How to file a homeowners insurance claim after severe storm damage pummeled northern …

Illinois is on track to record the highest volume of insurance claims related to catastrophes such as severe weather in a decade, according to State Farm Illinois.

Since Tuesday, residents across the region have endured days of tornadoes, destructive winds, significant rainfall, loss of electricity and, yes, property damage.

Before this week’s storms, Illinois had already recorded 178 tornadoes in 2026 by mid-July – the highest in the nation to date. Since June 19, State Farm Illinois customers have filed almost 50,000 home and auto insurance claims related to severe weather.

“Our hearts truly go out to the families and communities affected,” said State Farm spokesman Noel MacMullen.

Wind, hail and tornadoes are common causes of widespread damage. State Farm noted hail-related damage claims trending up in Illinois over the past four years. An estimated $558 million in hail-related insurance claims was paid out to Illinois customers by State Farm in 2025, the third highest in the nation following Texas and Missouri, data shows.

Experts stress that preparation is key to mitigating damage during disaster events.

Renters insurance is not required by law in Illinois, but the Illinois Department of Insurance recommends it. Although a landlord’s policy protects the building structure, renters insurance protects your personal property and typically includes liability protection.

“Renters face many of the same risks as homeowners,” according to the IDOI’s website. “Your landlord may have insurance, but it only protects the building structure, not your personal property.”

How to file an insurance claim after a disaster event

If you’ve experienced damage to your home or personal property, the IDOI offers detailed guidance.

Before reporting damage, find out your policy’s deductible. Minor damage – such as a few damaged shingles – might not warrant a claim. But remember you may not see all the damage. Consider having a contractor inspect your home.

“If the damage is minor, for example, just a few shingles were damaged, you might decide you’re better off paying for the repairs out of pocket instead of filing an insurance claim,” according to the IDOI. “But remember, you might not be able to see all the damage. You may want to have a contractor inspect your home.”

While an adjuster from your insurance provider could visit your property to make an assessment and estimate of the damage, there are steps you can take on your own beforehand:

• Document and photograph any damage you have in as much detail as possible.
• Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after the severe weather event. It’s helpful to have your policy number handy at this time.
• If you can’t reach an insurance representative right away, call the company and ask for the claims department.
• If documentation of your insurance policy was lost due to damage, contact your provider and ask them to provide you with a new copy of your purchased policy.
• According to the IODI, claims begin in two ways: Either an adjuster will come to your home, or your insurance company could send you a claim form, usually called a “proof of loss form.”
• Claims are broken down into two main categories: damage to your home and damage to personal property, such as the contents of your house.
• Get the adjuster’s contact information and ask them to provide you with a copy of the report.
• Once the adjuster determines how much it will cost to repair or replace any damage you’ve recorded, they’ll review your policy to calculate how much the insurance company will pay of that total.

“The more information you can supply, the better your adjuster will be able to assist with your claim,” according to the IDOI. “Do not throw out damaged furniture or other items of value. The adjuster will want to see them.”

The IDOI also offers a guide to understanding the terminology adjusters commonly use.

Tips to consider when filing a claim

Industry experts said that preparedness is just as important as post-storm action when it comes to taking care of your home.

“Think of preparedness as a household system that works for hurricanes, severe storms, tornadoes and flooding conditions,” according to State Farm Illinois. “The best preparations are ongoing and prevent or limit damage that can come from storms.”

And remember: Safety first, says the IDOI. Make sure there are no downed power lines, broken gas lines or other risks to staying in your home or on your property while cleanup is underway.

Before a disaster:

• Make a habit of regularly reviewing your homeowners insurance policy with your provider to ensure you have the right things covered, know what your deductibles are, and see if you qualify for any discounts. That can include whether your home is built with materials that reduce destructive impact – like a solid roof to protect from hail.
• Cover openings with storm-resistant doors and window shutters with heavy curtains.
• Secure or store loose items outside so they don’t contribute to potential damage during high winds.
• Ensure your gutters, drains and downspouts are clear of debris so that heavy rains can flow and drain away from your home.
• Prune trees or branches, especially dead limbs, to minimize potential debris that could also damage your home or surrounding power lines.
• Create an inventory of your personal property, including high-value items in your home like electronics, jewelry or art. Keep receipts for these items – that shows proof of cost and date of purchase.
• Make photo or digital copies of your insurance policies, and know where they are for easy access in case of emergency.
• Keep important documents, including any inventory records you create, in a fireproof or safe deposit box or someplace that’s not your home.

After a disaster:

• Take photographs and/or video of all property damage before you begin cleaning or repairing.
• If you don’t have a completed home inventory, the adjuster should give you time to complete one.
• While filing the claim, ask your insurance provider to give you a general idea of what your policy will cover and how long you have to file a claim.
• Homeowners or landlords may need to make temporary repairs to their property – such as filling holes in walls or covering roof damage. The IDOI recommends addressing that as soon as possible for safety purposes, but keep all bills and receipts from repairs.
• Before you hire a contractor to repair any damage to your home or property, industry experts recommend checking with your insurance provider first to discuss coverage.
• Contact your insurance provider if you need emergency money to help make repairs if you can’t afford to do so on your own.
• If you have water damage in your home, such as on carpets or furnishings, dry as quickly as possible and ventilate your home to prevent further damage.
• Have electrical equipment checked by an expert before using it if you suspect it’s been damaged by water or debris.

For renters, the IDOI recommends checking with your insurance provider to see whether your plan affects any roommates you may have.

If your claim is denied or you can’t get ahold of your provider, you should contact the IDOI to file a complaint or visit iodi.illinois.gov for more information before seeking legal recourse with your insurance provider.