Home insurance claim: the first 30 days

Immediately

Stop further damage (turn off water, board up), keep everyone safe, and photograph/video everything before cleanup. Don't throw damaged items away until the adjuster has seen them (keep samples if you must discard for health reasons).

Within days

Report to your insurer, get a claim number, ask what they need and by when, and start your dated log. Keep receipts for emergency repairs and any additional living expenses (hotels, meals) — ALE coverage reimburses these.

The adjuster visit

Be present, walk them through, and provide your inventory. You can disagree with a scope or valuation — in writing.

Common denial reasons and responses

• Water damage excluded because you lacked the sewer-backup or overland-flood endorsement (check the policy — this may be a coverage gap, not a wrong denial).
• "Gradual damage / maintenance" (push back if the loss was sudden and accidental).
• Under-insurance / coinsurance penalties.

If denied or lowballed

Request the specific policy wording, submit a written complaint to the insurer's complaints officer, then the General Insurance OmbudService (GIO), then your regulator. For large losses, a public adjuster or lawyer may be worth it.

Deadlines

Proof-of-loss is usually due within a set window (often 90 days) — meet it. The limitation period to sue is generally around two years; confirm for your province.