Filing an insurance claim can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already dealing with property damage, an accident, or another unexpected event.
We've answered some of the most common claims questions we receive to help you understand what to expect and how we can assist you throughout the process.
We've answered some of the most common claims questions we receive to help you understand what to expect and how we can assist you throughout the process.
Last Updated: July 2026
What happens if I have another claim while my first claim is still open?
It's possible to have more than one claim open at the same time. Each loss is generally evaluated separately based on what happened, when it occurred, and how your policy applies.
If a second incident occurs while you're already dealing with a claim, don't assume it's part of the original loss. Contact us so we can help you understand how the new damage should be reported and what information you may need.
If a second incident occurs while you're already dealing with a claim, don't assume it's part of the original loss. Contact us so we can help you understand how the new damage should be reported and what information you may need.
What if I find damage weeks after a storm?
Some storm damage isn't immediately obvious. Roof damage, water intrusion, or other problems may not become noticeable until days or weeks after the weather event has passed.
If you discover damage later, document what you've found and contact us or your insurance company promptly. The carrier will determine whether the damage is related to a covered event and what additional information may be needed.
If you discover damage later, document what you've found and contact us or your insurance company promptly. The carrier will determine whether the damage is related to a covered event and what additional information may be needed.
What happens if another insurance company contacts me after an accident?
If another person's insurance company contacts you after an accident, be careful about providing statements or agreeing to anything you don't fully understand. Their insurance company is investigating the loss on behalf of their insured.
Before responding to questions you're uncomfortable with, you can contact your own insurance carrier or our agency. We'll help you understand who you're speaking with and what the next steps may be.
Before responding to questions you're uncomfortable with, you can contact your own insurance carrier or our agency. We'll help you understand who you're speaking with and what the next steps may be.
What if I don't agree with how much my damaged property is worth?
Claim payments are calculated according to the coverage provided by your policy, which may include replacement cost or actual cash value depending on the property involved. That means the amount you receive may not always match what you originally paid for an item.
If you have questions about how a value was determined, ask your adjuster for an explanation and provide any documentation you have. We're also happy to help you understand the terminology in your policy and how the claims process works.
If you have questions about how a value was determined, ask your adjuster for an explanation and provide any documentation you have. We're also happy to help you understand the terminology in your policy and how the claims process works.
What happens if the damage gets worse while I'm waiting for my claim to be handled?
You're generally expected to take reasonable steps to protect your property from additional damage when it's safe to do so. For example, you may need to temporarily cover an opening or stop a source of water while waiting for an inspection or repairs.
Document the original damage and any changes with photos or videos, and keep receipts for necessary emergency expenses. If the situation changes significantly, contact your insurance company and let us know so everyone has the most current information.
Document the original damage and any changes with photos or videos, and keep receipts for necessary emergency expenses. If the situation changes significantly, contact your insurance company and let us know so everyone has the most current information.
Will my insurance company choose my contractor for me?
Insurance companies may recommend contractors through preferred repair programs, but in many cases you're free to choose the licensed contractor or repair shop you want to perform the work.
Choosing a reputable professional is an important part of the restoration process.
Choosing a reputable professional is an important part of the restoration process.
Do I need to be present during the insurance inspection?
Not always, but it's often helpful if you or your contractor can be available to answer questions and point out damage during the inspection.
Your adjuster will let you know what to expect before the visit.
Your adjuster will let you know what to expect before the visit.
What happens if bad weather delays my repairs?
Following widespread storms or other catastrophic events, contractor availability and building materials may be limited, which can extend repair timelines.
Your insurance company and contractor will work together to help move the process forward as efficiently as possible.
Your insurance company and contractor will work together to help move the process forward as efficiently as possible.
What if I disagree with the insurance adjuster's estimate?
If you believe the estimate doesn't reflect the full extent of the covered damage, discuss your concerns with your adjuster. Additional documentation or contractor estimates may help clarify the situation.
We're also available to answer questions about the claims process.
We're also available to answer questions about the claims process.
Will my insurance company pay for original manufacturer (OEM) parts?
That depends on your policy and the insurance company. Some policies provide coverage for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, while others may allow the use of aftermarket or recycled parts.
