# Start a claim with claim mode

> Claim mode walks you through what happened and which items were affected, then builds a claim package and gives you your insurer's contacts in one place.

- Source: https://www.claimfrog.com/help/start-a-claim
- Product: Claimfrog, the home inventory app for insurance claims
- Topic: Claims
- Plan: Included on every plan, including Free.
- Updated: 2026-10-24

If something happens (a leak, a fire, a break-in, a storm, guest damage) claim mode turns your inventory into what your insurer needs. It takes three steps and you can save and come back at any time.

## Steps

1. Open **Claims** and click **Start a claim**. You can also select items on the **Items** page and click **Start claim**, or click **Start a claim** under **Had a loss?** on the dashboard.
2. **What happened**
   - Choose the **Type of loss**: Fire / smoke, Water damage, Theft / burglary, Storm / weather, Guest damage (rental), Accidental damage or Other.
   - Enter the **Date of loss** and describe what happened in plain words.
   - For guest damage, fill in the **Guest stay**: platform, guest name, reservation code, check-in, check-out and the next guest's check-in. See [Guest damage claims](https://www.claimfrog.com/help/guest-damage-claims).
   - Click **Next**.
3. **Affected items**
   - Search or filter by room, and tick the affected items. **Select everything in** a room is handy for fire or water losses.
   - Items missing evidence are flagged: **No original photo**, **No value**, **No receipt**, **No serial #**.
   - The running total shows how many items you've selected and their replacement value.
   - Click **Next**.
4. **Review & send**
   - Check the totals: items, replacement value, and how many have original photos.
   - **Strengthen your claim** lists gaps you can still fix. Click **Fix missing photos and details** to fill them in, then come back.
   - Use your insurer's details: open the **Insurer claims site** or **Email my agent** with the claim details filled in.
   - Click **Download claim package** for the PDF. See [The claim package PDF](https://www.claimfrog.com/help/claim-package-pdf).
   - On Premium, create an **Adjuster link** so your adjuster can view everything online. See [Share a read-only link](https://www.claimfrog.com/help/share-a-read-only-link).
   - Click **Save claim**.

## Good to know

- Claims are saved as **Draft** until you mark them **Filed**. See [Track and update claims](https://www.claimfrog.com/help/track-and-update-claims).
- No insurer saved? Click **Add insurer details** to add them in Settings. They appear on your package.
- On a shared property, editors can create claims. The claim belongs to the property, so everyone with access sees it.
- Claimfrog prepares your documentation. It doesn't file the claim with your insurer for you or decide what's covered.