How long do I have to file a renters insurance claim?

I’m staying in a something like a border house which belongs to a family member.

I went out of town on July 9 and a fire occurred in the basement that I share with a roommate on July 14. It started from a cigarette. My relative who owns the home called to tell me that all of my property was damaged and not to worry about it because they filed a homeowner’s insurance claim and they would confiscate my property. I don’t really know how insurance works per se, so I thought this was how it worked.

I got back in town a few hours ago, and my relative told me that my items will not be covered under their policy and that I would have to file my own claim with my renters insurance for my personal property.

I don’t have any photos of my damaged property and no receipts as they dumped everything before I got back which I am extremely pissed about because I feel I could have salvaged some things.

I will call to make a claim first thing in the morning.

Also, I had just started my insurance policy last month.. so I wonder how this would look to the insurance company. This sucks and I just don’t feel like the headache.

Is it worth filing a claim?