We'll help you understand how your policy handles repairs.
We'll help you understand how your policy handles repairs.
What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?
If you're involved in an auto accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, your own policy may provide protection depending on the coverages you've selected.
We'll help explain how your policy may respond if this situation occurs.
We'll help explain how your policy may respond if this situation occurs.
What happens if my contractor finds more damage than expected?
It's not unusual for contractors to uncover hidden damage once repairs begin. If the additional damage is related to the covered loss, they may submit updated documentation to the insurance company for review.
Keeping communication open throughout the repair process helps avoid delays.
Keeping communication open throughout the repair process helps avoid delays.
Will my mortgage company be involved in my property claim?
If your home has a mortgage, it's common for claim payments related to significant property damage to include both you and your mortgage lender.
This helps ensure repairs are completed before funds are fully released.
This helps ensure repairs are completed before funds are fully released.
Do I have to accept the first settlement offer?
Not necessarily. If you have questions about your settlement or believe something has been overlooked, contact your insurance company or our agency before making repairs.
We'll help you understand how the settlement was calculated and what options may be available.
We'll help you understand how the settlement was calculated and what options may be available.
Can I make temporary repairs before permanent repairs begin?
Yes. In many cases, you're expected to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage after a covered loss, such as placing a tarp over a damaged roof or boarding up broken windows.
Be sure to document the damage beforehand whenever it's safe to do so, and keep receipts for emergency repairs.
Be sure to document the damage beforehand whenever it's safe to do so, and keep receipts for emergency repairs.
What happens if additional damage is found during repairs?
Sometimes hidden damage isn't discovered until repairs begin. If that happens, your contractor can often work with your insurance company to document the additional damage and request a review.
It's important not to assume the original estimate is the final word if new covered damage is uncovered.
It's important not to assume the original estimate is the final word if new covered damage is uncovered.
Can I cancel my claim after I've reported it?
In some situations, yes. If you report a claim but later decide not to move forward with repairs or determine the damage is less significant than expected, you may be able to withdraw the claim.
Because every insurance company handles claims differently, it's a good idea to discuss your options before making a decision.
Because every insurance company handles claims differently, it's a good idea to discuss your options before making a decision.
What should I do immediately after an accident or property damage?
Your safety should always come first. If there's an emergency, contact 911 or the appropriate emergency services before doing anything else.
Once everyone is safe, document the damage if possible by taking photos or videos, prevent additional damage when it's safe to do so, and gather any important information related to the incident.
As soon as you're able, contact us. We'll explain the next steps, answer your questions, and help you understand how the claims process works so you know what to expect moving forward.
Once everyone is safe, document the damage if possible by taking photos or videos, prevent additional damage when it's safe to do so, and gather any important information related to the incident.
As soon as you're able, contact us. We'll explain the next steps, answer your questions, and help you understand how the claims process works so you know what to expect moving forward.
Should I call my insurance company or my insurance agent first?
Many of our clients call us first, and we're always happy to help explain the claims process before a claim is filed.
Depending on the situation, we'll let you know whether it's appropriate to contact the insurance carrier directly or if there are immediate steps you should take first. While your insurance company ultimately handles the claim, we're here to answer questions and help guide you through the process.
If you're unsure whether a loss should be reported, don't hesitate to reach out. We'd rather answer your questions early than have you wondering what to do next.
Depending on the situation, we'll let you know whether it's appropriate to contact the insurance carrier directly or if there are immediate steps you should take first. While your insurance company ultimately handles the claim, we're here to answer questions and help guide you through the process.
If you're unsure whether a loss should be reported, don't hesitate to reach out. We'd rather answer your questions early than have you wondering what to do next.
Will filing a claim automatically increase my insurance premium?
Not necessarily. Every claim is different, and there isn't a simple yes-or-no answer.
Whether a claim affects your future premium can depend on several factors, including the type of claim, your claims history, your insurance company, and other underwriting considerations.
While we can't predict exactly how every claim may impact future rates, we're happy to discuss your situation, explain the claims process, and help you make an informed decision before reporting a loss whenever possible.
