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Recording an insurance claim payment in QuickBooks—whether using the Desktop or Online version—ensures that your financial records accurately reflect both the income from the claim and any associated expenses. The process generally involves recording the payment as income or an “Other Income” type and properly categorizing the insurance-related expenses that the claim reimburses. By doing this, you’ll maintain clean records for both tax and bookkeeping purposes.

What is an Insurance Claim Payment?

An insurance claim payment refers to the compensation provided to a policyholder by the insurance company or adjuster as a result of a covered claim, typically involving reimbursement for damages, settlements, or policy benefits. 

These payments can encompass different types of claims, including property insurance, bodily injury, damaged goods, or liability claims. The process of receiving an insurance claim payment involves the policyholder submitting a claim, which is then reviewed by the insurance adjuster to determine the coverage and extent of compensation. Adjusters play a crucial role in assessing the validity of the claim and negotiating the payment amount. 

The insurance company validates the claim (or denies the claim). If it is approved, the insurance company will issue payment to the insured or an approved interested party on behalf of the insured. Insurance claims cover everything from death benefits on life insurance policies to routine and comprehensive medical exams. In some rare cases, a third party is able to file claims on behalf of the insured person, but generally, only the person listed on the policy is entitled to claim payments.

Why do you need to Record Insurance Claim Payments in QuickBooks?

A paid insurance claim serves to compensate a policyholder against financial loss. An individual or group pays premiums as consideration for the completion of an insurance contract between the insured party and an insurance carrier. The most common insurance claims involve costs for medical goods and services, physical damage, loss of life, liability for the ownership of dwellings (homeowners, landlords, and renters), and liability resulting from the operation of automobiles.

Recording insurance claim payments in QuickBooks is crucial for accurate transaction tracking and financial management. This process allows you to maintain a clear record of incoming payments from insurance companies and outgoing payments to suppliers or service providers. 

With the help of this, companies can streamline their accounts receivable and accounts payable management and improve efficiency in tracking outstanding balances. It not only enhances financial transparency but also enables businesses to make informed decisions based on up-to-date financial data.

QuickBooks Online: Recording Insurance Premium

Record Payment Received for an Insurance Claim in QuickBooks Online

Create an Account

To record the Insurance Claim payment in QuickBooks Online, You need to create an account to track the entry and then make a deposit. Adhere to the steps listed below.

Step 1: Navigate to the Chart of Accounts 

Click the Accounting menu on the left panel and then choose a Chart of Accounts to open the All Lists page. 

Navigate to the Chart of Accounts
Step 2: Try to Open the Account Window

Select the New menu in the upper right corner of your screen to access the Account window.

Step 3: Select your Account

Herein, hit the Account Type drop-down menu to choose the account you want to use. 

Step 4: Pick the Right Category

Opt for the correct Category under the Detail Type drop-down menu. 

Step 5: Write Down a Term

Enter a Term that will identify the account in the Name field. 

Write Down a Term
Step 6: Finishing up

Fill out the remaining fields and then press the Save and Close tabs. 

Make a Deposit

Step 1: Select Bank Deposit

Hit the New menu in the upper left corner and then select Bank Deposit under the Other section.

Step 2: Add Funds

Navigate to the Add funds to this deposit section to input the entry on the Bank Deposit page.

Step 3: Pick the Right Recipient

Choose the appropriate recipient from the Received from column and then enter the account previously created in the Account field.

Step 4: Enter the Amount

Type the Amount and then fill out the remaining field boxes.

Step 5: Finishing up

Click the Save and Close tabs.

Link the Other Income Account to a Job

Step 1: Choose Bank Deposit 

Head to the +New icon and then select Bank Deposit. 

Step 2: Add Funds 

Opt for the Add funds to this deposit section to input the entry on the Bank Deposit page. 

Step 3: Select Other Income Account

From the Account column, select the Other Income account.

Step 4: Class the Insurance Claim 

Choose the class the insurance claim will be linked to under the Class section. 

Step 5: Finishing Up

Enter all other necessary details, then press Save and Close. 

Track and Categorize Insurance Claim Payments in QuickBooks Online

You are recommended to create a new account to categorize and track the insurance claim in QuickBooks Online.

Below are the steps for the same:

Create a New Account

Step 1: Go for the Chart of Accounts

Navigate to the Gear icon at the top right corner of your screen and then choose a Chart of Accounts under Your Company.

Step 2: Select an Account Type

Press New and select an Account and Detail Type. 

Step 3: Type the Account Name

Enter the name of the account in the Name field. 

Step 4: Finishing up

Add a Description if required. Then, Press the Save and Close buttons.

Add a Description if required

Make a Bank Deposit

Once done, make a bank deposit and categorize it under the account created above.

Let’s see how:

Step 1: Mark Bank Deposit

Click the + New button at the left navigation bar. Then, select Bank Deposit under Other. 

