What to Expect in the First Week of Your Claim

You filed your claim. Now what? The first week sets the tone for the entire process. If you are organized and proactive, the claim moves faster and you get paid more. If you wait passively for the insurance company to tell you what to do, you lose control.

Here is what actually happens in the first week — and what you should be doing.

Days 1–2: Claim Acknowledgment

After you file, the insurer assigns your claim a number and routes it to an adjuster. You should hear from the assigned adjuster within 1-3 business days. Legally, they have 15 calendar days to acknowledge receipt in writing — but most carriers make initial contact faster.

What to do:

• Continue documenting damage with photos and video.
• Continue your contents list (go room by room, 30 minutes per day).
• Keep all receipts for emergency repairs, hotel, meals, gas.
• Read your policy — at minimum, the declarations page and Coverage A-D sections.
• If displaced, get settled in temporary housing and document the cost.

Days 2–4: The Adjuster Calls

The assigned adjuster will call to introduce themselves, ask about the loss, and schedule an inspection. This is the call covered in What to Say and What Not to Say.

What to do:

• Answer factually and briefly. Do not estimate dollar amounts.
• Schedule the inspection at a time when you can be present.
• Ask what documentation they need from you.
• Get the adjuster's direct phone and email.
• Send a follow-up email confirming everything discussed.

Days 3–5: Prepare for the Inspection

Before the adjuster arrives, prepare:

• Walk through the property and note every area of damage you want the adjuster to see.
• Make a written list — room by room — of damage locations. Adjusters rush. If you do not point it out, they may miss it.
• Have your photos and video ready to share (especially anything that has been cleaned up or dried out since the loss).
• Clear access paths so the adjuster can reach all affected areas.
• If attic or crawlspace access is needed, have a ladder ready.
• Be present during the entire inspection. Walk with the adjuster.

Days 4–7: The Inspection

The adjuster comes to your property to assess the damage. They will photograph, measure, and take notes. They may use Xactimate software to build an estimate on a tablet.

During the inspection:

• Walk with them through every affected room and area.
• Point out damage they might miss (inside cabinets, behind furniture, ceiling areas, closets).
• Point out odors (smoke, mold, sewer) even if not visible.
• Ask them to check areas you cannot access (roof, attic, under flooring).
• Ask questions: “Is this included in your scope? What about this?”
• Do NOT sign anything during the inspection. They may offer a scope document — say you need to review it first.

Days 5–7: After the Inspection

After the inspection, the adjuster writes their estimate and submits it for approval. You will not get a payment immediately — it typically takes 5-15 additional days after the inspection. During this time:

• Get your own repair estimates from 1-2 licensed contractors. You will need these to compare against the insurer's estimate.
• Continue your contents inventory. Be thorough — you will not get a second chance at a comprehensive list.
• If you found damage after the adjuster left, photograph it and notify the adjuster by email immediately.
• Submit ALE receipts if you are displaced.
• Start researching: read the relevant articles on this site for your type of loss.

What Does NOT Happen in Week 1

• You will probably not receive a payment yet (unless an advance is requested).
• You will probably not receive a written estimate yet.
• The full scope of damage may not be determined yet — hidden damage takes time to discover.
• Permanent repairs should not begin yet — wait until the insurer has inspected and agreed on scope.

Red Flags in Week 1

These are not normal and may signal a problem:

• No contact from an adjuster within 5 business days.
• Adjuster asks for a recorded statement before inspecting.
• Adjuster says they will not inspect and will work from photos only.
• Insurer immediately assigns to Special Investigations Unit (SIU).
• Adjuster pressures you to accept a fast settlement before inspection.
• Adjuster tells you to use a specific contractor (“our program vendor”) before you have chosen one.

What to Do Next

After week one, the process enters the investigation and payment phase. See The Claims Process Step by Step for what happens from here, and What Your Insurance Company Is Required to Do to know the deadlines that govern everything from this point forward.