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Have you had a leak, a burst pipe, or flooding at home? Has your ceiling, appliances, or furniture been damaged by an unexpected incident? If you have home insurance, you can likely receive compensation — but it all depends on how you manage the claim.

This guide explains step by step how to claim home damages, what mistakes to avoid, what documentation you need, and what to do if the insurer refuses to pay or covers less than it should.

What Does Home Insurance Cover?

Most policies include:

Water damage (leaks, pipe bursts, seepage)

Fires and explosions

Theft or vandalism

Weather-related damage (hail, wind, rain)

Electrical damage or appliance failure

Civil liability (if third parties are affected)

Tip: Review your policy carefully and confirm coverage. Many denials are due to lack of knowledge or detail.

Steps to Claim Home Damages

1. Notify the insurer immediately You have 7 days (unless otherwise stated) to notify your insurer by phone, app, or email.

2. Take photos and gather evidence Collect:

Detailed photos and videos

Repair estimates or invoices

The clearer your evidence, the harder it is for the insurer to dispute your claim.

3. Request the claim form Fill in the official claim report, describing:

What happened

What was damaged

When it occurred

If professionals intervened

4. Receive the adjuster The insurer’s expert will assess the damage.

During the visit:

Be present and explain everything

Show photos and invoices

Request that all details be recorded

After the assessment:

Accept: sign and receive payment if you agree

Disagree: request a counter-appraisal if the amount is unfair

If the Insurer Refuses or Underpays

Hire an independent expert to issue a counter-report

File a written complaint to customer service (they have 2 months to respond)

Escalate to:

Directorate-General for Insurance

Insurance Ombudsman (if available)

Professionals like MataSeguros

What Can You Claim?

Depending on the damage and policy:

Repair or replacement of damaged property

Financial compensation if irreparable

Additional expenses (temporary housing, transport, cleaning)

Third-party damages

Remember: Keep all invoices and receipts — without proof, there is no payout.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not notifying on time

Cleaning or repairing before documenting

Not accompanying the adjuster

Signing without reviewing the proposal

Not reviewing your policy first

Need Help?

At MataSeguros, we help you:

Review your case

Negotiate with the insurer

Obtain the compensation you truly deserve

We only get paid if you do.

Conclusion

Claiming home damages doesn’t have to be complicated but requires quick action, solid documentation, and defending your rights. Don’t let a poor assessment cost you money — and if you need help, we’re here to support you.