Insurance Read Time: 3 min

A Home Insurance Claim: To File Or Not To File

Insurance is meant to protect you against financial loss. But is it really meant to protect you from any and all financial loss? When it comes to filing a loss claim on your home insurance, there may be times when not filing may be the wisest course of action.1

According to one study, the national average premium increase after filing a homeowners insurance claim is 9%, although this number varies depending on your specific location.2

What About My Premium?

Some insurance companies may protect you against premium increases. However, if filing a claim means your premium will rise, you may need to decide whether it makes sense to do it.

It may not pay to file a claim if:

  • The claim amount is small. Your policy will have a deductible, so even claims of $1,000 to $2,000 may not have a favorable long-term cost benefit.
  • You're not covered for a loss. Read your policy first to determine coverage. The simple act of filing a claim (even for a claim that won't be paid) may result in higher premiums.
  • You have filed a claim within the last seven years. Since previous claims are tracked by an industry database for seven years, it may result in higher premiums.

Another factor to consider: you may want to file a claim regardless of dollar amount if someone is injured on your property, in order to protect yourself in the event that you are sued by the injured party.

1. Several factors will affect the cost of homeowners insurance, including the location, size, and contents in the home. You should consider the amount of your deductible and level of coverage before purchasing a policy. Any guarantees associated with a policy are dependent on the ability of the issuing insurance company to continue making claim payments.
2. InsuranceQuotes.com, 2022

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

 

Related Content

Dog Bites Neighbor. Now What?

Dog Bites Neighbor. Now What?

Even dogs have bad days. So, what happens when your dog bites a neighbor or passing pedestrian?

All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal

All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal

Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.

IRA Withdrawals that Escape the 10% Tax Penalty

IRA Withdrawals that Escape the 10% Tax Penalty

The list of IRA withdrawals that may be taken without incurring a 10% early penalty has grown.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

The Cost of Medical Care

Learn about the risks of not having health insurance in this informative article.

Estate Management Checklist

Is your estate in order? This short quiz may help you assess your overall strategy.

Pickleball in Retirement

Learn about the latest sport to sweep the nation with this informative article.

View all articles

What Is My Risk Tolerance?

This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.

Paying Off a Credit Card

Enter various payment options and determine how long it may take to pay off a credit card.

How Much Home Can I Afford?

With a few simple inputs you can estimate how much of a mortgage you may be able to obtain.

View all calculators

Investment Strategies for Retirement

Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.

An Inside Look at Retirement Living

A number of questions and concerns need to be addressed to help you better prepare for retirement living.

Your Cash Flow Statement

A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.

View all presentations

Questions to Consider When Buying a Vacation Home

Doing your research is key before buying a vacation home.

Bursting the Bubble

Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?

Stay Safe with a B.O.P. At Your Back

Learn about the advantages of Business Owner Policies with this highly educational and fun animated video.

View all videos