Should You Make a Home Insurance Claim?

Seeking reimbursement from your insurer could help cover damage, but it may come with lasting consequences

David Rodeck,

AARP

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Published May 12, 2026

dollar bills floating off a house like they are parts of a roof

Michelle Kondrich

Key takeaways

Filing a home insurance claim can raise premiums, increase deductibles or cost you opportunities for discounts.
Generally, you want to file a claim only if the cost of repairs exceeds your deductible.
Claims typically remain on your insurance record for five to seven years.

You pay for home insurance with the expectation that the insurer will help cover the costs when something happens to your property. So when something does go wrong — say, damage from a fire or a hurricane — it’s natural to think that filing a claim is the next step.

However, it may not be the right move.

“From an insurance industry perspective, every claim, large or small, signals an increased likelihood of future losses,” says Loretta Worters, vice president of media relations at the Insurance Information Institute, an industry group. As a result, filing a claim may lead to higher premiums or other less favorable terms when you go to renew your policy.

Asking yourself these questions can help you decide whether it makes sense to file a home insurance claim and, if so, how to proceed.

Does my policy actually cover the damage?

Start by looking at whether your insurance covers the type of damage that was done. While standard home insurance typically covers disasters like fire, windstorms and lightning, as well as robberies and vandalism, some events may not be covered.

A standard home insurance policy does not cover damage from earthquakes or flooding. You need to buy separate policies to protect against these specific risks.

Normal wear and tear, and problems that develop over time due to lack of maintenance, are also usually excluded. “Mold growth and moisture issues that seep through foundation walls are the big ones. Those claims are almost always denied,” says Brendan Steinbrecher, founder of Tiger Adjusters, a business that guides homeowners through the claims process.

If you’re not sure whether your insurance covers a certain type of damage, check your policy’s terms or ask your insurance agent.

How much will the repairs cost compared with my deductible?

If your damage is covered, the next step is to evaluate your deductible — the amount you have to pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. Deductibles for standard homeowners insurance typically run between $500 and $2,000, according to a NerdWallet analysis, though the amount can vary depending on a policy’s coverage limits.

Generally, you want to file a claim only if the cost of repairs exceeds your deductible. Even then, think twice if the full cost is something you can cover out of pocket. You might save money in the long run, as filing a claim could cause your insurer to raise your deductible when your policy is up for renewal (more on that below).

“Industry professionals generally recommend filing only when repair costs are at least two to three times higher than the deductible,” says Worters.

Another factor to consider: “Even a small claim can eliminate discounts, like claims-free or safe homeowner credits, and end up costing more in the long run,” says Erika Tortorici, owner of Optimum Insurance Solutions, an insurance agency based in South Hamilton, Massachusetts.

For example, USAA reduces home insurance premiums by up to 15 percent for policyholders who go five years without a claim. In most states, State Farm offers a 5 to 20 percent discount for policyholders who go three to five years without a claim, and Amica offers a 3 to 8 percent discount for policyholders who go three years without a claim.

Could filing a claim raise my policy’s premiums?

When you file a claim, insurers consider what it suggests about your future risk as a policyholder. A single claim doesn’t automatically mean your rate will jump, but it could lead to a higher premium — and possibly a higher deductible — when it’s time to renew your policy.

“Premium impact varies by insurer, state and the nature of the loss, but generally, a single claim can raise premiums anywhere from 10 to 30 percent,” says Worters.

In addition, filing a claim would most likely lead your insurer to send an adjuster to assess the damage to your home. This is a routine step, but the visit might uncover maintenance issues or signs of neglect that could impact future coverage decisions.

Have I filed other claims recently?

If you’ve made other claims in the past three years, insurers may be more likely to view a new one as part of a pattern rather than an isolated incident, says Beth Swanson, an insurance analyst at The Zebra, an insurance comparison marketplace.

“Insurance companies are less comfortable when they see several claims filed close together,” she says.

Multiple claims within a short period could lead to a closer review at the end of your policy and increase the risk that your insurer won’t offer to renew it, says Worters. Claims typically remain on your insurance record for five to seven years, depending on the database an insurer uses to pull your report.

How to speed up a home insurance claim

If you determine that filing a claim makes sense, a few steps can help prevent unnecessary delays and get your claim processed and paid sooner.

Don’t dawdle. This is especially important because policies limit how much time you have to file a claim, with some insurers requiring policyholders to do so within 30 days of an incident.

Document everything. Create an itemized list of what’s been damaged. Swanson also recommends taking “plenty of videos and photos of the damage” before you make any repairs. With documentation, insurers can verify what happened and settle your claim faster. (For theft or vandalism, you’ll also need to file a police report and provide it to your insurer when you file the claim.)

Prepare for the adjuster’s visit. Make sure the damaged areas are accessible. Also, be present during the inspection — you can point out damage the adjuster might overlook, reducing the need for return visits.

Be responsive. Your insurer may have questions. Respond promptly to calls or emails from them, and keep a record of all conversations, including dates and what was discussed. You may need these records if there’s an issue with your claim, like a denial or a low payout.

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The key takeaways were created with the assistance of generative AI. An AARP editor reviewed and refined the content for accuracy and clarity.

David Rodeck is a writer based in New York City. He has written for Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, Forbes Advisor and Investopedia. Before becoming a full-time writer, Rodeck was a financial advisor.