Home claims
What to expect when filing a home claim
Why file and manage your home claims online?
We understand this is a stressful time. We'll guide you along the way so that each step in the process is captured, and to ensure you're comfortable with the claim you submit. From there you can manage your claim online, and contact us with any questions you have along the way.
File anytime
Just need the basic details
Track your claims progress
Home damage? We'll take care of you
- What happened?
- Where is the damaged property?
- How extensive is the damage?
- Are temporary repairs needed?
- If the authorities were contacted, which department responded and what is the report number?
- Your current contact information and the best time to reach you.
- A convenient time for a damage assessment, either in person or via video chat.
File your home claim through the Safeco mobile app
- Contact your agent
- Pay your bill
- View policy documents
- Much more
More home claims help
Get more answers to your claims questions below, or visit our frequently asked questions.
Preferred contractor lookup: Search for local contractors who are certified and licensed.
Why use a preferred contractor1
Who does your repairs is up to you, but here are a few reasons we recommend using a preferred contractor1 for your claim.
- Quality: Our program includes professionally licensed, certified vendors who've undergone a background check and use techniques meeting industry standards.
- Fast service: Typically, our vendors contact the customer within one hour after the claim is filed and arrive at the home within four hours.
- Efficiency: Liberty Mutual's claims team works closely with vendors to coordinate and monitor the drying process.
- Value: Program vendors have agreed to complete the work at pre-negotiated rates, and bills go directly to Liberty Mutual for payment.
Not ready to stat a claim? That's OK. You can still search our preferred contractors1 to help you find a contractor in your area.
In the event of theft, your claims representative will ask you for a list of missing items, along with any receipts for those items. Photographs, videos, owner's manuals, serial numbers, and credit card statements are useful to document personal belongings that may have been damaged or stolen.
We recommend keeping a home inventory in a location other than your home, such as with a relative, in a bank safe-deposit box, or online.
Before filing your home insurance claim, we first want to ensure you're taking the proper steps to maintain your safety.
Make sure you're safe
Stay out of your home if it has been severely damaged. If your home has been broken into, contact the police immediately to file a report and fix or replace your locks. If there's been a fire in your home, avoid breathing ashes and soot by covering your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or face mask.Other steps to prevent further damage include: Board up broken windows and doors. Cover roof damage with tarps or plywood and remove debris. Save all receipts from temporary repairs. If possible, place any damaged items in a safe, secure area where they can be inspected later. Do not attempt to clean fire or smoke damaged items. Cleaning without the proper equipment can make it worse.
Once you've gotten in touch
Please wait until a claims adjuster assesses the damage before starting permanent repairs. We encourage you, however, to schedule permanent repairs as soon as possible. Find a local, licensed, bonded and insured contractor with the free Safeco contractor referral service.Do you need help with water damage? Ask your claims representative about using one of our Water Mitigation Program Vendors.
It's a good idea to contact your insurance company if you have water damage. That way, they can help guide you on any steps you may need to take. That being said, for water damage cleanup and repair, it's important to use a reputable company. By using our preferred contractor1 search, you can find certified professionals in your area who have specialized training for your water damage needs.
Once you've filed, we'll continue to work with you to get your life back to normal. That includes:
Temporary housing if needed
If you are unable to live in your home while the damage is assessed and your home is being repaired or rebuilt, Safeco will help pay for additional living expenses, for up to 24 months. If repairs take longer than the period of time covered in your policy, you may be eligible for additional assistance from federal emergency programs.Learn more about loss of use claims
Considering home improvements?
Safeco will replace damaged items and materials with the same type and quality of materials you had before your home was damaged. For example, if you had a fiberglass roof, we will pay to repair or replace the damaged area with fiberglass, but we won't pay to replace it with more expensive slate tile.If you decide to upgrade your house with better or more expensive materials, you're welcome to do so, but you'll need to pay the additional expense out of your own pocket.
Any time you make improvements to your property, be sure to talk to your local independent agent to find out if your coverage is still enough.
Please note: Information provided on this website serves as general information about our insurance policies, coverages, and processes related to claims and service. Policies, coverages, and processes related to claims and service may vary by state. For specific policy details, please review your contract.