How to File a Water Damage Claim (State Farm, Allstate, USAA & More)
Step-by-step playbook for major carriers filing water damage claims in Georgia.
The general playbook
Stop the loss. Document with photos and video before cleanup. Call restoration to start mitigation. Call your insurer for a claim number. Get a Xactimate estimate. Meet the adjuster on-site with your contractor. Compare estimates. Sign the scope, then work. Direct-bill or reimbursement.
State Farm
Claim: 1-800-732-5246. Response: 24-48 hours. Direct billing: available. Preferred contractor is optional - any licensed Georgia restoration company can do the work.
Allstate
Claim: 1-800-255-7828. Response: 24 hours. Direct billing available. Good Hands Repair Network is optional.
USAA
Claim: 1-800-531-8722. Response: often same-day. Direct billing typically yes. Members often get faster handling.
Farmers
Claim: 1-800-435-7764. Response: 24-72 hours. Direct billing available.
Travelers, Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, Progressive, Erie
All accept Xactimate estimates from licensed Georgia restoration companies and generally allow direct billing. Ask specifically about direct-bill authorization on your initial call.
Common mistakes
Waiting more than 30 days. Cleaning up before documenting. No competing Xactimate. Agreeing to scope over the phone. Signing an AOB without reading. Using out-of-state door-knockers.