Whether a claim affects your future premium can depend on several factors, including the type of claim, your claims history, your insurance company, and other underwriting considerations.
While we can't predict exactly how every claim may impact future rates, we're happy to discuss your situation, explain the claims process, and help you make an informed decision before reporting a loss whenever possible.
What information should I have ready when filing a claim?
Having the right information available can help the claims process move more smoothly.
In most situations, it's helpful to have your policy information, the date and time of the loss, photos or videos of the damage, contact information for anyone involved, and any police or incident reports if applicable.
If you're missing something, don't worry. Contact us, and we'll help you understand what information your insurance company may need based on your specific situation.
In most situations, it's helpful to have your policy information, the date and time of the loss, photos or videos of the damage, contact information for anyone involved, and any police or incident reports if applicable.
If you're missing something, don't worry. Contact us, and we'll help you understand what information your insurance company may need based on your specific situation.
How long does an insurance claim usually take?
The timeline varies depending on the type of claim and its complexity.
Some claims can be resolved relatively quickly, while others involving significant property damage, multiple parties, or extensive repairs may take longer. Factors such as inspections, contractor availability, weather events, and documentation can also affect the process.
Throughout your claim, we're available to answer questions and help you understand where things stand if you're unsure about the next steps.
Some claims can be resolved relatively quickly, while others involving significant property damage, multiple parties, or extensive repairs may take longer. Factors such as inspections, contractor availability, weather events, and documentation can also affect the process.
Throughout your claim, we're available to answer questions and help you understand where things stand if you're unsure about the next steps.
Can I choose my own repair contractor or auto repair shop?
In many cases, yes. Many insurance policies allow you to choose the contractor or repair shop you'd like to work with.
Your insurance company may provide a list of preferred vendors, but you generally have the option to discuss alternatives. If you're unsure about the repair process, we're happy to answer questions and help you understand your options before work begins.
Choosing a qualified, reputable contractor is an important part of restoring your property after a covered loss.
Your insurance company may provide a list of preferred vendors, but you generally have the option to discuss alternatives. If you're unsure about the repair process, we're happy to answer questions and help you understand your options before work begins.
Choosing a qualified, reputable contractor is an important part of restoring your property after a covered loss.
What if my claim is denied?
Receiving a claim denial can be frustrating, but it doesn't always mean the conversation is over.
If you have questions about why a claim was denied, contact us. We'll help you understand the explanation provided by your insurance company, review your policy with you, and discuss any questions you may have about your coverage.
Our goal is to help you better understand your policy and make sure you have the information you need moving forward.
If you have questions about why a claim was denied, contact us. We'll help you understand the explanation provided by your insurance company, review your policy with you, and discuss any questions you may have about your coverage.
Our goal is to help you better understand your policy and make sure you have the information you need moving forward.
How can I make the claims process easier before I ever need to file one?
One of the best ways to prepare for a future claim is before one ever happens.
We encourage our clients to review their insurance policies annually, keep an updated home inventory with photos of valuable belongings, store important documents in a secure location, and let us know whenever there are significant changes to their home, vehicles, or business.
Being prepared can make the claims process much less stressful if the unexpected happens—and we're always here to help you review your coverage before you ever need to use it.
We encourage our clients to review their insurance policies annually, keep an updated home inventory with photos of valuable belongings, store important documents in a secure location, and let us know whenever there are significant changes to their home, vehicles, or business.
Being prepared can make the claims process much less stressful if the unexpected happens—and we're always here to help you review your coverage before you ever need to use it.
Our FAQ is built from the questions our clients ask every day, and we're always adding new topics.
If you don't see the answer you're looking for, we'd love to hear from you.
If you don't see the answer you're looking for, we'd love to hear from you.
When the unexpected happens, you don't have to navigate the claims process alone. Whether you're reporting a new claim, have questions about an existing one, or simply aren't sure what to do next, our team is here to help explain the process and provide guidance every step of the way.
At Arthur D. Calfee Insurance Agency, we're committed to helping our clients understand their coverage and feel supported when they need it most.
At Arthur D. Calfee Insurance Agency, we're committed to helping our clients understand their coverage and feel supported when they need it most.
