You can't just sit back and hope your insurance company pays. To ensure that your homeowners insurance claim is paid in full, you must report the problem as soon as possible, keep track of all expenses, and communicate with the insurer. Here are seven pointers to make the process go more smoothly.

1. File your home insurance claim immediately

You may be able to submit home insurance claims online, through an app, through your agent, or by calling the company directly, depending on your insurer. No matter which method you use, filing a claim as soon as possible can put money in your pocket.

Your insurance company will issue a claim number and dispatch an adjuster to assess the damage. Following that, the insurance company will make an initial payment to cover the estimated cost of repairs (less your deductible).

If your claim was caused by storm damage, other homes in the area were most likely affected as well. That means more claims and a greater demand on your insurer. Submitting a claim as soon as possible can help you move closer to the front of the line.

2. Document the damage

Taking photos and making an inventory of damaged items provides you and your insurance company with a record of everything that needs to be repaired or replaced. The more information the insurer has, the better — so take pictures of labels and model numbers, especially if the item is expensive.

3. Make temporary repairs

You don't have to live with a hole in your roof until the adjuster arrives. If it's safe to do so after you've documented the damage for your insurer, you can make temporary repairs.

Stopgap repairs, such as stopping a leak or boarding up a broken window, can prevent further problems and save time and money. If you do not take immediate action to resolve a problem and the insurer believes you should have, you may not be fully covered. Assume you do not board up a broken window and someone climbs through it to steal a television. It's possible that your insurance company will not cover it.

You can submit the expenses to your insurer as part of the claim as long as you keep receipts and can document why the repairs were required.

4. Communicate with your adjuster

Your insurance company will assign an adjuster to handle the claim, who will be your primary point of contact throughout the process. You should describe the damage to them, answer any questions they have, provide documentation of expenses, and keep them updated on the status of repairs.

You'll have to be your own best friend. Remember that the adjuster works for the insurance company, not you.

According to Amy Bach, executive director of United Policyholders, a nonprofit that advocates for people with insurance, "be politely assertive" with the adjuster. "Don't show up wearing boxing gloves and ready to fight."

A public insurance adjuster is another option. A public adjuster manages the claim for the policyholder and represents you in negotiations with the insurer. According to David Barrack, executive director of the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters, you'll typically pay a public adjuster a percentage of the final claim amount in exchange for their expertise. Barrack estimates that the fee will be around 15%, though some states may have a lower cap.

5. Save your receipts

You may have to spend a significant amount of money on temporary repairs before receiving payment from your insurance company. Even if you receive a check from the insurer, you must keep all receipts — estimates will not suffice. Typically, the initial payment does not cover the entire cost of repairs. If you want to be paid in full, you must show what you actually spent.

6. Consider your contractor

If your home is damaged, you are not required to hire the insurance company's recommended contractor to repair it. According to Bach, insurers tend to bring in companies with which they frequently collaborate. However, if you have concerns about the cost estimate, you could still find a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor on your own.

7. Get help with living expenses

If your home has been severely damaged and you are unable to live there, your insurance company may be able to assist you. A standard homeowners policy includes loss of use coverage, which will pay for things like hotel stays and restaurant meals if you are unable to live at home. Again, keep all receipts to ensure that you are fully reimbursed for this portion of your homeowners insurance claim.