How insurance works, what information matters, and what comes next.
I Opened A Claim, But I'm Confused.
start anywhere
If you’ve opened an insurance claim and feel unsure what’s happening, what’s being asked of you, or what you’re supposed to understand — you’re not behind.
This is the stage where many homeowners realize that filing a claim is only the beginning. Suddenly you’re dealing with unfamiliar terms, multiple people, long documents, and requests that don’t always come with explanations.
This page is here to help you understand how insurance claims actually work, what information matters early on, and how to stay organized without needing to become an insurance expert.
Once a claim is opened, insurance companies begin gathering information across several tracks at once:
Confirming what coverage applies
Documenting damage and loss
Establishing a preliminary scope
Creating an internal claim file that evolves over time
From the outside, this can feel scattered or opaque. You may receive requests for photos, forms, estimates, or details without understanding how they fit together — or why they matter. That confusion isn’t accidental. Insurance policies are technical documents, and claims are processed in pieces, not all at once.
What’s Actually Going On.
The Situation
This phase is challenging because:
Insurance uses precise language that isn’t intuitive
Policies are written for edge cases, not readability
You’re expected to participate without a clear roadmap
Communication happens in fragments, not narratives
Most homeowners weren’t taught how to read an insurance policy, interpret endorsements, or understand claim workflows. Feeling lost here is normal.
What matters is learning just enough to protect yourself and move forward confidently.
Why This Stage Feels So Hard to Follow
What matters right now
Understanding your policy at a high level. Knowing what categories of coverage exist and how they generally work.
Learning the language of the claim. Basic terms, roles, and documents recur throughout the process.
Providing clear early documentation. Photos, videos, timelines, and descriptions help shape the claim file.
Keeping communication organized. Emails, calls, and requests add up quickly.
What usually doesn’t matter yet
Mastering every policy clause
Knowing the final value of your claim
Responding instantly to every request
Perfect organization from day one
At this stage, orientation beats optimization.
What Matters Right Now (and What Usually Doesn’t)
Homeowners often struggle with:
How to read their insurance policy
What endorsements or limits actually apply
Who they’re communicating with — and why
What photos or documentation are most useful
How much detail is enough (and how much is too much)
Understanding these basics early can prevent frustration later.
Sources of Confusion Early in a Claim
Explore Guides that Make Sense of Insurance
These resources are designed specifically for this stage:
Replacement Cost
Your Dec Page
A Fairy Tale
Don't know much about homeowner's insurance? That's ok - start here.
This is the story of Bill The Friendly Giant and an unlucky homeowner who learned how to read his insurance policy.
Your homeowners insurance Policy is a crucial safety net that protects your property and assets in the event of unforeseen disasters or incidents. However, insurance documents can often be complex and difficult to decipher. One of the most important documents in your insurance policy is the Declarations Page.
This article will walk you through the components of a typical Declarations Page and explain how to interpret each section.
When you purchase homeowners insurance, your policy typically includes coverage for your personal property—your belongings like furniture, electronics, clothing, and more.
This detailed guide will explain what Replacement Cost Coverage for Personal Property is, how it works, and provide specific examples to help homeowners understand its importance and application.
UNDERSTANDING INSURANCE
Non-Covered Perils
Dwelling Exclusions
Ordinance Coverage
The Ordinance or Law Endorsement can provide critical protection if your home is damaged and must be rebuilt or repaired to comply with current building codes or laws.
This detailed guide will explain what Ordinance or Law coverage is, how it works, and provide specific examples to help you understand its importance and application.
There are certain primary dwelling-related exclusions that may leave gaps in your coverage, meaning that some types of damage or loss might not be covered by your standard policy.
This article will explain what primary dwelling-related exclusions are, how they affect your coverage, and provide specific examples to help homeowners navigate these issues.
Non-covered perils are specific risks or events that standard homeowners insurance policies typically do not cover. Homeowners need to be aware of these exclusions to avoid unexpected expenses and consider additional coverage where necessary.
This guide includes a number of articles that will walk through the description of situations that may not be covered by your policy.
ADVANCED POLICY DETAILS
How to Read Your Dec Page
INSURANCE DOC
Your Declarations Page - or 'Dec Page' - provides a quick summary of your homeowner's policy coverage. This primer walks you through how to read it.
Some homeowners work through this phase on their own once the process becomes clearer. Others find that the volume of documentation, communication, and financial tracking grows beyond what’s manageable alongside everything else they’re dealing with.
That’s often the point when people consider working with a licensed public adjuster.
Loti helps homeowners understand the insurance process, organize claim information, and — when appropriate — adjust claims on their behalf. Whether or not you work with us, our focus is on helping you regain clarity and avoid unnecessary missteps.
A Quick Note About Support & Complexity.
You’re not expected to understand everything right away. You’re allowed to take time, ask questions, and revisit decisions as more information becomes available.
This process unfolds in layers. Understanding one layer at a time is enough.
If you’re unsure where to go next, you can return to the Start Anywhere page at any time and choose the situation that best fits where you are now.