What happens when you file a homeowners claim?
Dealing with damage to your home or a break-in can be stressful. We'll guide you through the process, so you can focus on moving forward.
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1. Report the details
When you're safe and ready to begin, log on to My Claims Center. It's the easiest way to file a homeowners claim. You can also file a renters claim.
After you submit everything, an adjuster will be assigned to help you through each step and review for coverage.
2. Start the inspection
Depending on your claim, you may be able to complete your inspection online. If not, your adjuster will guide you through the best approach.
Photos are often enough to provide an estimate. If it’s not, your adjuster will assign an inspector. This sometimes happens with water damage.
If they do, you may not even need to be home. They can often look at outside damage without you being there, like for a hail claim.
3. Review your estimate
After your inspection is done, your adjuster will give you your estimate. The payment for your repairs will be based on a few details.
- If there’s coverage, we automatically subtract your deductible, which is your out-of-pocket cost. You'll pay this amount directly to whoever does your repairs.
- Items lose value over time, so your payment might be reduced for depreciation. Depending on your policy, you might be able to get this money back once your repairs are done.
4. Repair or replace
Once your estimate is approved, you can begin repairs. Ask your adjuster if USAA-preferred contractors are available in your area. Using one gives you a 5-year warranty and easy scheduling.
You can also choose your own contractor. We're here to help you throughout the process, so before you sign anything, contact us.
Your policy doesn't cover upgrades, but you can pay for them out of pocket. Tell your adjuster if costs are over the original estimate. Once finished, upload your invoices to My Claims Center.
5. Finalize your claim
Next, your adjuster will review your invoices to check if you're owed any remaining funds. If so, we'll send the money as quickly as possible.
Funds may go to you, the repair company or your mortgage company. If your mortgage company is listed on the check, contact them for endorsement instructions.
If you run into any issues, contact your adjuster through My Claims Center.
How to read your estimate
Get a simple breakdown of how we calculate your claim payments. We'll explain terms like replacement cost, and recoverable depreciation.
If you still have questions, you can also review our homeowners claims FAQ.
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When your home needs repairs, it's important to understand how the claims process will work. At USAA, our goal is to make sure you fully understand what to expect at every step throughout your claim. From the minute you file, until your repairs are complete, we're here to help!
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After you file a claim, you'll receive an initial estimate summary showing what your insurance will pay for repairs covered by your policy.
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The approach is simple, but what does it mean? Let's start by defining a few terms.
First is the “replacement cost value,” or RCV. This is how much the insurance adjuster expects it will cost to complete the covered repairs. Your adjuster calculates the RCV using a current price list for materials and cost of labor in your area for the items shown in your estimate.
Under RCV there could be “less depreciation.” What does that mean? Depreciation is a deduction based on the age and condition of the materials making up the damaged property or the damaged item at the time of the loss. The depreciation may be recoverable after repairs are completed based on the terms of your policy.
The actual cash value is the amount your homeowners insurance policy will pay in advance of you having the repairs completed. In many states, the depreciation will be “held back” and paid separately as a second payment after proof of repairs have been received.
Finally, before we get to the dollar amount for your initial ACV payment, we will need to consider your deductible. Remember, a deductible is the out-of-pocket amount you have agreed to pay in the event of a loss and you'll pay this to your contractor as part of your claim.
The net claim is the amount you'll receive initially from your insurance to cover your repairs and help you get started.
As we discussed earlier, if you have a recoverable depreciation clause in your policy, the amount that was subtracted earlier could come back to you as a second payment. This would come after your repairs are completed and you've provided proof of payment.
Now that you know the terms, the steps are pretty simple: Replacement cost value minus depreciation and deductible equals first payment.
USAA is here to help you protect the place you call home. So when you file a claim, we want you to feel comfortable and confident throughout the process.
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Still need help?
If you can’t find the information you need, call us at 800-531-USAA (8722).