How to File an Insurance Claim

Guest blogger Kyle Killens with Goosehead Insurance takes us through the process of filing an insurance claim.

Living in Oxford MS means enjoying everything our community offers, but it also means dealing with the realities of home ownership. From frozen pipes in the winter to severe storms moving through Lafayette County, unexpected damage can happen. When it does, many homeowners are unsure what steps to take or how the insurance claim process works.

Filing a homeowners insurance claim does not have to be overwhelming. Understanding what to do ahead of time can make the situation smoother and less stressful. The guide below walks through the practical steps Oxford homeowners should follow if property damage occurs.

Step 1: Protect People and Prevent Further Damage

Your first priority should always be safety. Make sure everyone in the home is safe before addressing the property. Once that is handled, take reasonable steps to stop additional damage when possible.

This may include:

• Shutting off water after a pipe burst  

• Covering a damaged roof or opening  

• Boarding broken windows  

• Turning off electricity if water exposure is involved  

In situations involving water, fire, or structural damage, professional restoration companies may be needed quickly. Many homeowners choose to contact a trusted local mitigation provider right away while also notifying their insurance professional. Most homeowners’ insurance policies expect you to prevent further loss when it is safe to do so. Acting quickly can protect both your home and the claim outcome.

Step 2: Document the Damage Thoroughly

Clear documentation helps support a smoother insurance claim process. Oxford homeowners should aim to:

• Take photos and videos of all affected areas  

• Capture wide room views and close details  

• Record the apparent source of damage  

• Save receipts for temporary repairs or lodging  

• Write down a timeline of events  

In covered situations where the home becomes unlivable, policies may provide coverage for temporary living expenses. Keeping organized records helps support this review. Strong documentation allows the adjuster to accurately evaluate what occurred and helps prevent delays.

Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Professional

After documenting the damage, reach out to your insurance agent or carrier promptly. Early communication allows the claim to move forward efficiently. They will assist with:

• Opening the claim  

• Explaining coverage and deductible details  

• Setting expectations for next steps  

• Coordinating communication if needed  

Before filing, it can be helpful to review your deductible, so you understand how it compares to the damage you are seeing. Not every situation results in payment, and your insurance professional can help you think through that decision. Connecting early helps ensure the claim is reported correctly and that you understand what to expect throughout the process.

Step 4: Understand the Typical Claim Process

Most homeowners’ insurance claims in Mississippi follow a similar structure:

1. Claim submission  

2. Adjuster assignment  

3. Inspection or documentation review  

4. Damage estimate preparation  

5. Payment or settlement resolution  

Timing can vary depending on the scale of damage or the number of regional claims following a weather event. Staying organized and responsive helps keep things progressing. It is also important for homeowners to understand that the initial estimate is not always the final version. In some cases, additional damage is discovered once repairs begin. When this happens, contractors may submit what is known as a supplement. A supplement is a request for the insurance carrier to review newly identified repair needs that were not visible during the first inspection. This is a normal part of many claims and does not necessarily indicate a problem. It reflects that construction work sometimes reveals hidden issues. Maintaining communication between the contractor, adjuster, and your insurance professional helps ensure these updates are reviewed efficiently.

Next Up: Common Insurance Mistakes