Mark Bank Deposit

Step 2: Opt for the Account

Choose the account you want to deposit the money into from the Account drop-down menu. 

Step 3: Type the Payee Name

Enter the name of the Payee under the Received from field. 

Step 4: Decide the Insurance Account

Select the insurance account created before in the Account field. 

Step 5: Finishing Up

Write down the Amount, then hit Save and Close icons.

Save and Close

QuickBooks Desktop: Recording Insurance Claim

How to enter a manual Transaction for the Insurance Claim?

Below we’ve listed how to enter a manual transaction for the insurance claim you wanted to record. It can be easily implemented in QuickBooks Desktop.

Step 1: Add Transaction

Navigate to Transactions and then choose Add Transaction. 

Step 2: Type the Insurance Claim Amount

Enter the date, description, and Amount of the insurance claim. 

Step 3: Select a Category

Choose Select a category from CATEGORY AND TAGS.

Step 4: Pick Business Insurance

Select Business Insurance. 

Step 5: Finishing up

Press the Save button. 

Record Positive Equity from Auto Insurance Claim Payment in QuickBooks Desktop

The payment is not an income. You have to enter it as a deposit instead. Before moving ahead, create an account to track the entry.

Here are the steps to be followed:

Step 1: Go for the Chart of Accounts

Navigate to the Lists menu and select a Chart of Accounts. Then, press New from the Account drop-down menu. 

Step 2: Select the Account Type 

Choose an account type, then click Continue. 

Step 3: Finishing Up

Fill out the account details and then hit the Save & Close buttons. 

Once Done, you Can Now Create a Bank Deposit

Let’s see how:

Step 1: Make Deposit

Select Make Deposits from the Banking menu. Then, close (X) the Payments to Deposit window. 

Step 2: Select the Correct Accounts

Under the Make Deposits window, choose the correct accounts. 

Step 3: Add the Payment

Add the payment to the Amount field. 

Step 4: Finishing Up

Enter other necessary details and then press Save & Close. 

Bottom Line!

Insurance claim payments are paid out once a claim has been verified, and they financially indemnify the insured for a loss that is covered under the policy. This payment is sometimes paid directly to a care provider (as with health insurance), but usually, it is sent to the insured in the form of a check. 

When you record insurance claim payments in QuickBooks, it removes old assets from your books, determines the profit or loss received from the insurance company, and perfectly holds any additional funds related to asset disposal.

Frequently Asked Questions!

How do I record a Property Insurance Claim in QuickBooks?

To record a property insurance claim in QuickBooks, follow these steps:

  1. Record the Insurance Payment as Income:
    • Create a new Insurance Income Account in your Chart of Accounts to track the insurance payout specifically.
    • When you receive the insurance payment, record it as income, split between the properties if needed.
    • To do this, create a Sales Receipt or Deposit and categorize the payment under the new Insurance Income account. Make sure to allocate the amounts based on the properties involved.
  1. Recording Repairs:
    • Roof Repairs: If the insurance claim is for a repair (like fixing a roof), record it as an Expense under the property’s expense account (e.g., Repairs and Maintenance). This expense doesn’t affect the value of the property itself.
  1. Roof Replacement:
    • If the claim covers a roof replacement or another major improvement that increases the property’s value, it should be treated as a Fixed Asset.
    • Create a new Fixed Asset Account specifically for the roof or improvement and record the replacement cost there. 

What are Policy Payout Limits in Insurance Claims?

Policy payout limits refer to the maximum amount an insurance provider will reimburse in the event of a covered loss. This amount is typically based on the property’s fair market value at the time the damage occurred. Additionally, payout amounts can be influenced by whether the policy includes a coinsurance clause. A coinsurance clause requires the policyholder to insure a minimum percentage of the asset’s value, meaning if coverage falls below this specified percentage, the insurance payout may be proportionally reduced.

What Happens When There’s No Insurance Payout?

If a loss is not covered by an insurance policy, the expense must be accounted for without any reimbursement from the insurer. In such cases, the business or individual will record the value of the damaged asset as a loss and write off the asset from their accounts. This entry represents the full impact of the loss, as there is no compensation to offset the expense.

What if the claim payment only covers a portion of the expenses?

If the claim payment partially reimburses your expenses, you can record the insurance payment as partial income. Enter the full amount of the claim payment into the “Other Income” account as you would for any insurance claim. Then, record the remaining expenses that weren’t covered separately, so that only the reimbursed portion reflects as income. This allows you to account for out-of-pocket costs without over-reporting your income.

Is there a specific account I should use for insurance claim payments?

Yes, it’s recommended to use an “Other Income” account for insurance claim payments. This separates these funds from your normal operating income, keeping your financial reports more accurate. To create this account, go to your Chart of Accounts, select “New,” and then choose “Other Income” as the account type. Label it something like “Insurance Claim Income” for easy identification.