This is a brief overview of the claims filing process, if your home has been burglarized or damaged by fire or natural disaster.

A homeowners insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. You should understand the policy before a loss occurs. Review your policy with your insurance representative so you'll know what's covered.

1. Report any burglary or theft to police.

2. Phone your agent or company immediately. (Insurance policies place a time limit on filing claims.) Ask questions: Am I covered? Does my claim exceed my deductible? (Your deductible is the amount of loss you agree to pay yourself when you buy a policy.) How long will it take to process my claim? Will I need to obtain estimates for repairs to structural damage?

3. Make temporary repairs and take other steps to protect your property from further damage. Save receipts for what you spend and submit them to your insurance company for reimbursement.

4. Prepare a list of lost or damaged articles.

5. Save receipts from any additional living expenses you incur if your home is so severely damaged that you have to find other accommodations while repairs are being made. Most homeowners insurance policies include a provision for reimbursement of these expenses.

6. Get claim forms. Once your insurance company has been notified of your claim, the company is required to send you the necessary claim forms to you by the end of a specified time period. (The time period varies from state to state.) Return the properly filled out forms as soon as possible.

7. Have an adjuster inspect the damage to your home. Your insurance company will probably arrange for the adjuster.

Once you and your insurance company agree on the terms of the settlement, the law requires that you be sent payment promptly. Unless there are problems with your claim, it will be processed quickly.

1. Talk to your agent or the claims manager at your insurance company. Explain your side of the matter. Provide copies of supporting documents. Also, send a letter and documents to the claims executive at the insurance company's headquarters whose address is usually found on the first page of the policy.

2. Call the National Insurance Consumer Helpline. If after hearing from your insurance company's claims executive, you still feel your claim hasn't been handled properly, call 800-942-4242. It is a toll-free consumer information telephone service sponsored by the insurance industry. Trained personnel and licensed agents are available to assist consumers who have complaints. The Helpline operates Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. ET.

3. Contact your state insurance department. Explain the reasons for the disagreement to a consumer services representative at the department. He or she will discuss the matter with your insurer and help to resolve any difference so the claim can be settled.

4. Consult an attorney. The American Bar Association notes that many situations involving legal matters can be handled by consumers on their own, without a lawyer. If you do hire an attorney, provide them with a copy of your insurance policy and all other relevant documents. If the insurance company has made a settlement offer, tell your attorney about it and ask if he or she believes that a lawsuit will help you get a larger settlement. Attorneys usually work on an hourly rate, but with cases involving injuries, they generally work on a contingency basis. Get the attorney's fee structure in writing before you decide to pursue the case. You can remain current on the progress of your claim by insisting that you receive copies from your attorney of all correspondence involving your case. Your attorney must have your agreement before committing to any settlement.

After your claim has been settled, take time to re-evaluate your homeowners insurance coverage to make sure you have adequate protection.

This information was provided by the Insurance Information Institute