If your home or its contents are damaged due to a covered peril such as fire, lightning, explosion, storm, or other insured events, the Bharat Griha Raksha Policy ensures you can recover financially, provided you follow the correct claim procedure and submit the required documents.
Below is a guide to claiming under your home fire insurance policy.

1. Immediate Intimation of Loss
   The first and most critical step is to notify your insurer as soon as possible after the loss or damage occurs. Most insurance companies require intimation within a specified timeframe from the date of loss, ideally within 24 to 48 hours. Prompt reporting helps in faster claim handling and reduces the risk of complications.
   You can report the loss through:
   • Your insurance broker
   • The insurer’s customer care helpline
   • The insurer’s online claims portal or mobile app
   • A written email or letter to the insurer
   Always note down the claim reference number provided by the insurer for future follow-ups.
2. Inform Relevant Authorities
   For certain types of loss, especially those involving fire, theft, burglary, or vandalism, it is important to inform the local authorities immediately. Typically the Fire Brigade and the Police.
3. Document and Preserve Evidence
   Collect and preserve all evidence of the loss to support your claim:
   • Photographs or videos of the damaged property from various angles
   • Before and after pictures, if available
   • Damage estimates or repair bills
   • Purchase receipts of lost/damaged items (if available)
   Try not to dispose of damaged items until the insurer’s surveyor has inspected them, unless necessary for safety reasons.
4. Claim Form and Supporting Documents
   Once you’ve intimated the insurer, you’ll generally be asked to submit a completed claim form along with supporting documents. These may include:
   Mandatory Documents:
   • Duly filled and signed claim form (insurer-specific)
   • Original policy document
   • Copy of FIR / fire brigade report (if applicable)
   • Proof of ownership (like sale deed, property tax receipt)
   • Photographs of damage
   • Estimates or repair bills issued by qualified contractors
   • Any other documents requested by the insurer
   Each insurer may have a slightly different set of forms or document requirements, so it’s important to check the exact list with your broker or the insurer.
5. Survey and Assessment
   Once you submit the claim and supporting documents, the insurer will typically appoint a surveyor or loss assessor to inspect the damaged property. The surveyor evaluates:
   • The cause of loss
   • Extent of damage
   • Cost of repair or replacement
   They then prepare a survey report, which is shared with the insurer’s claims department for final assessment.
6. Claim Settlement
   Based on the survey report and submitted documents, the insurer will:
   • Approve the claim
   • Calculate the indemnity amount based on the sum insured
   • Settle the claim amount either as cashless payment (directly to the repairer) or reimbursement (to you after repair/bills)
   The insurer communicates the final settlement decision and timeline to you.

A well-managed claim process helps you recover swiftly after a loss. As your insurance broker, insurancepe here to help you navigate the claims process, prepare documentation, and coordinate with your insurer for a smooth settlement. Feel free to reach out if you need assistance at any stage of your claim.

Note: The information provided herein is for general informational purposes only and is intended to serve as an illustrative guide. Specific document requirements, notification time frames, and procedural details may vary significantly between different insurers and policies. This summary is not intended to be comprehensive or a substitute for the actual policy wording. For precise and up-to-date information, please refer to your insurer’s official policy documents or contact them directly.