How to File an Insurance Claim in Canada
Start with safety and reasonable loss control, document what happened, notify the insurer promptly and keep a written claim file. The policy, cause of loss and provincial or territorial rules determine what happens next.
How to File a Claim
Contact the insurer or insurance representative as soon as practical after protecting people and property. Record the date, cause and damage, keep receipts and damaged items when safe, and ask which forms, deadlines, deductible, limits and valuation terms apply to this specific claim.
Protect people and limit further damage
Deal with emergencies first and follow police, fire, health or evacuation instructions. When it is safe, take reasonable temporary steps to prevent additional damage, but avoid permanent repairs that could remove evidence before the insurer explains the assessment process.
Do not keep dangerous property solely for a claim. Photograph it carefully and record why it had to be removed, then keep cleanup and disposal records.
Create a factual record before memories and conditions change
Write down the date, time, location, people involved and sequence of events. Photograph or video the scene and damage when permitted and safe. For property losses, build a room-by-room list; for auto losses, record vehicles, drivers, witnesses and collision details.
Use documents you already have—receipts, warranties, invoices, bank or card records, prior photos, serial numbers and maintenance records—rather than estimating from memory where evidence is available.
Notify the insurer and ask process questions
IBC advises reporting theft, collision or property damage as soon as possible. Explain what you know accurately and label unknown details as unknown. Early notice allows the insurer to provide a claim number, emergency instructions and the name of an adjuster where appropriate.
Ask which policy section may respond, which deductible and limits may apply, what documents are required, whether repairs need approval, and which deadlines are stated in the policy or applicable rules.
Keep one claim file and a communication log
Save the policy, claim number, forms, estimates, inventories, receipts and correspondence together. After a phone call, note the date, person, decision and promised next step. A clean timeline reduces confusion when several adjusters, contractors or service providers are involved.
Review every form before signing. A notice of loss, proof of loss, repair authorization and final release are different documents with different effects.
Use your own figures without manufacturing a claim outcome
Model a simple limit-minus-deductible scenario without treating the result as an insurer decision.
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