos or video if you can. If you already have invoices or receipts related to the damage (like an emergency service call), include those too. - Prevent further damage and save receipts
Once it’s safe, take reasonable temporary steps to stop the loss from getting worse. Save receipts and invoices for anything you spend on temporary repairs or mitigation, and keep damaged items in a secure place when possible so they can be inspected.
- Confirm your deductible (and any special deductibles)
Ask what deductible applies to this claim, and whether a special deductible applies based on the cause of loss. In Florida, this is especially important for storm-related claims, where hurricane deductibles may apply.
Claim Information Checklist
When you file a claim, having a few details handy can make the process go much faster. And if you don’t have everything, file anyway. You can usually add documents and photos after your claim is opened.
- Policyholder name and best contact information
- Policy number (if you have it)
- Date and approximate time of the incident
- Location of the incident and a short description of what happened
- Photos or video of the damage (if available)
- Names and contact information for anyone involved (if applicable)
- Any receipts or invoices tied to the loss (towing, temporary repairs, emergency services, etc.)
- The police report number (if one exists)
What Happens After You File a Claim?
Once your claim is opened, the next steps are mostly about inspection, documenting the damage, and agreeing on the cost to repair or replace what was lost. If anything feels unclear, this is a good time to call your agent. They can help you understand what the insurer is asking for and keep the process moving.
Here’s the typical flow.
What Happens After You File an Auto Insurance Claim?
- You get a claim number and claims rep
You’ll receive your claim number and contact info for the person handling your file. - The vehicle inspection and estimate is scheduled
Depending on the insurer and the situation, this may be done through photos, an appraiser, or a body shop estimate. - Repairs are approved
Once repairs begin, the shop may find additional damage that wasn’t visible at first. When that happens, they typically send an updated estimate (often called a supplement) to the insurer for review. - Payment is issued and your deductible is applied
Depending on how the claim is set up, payment may go to you or directly to the repair shop. Your deductible is usually your responsibility and is typically paid to the shop. - Rental car coordination (if you have the coverage)
If you have rental reimbursement coverage, you’ll confirm the limits and whether the rental is billed directly or reimbursed.
What Happens After You File a Home Insurance Claim?
- You get a claim number and an adjuster
You’ll receive your claim number and the adjuster’s contact information, along with any next-step instructions. - The adjuster inspection happens
The adjuster documents the damage and prepares an estimate or scope of repairs, or they may request more information. - You may be asked for supporting documentation
This can 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 repairs progress. - Repairs move forward and the scope may be updated
If additional covered damage is discovered during repairs, the claim can be updated so the insurer can review the new information. - Additional living expenses may be reimbursed (if applicable)
If the home isn’t livable, you may have coverage for additional living expenses or loss of use, and you’ll typically need to track and submit receipts according to the insurer’s process.
How Long Do You Have to File an Insurance Claim In Florida?
This depends on the type of insurance.
According to Florida law for home insurance:
- New claims and reopened claims must be reported to the insurer within 1 year of the date of loss.
- Supplemental claims (additional damage or costs related to the same loss) must be reported within 18 months of the date of loss.
For auto insurance claims, timing requirements come from your policy language (often phrased as reporting the claim promptly or as soon as practicable).
One place Florida law does mention timing is PIP (Personal Injury Protection), where insurers may require written notice as soon as practicable after an accident.
How Long Does an Insurance Claim Take?
Most claims follow the same basic arc: the claim is opened, the damage is documented and inspected, an estimate is written, and then repairs (and payment) move forward.
If the damage is straightforward, that can be relatively quick. If inspections, estimates, repairs, or additional damage reviews are involved, it typically takes longer—often weeks rather than days.
Does Your Insurance Increase After a Claim?
It can. There isn’t one universal rule, because every insurance company rates claims a little differently.
In general, the biggest drivers are the type of claim, how large it is, and how often claims are filed. For auto insurance, whether you were at fault can also play a role. For home insurance, the cause of loss and whether there have been multiple claims in a short period of time can matter.
This is one reason it can be smart to 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 end up paying most of it yourself anyway.
That said, the goal of insurance is to protect you from the big stuff. If you’re dealing with significant damage, a situation that could involve liability, or you’re unsure 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 Sanity.
Insurance claims are stressful enough without having to figure out the process on your own. If you’re a Harry Levine Insurance client, you don’t have to. When something happens, we can help you get pointed to the right carrier, start the claim, and understand what the insurance company is asking for along the way.
And if you’re not a client yet, this is a good reminder that the right insurance isn’t just about having a policy in place—it’s about having someone you can call when you actually need to use it.
If you have questions about filing a home or auto claim in Florida, contact Harry Levine Insurance. We’ll help you understand your next step and make sure the claim gets started with the right company.
