Home › Claims
Making a claimWhat happens after you call us.
The median Harbor claim closes in four days. Below is every step, how long each one really takes, and a live look at how a claim moves — so you know what to expect before anything goes wrong.
Just had an emergency?
If someone is hurt or in danger, call 911 first. Then call us any hour — a real person answers, and emergency advances for somewhere to stay go out the same day.
Five steps, and how long each really takes
No forms to print, no case numbers to memorise. You get a named adjuster with a direct line, and updates you don't have to chase.
Tell us what happened
Call the claims line or file it in the app with a few photos. You'll answer the basics — when, where, what — and get a claim number on the spot. Nothing needs printing or posting.
A named adjuster calls you
Not a queue and not a ticket — a specific person, with a name and a direct line, who owns your claim from here to the payment. They'll tell you exactly what they need next.
We look at the damage together
For most claims that's a video walkthrough or your photos. For bigger losses your adjuster visits in person. Either way, they walk you through what they're seeing as they go.
We agree the number, in writing
Your adjuster puts the settlement figure in writing and explains how they got there. If you disagree, you can ask for a second review before you accept anything — no pressure to sign.
The money lands
Paid straight to your account by bank transfer once you accept. Emergency advances — for a hotel, say — can go out within 24 hours of your first call, before the full claim is settled.
Always know where your claim is
Every claim has a live status page, exactly like the one below. No calling to ask "any update?" — you can see the next step and who's on it.
-
Claim filedYou reported it with 6 photos through the app.
-
Adjuster assignedPriya Nair called you back — direct line (503) 555-0188.
-
Damage reviewedVideo walkthrough completed; repair estimate agreed at $6,140.
-
Payment sent$6,140 transferred to your account ending 4471.
-
Claim closedWe'll confirm once the funds land and the repair is booked.
Illustrative example. Real claim details, names and amounts appear in your own member account.
What our claims actually look like
Figures cover 1 Jan – 31 Dec 2025 and are drawn from our annual statutory filing. The 1.6% of claims not paid were outside policy terms — the reason is always given in writing, and you can request a free internal review.
How long different claims take
Straightforward claims are fast; bigger structural losses take longer because the rebuild estimate does. Here's what's typical.
| Claim type | First response | Typical time to pay | Emergency advance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto — minor collision | Same day | 2–4 days | Rental same day |
| Home contents / theft | Same day | 3–6 days | Within 24 hours |
| Water / burst pipe | Same day | 4–8 days | Within 24 hours |
| Major structural (fire) | Same day | 3–6 weeks | Hotel within 24 hours |
| Term life | Same day | 3–10 days | On request |
Times reflect the middle range of Harbor claims in 2025 and aren't a guarantee. Complex or disputed claims can take longer; your adjuster will always give you a realistic date.
What to do right now
Before you even call us, three things make every claim faster and smoother.
Make it safe
People first. Turn off the water or power if you can do it safely, and move anyone away from danger. If it's serious, call 911 before us.
Take photos
Snap the damage from a few angles before you tidy up or make repairs. It's the single thing that speeds a claim the most — and you can't retake them later.
Call us — any hour
File through the app or ring the claims line. Have your photos ready; we'll open the claim, assign an adjuster, and tell you the next step before you hang up.
Not a member yet?
This is the claims experience you'd be signing up for. See what you'd pay — three minutes, no credit check.