Let’s say you’re a pretty handy person and have decided to repair some carpeting that was damaged by a burst pipe. Before you begin, notify your insurer and open a claim, then make only temporary repairs to prevent further damage (tarp, board-up, water extraction) while you photograph everything, save receipts, and keep damaged items until the adjuster inspects—these mitigation costs are typically reimbursable if reasonable (Insurance Information Institute; NAIC; FEMA). Permanent repairs should generally wait until your insurer documents the loss and approves the scope, and most policies reimburse materials and third‑party labor but not your own time (NAIC). Many repairs require permits or licensed trades under local codes—the 2024 International Residential Code requires permits for work on plumbing, mechanical, gas, and electrical systems, with only limited “ordinary repairs” exempt (2024 IRC). If you have a mortgage, your servicer may need to endorse claim checks and can release funds in stages after inspections, so contact them early (CFPB).
The Claims Process for DIY Repairs
The process varies by insurer and state rules, but it usually includes prompt notice, inspection/estimate, an initial Actual Cash Value (ACV) payment, and release of any recoverable depreciation after you submit proof of completion. In today’s market, elevated rebuild costs and tighter underwriting can lengthen timelines and raise estimates; expect closer scrutiny of documentation and code compliance (BLS CPI household insurance; NAIC).
- Report the loss promptly, mitigate further damage, and document before cleanup: take comprehensive photos/video, keep damaged items/samples, and save all receipts for temporary/emergency repairs. Ask your adjuster what’s required (claim number, photos, inventory, estimates) and whether a signed Proof of Loss is needed; many carriers support secure portals for uploads (III; NAIC; FEMA; Washington OIC).
- An adjuster documents the loss (onsite or virtual) and prepares a scope/estimate. Some policies include “managed repair” or “option to repair” endorsements that allow the insurer to choose network contractors—often for water mitigation or roof work—which can limit DIY or contractor choice and may include workmanship warranties (Florida OIR). Ask upfront if such provisions apply to your claim.
- Payment is typically issued first at ACV with depreciation withheld; after you complete repairs and submit proof, recoverable depreciation may be released. Materials and hired labor can be reimbursed, but your own DIY labor generally is not, and some carriers require documentation of completion costs to release depreciation (NAIC).
- Insurers often require an itemized, written scope and estimates—even if you plan to DIY—and may require licensed contractors for regulated trades. Repairs must meet code and permitting rules; the 2024 IRC requires permits for most electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or gas work, while cosmetic items (painting, cabinets, carpeting) are commonly permit‑exempt. Non‑code or unpermitted work can jeopardize coverage for resulting damage; Ordinance or Law coverage can help with required code upgrades (2024 IRC; NAIC).
- Provide proof of completion as required: photos, itemized receipts/invoices, permits/final inspections, and any contractor certifications. If you uncover hidden damage, request a supplemental inspection/estimate before proceeding so the carrier can adjust the scope appropriately (NAIC).
- After approval, remaining benefits (e.g., recoverable depreciation) are issued subject to state prompt‑pay rules and payment methods. Benchmarks: Texas requires payment within five business days after the insurer notifies you it will pay; California requires payment immediately but no later than 30 days after acceptance; Florida property insurers must pay or deny a residential property claim within 60 days after receiving a proof of loss, with exceptions for factors beyond the insurer’s control. Many carriers offer electronic disbursement (EFT/push‑to‑debit/virtual card) that can deliver funds within hours to a few days once released; mortgagee co‑payees may add time for endorsement/draws (Texas Insurance Code §542; California 10 CCR §2695.7; Fla. Stat. §627.70131; J.D. Power 2024; CCC Crash Course 2024; CFPB).
Can you keep an insurance claim check and do the work yourself?
Often, yes—depending on your policy and state rules. Many insurers will issue a cash settlement and let you choose how to proceed, provided the loss is documented and the scope is approved. However, “managed repair”/“option to repair” endorsements can require using the insurer’s network contractors for certain losses, limiting DIY or free contractor choice; ask whether your policy includes these provisions and how they work in your state (Florida OIR). Your own labor is typically not reimbursed, and faulty or non‑code DIY can be excluded; policies commonly exclude losses caused by defective or improper workmanship (NAIC). Permit/licensing rules vary widely: for example, Washington allows owner‑occupants to pull electrical permits and perform work with inspections (WA L&I), Texas law exempts homestead owners from needing a plumbing license but still requires permits/inspections (Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners), while New York City requires a licensed electrical contractor for electrical work (NYC DOB). If you have a mortgage or other lienholder, they may require professional repairs and staged inspections before releasing funds (CFPB).
Are DIY repairs cheaper for a homeowners insurance claim?
DIY can be cheaper primarily by avoiding labor, which is often 30%–70% of a project’s total. Examples: painting a standard room can cost a pro about $300–$1,000 versus $100–$300 in DIY materials; a simple faucet swap may run a pro $150–$500 plus the fixture, while DIY parts/supplies can be $60–$180; minor roof repairs often cost pros $400–$1,500 while DIY materials may be $50–$200—though roof safety and water‑intrusion risks are significant (Fixr: paint a room; HomeAdvisor: plumber costs; Fixr: roof repair). Insurers generally reimburse covered materials and hired labor but not your time; if you DIY, you may need robust documentation to recover depreciation on a replacement‑cost policy (NAIC).
If the loss is minor, weigh long‑term costs before filing. Recent nationwide analyses indicate one homeowners claim often increases premiums by roughly 5%–10% on average, and two claims can raise them about 20%–25%, with variation by state and peril (Bankrate 2025; Forbes Advisor 2025). Claims remain on your CLUE report for up to seven years and are commonly considered for 3–5 years in pricing (LexisNexis CLUE; NAIC). Also note current market conditions: elevated rebuilding costs and evolving roof settlement terms (e.g., more ACV for older roofs in some regions) can affect estimates, depreciation recovery, and timelines (BLS CPI; III: wind/hail deductibles).
How long does it take to get an insurance claim check?
There’s no single national deadline. Once a claim is accepted and payable, state rules set the payment clock: for example, Texas requires payment within five business days after acceptance; California requires payment immediately but no later than 30 calendar days after acceptance; and Florida property insurers must pay or deny a residential property claim within 60 days after receiving a proof of loss (with exceptions for factors beyond the insurer’s control) (Texas Insurance Code §542; California 10 CCR §2695.7; Fla. Stat. §627.70131). Electronic disbursements (EFT/push‑to‑debit/virtual card) adopted across property/auto claims can shorten “mail time,” getting funds to you within hours to a few days once released (J.D. Power 2024; CCC Crash Course 2024). If your home is uninhabitable, ask about advances for Additional Living Expenses and save detailed receipts for reimbursement (III). If a mortgagee is listed, expect co‑payee checks and potential draw inspections that can add time (CFPB).
What’s next?
- Check out our review of the best homeowners insurance companies. Also see claim fundamentals from the Insurance Information Institute and coverage primers from the NAIC.
- Here are some tips for avoiding some of the most common claims. After storms or disasters, review contractor‑fraud safeguards from the FTC and NICB.
- Read up on our complete guide to filing homeowners insurance claims, then compare your state’s timelines and documentation standards with regulator guidance (e.g., NAIC and Washington OIC).
