Will Filing An Insurance Claim Raise My Rates?

Will Filing An Insurance Claim Raise My Rates?

Filing an insurance claim can be a stressful experience, especially if you're concerned about how it might affect your insurance rates.

Many policyholders worry that their rates will increase after they file a claim, but the truth is that the relationship between insurance claims and rates is more complicated than a simple cause-and-effect.

As a policyholder, it is important to understand how filing a claim can affect your premium rates. This knowledge can help you make informed decisions about when to file a claim and how to minimize the impact on your insurance premium.

In this blog post, we will explore if your insurance will go up if you file a claim and the types of insurance claims and what makes them go up.

Before filing a claim, it is important to understand your insurance policy and the type of coverage you have. Different types of insurance, such as home insurance, car insurance, etc., have different levels of coverage and can affect insurance premium rates in different ways.

However, it is also crucial to note that even when you understand your insurance policy and the perils it covers, some insurance companies may still look for ways to deny your claim. So when that happens, know that there's help available.

At Voss Law Firm, we offer the help you need. We'll assist you till you get every compensation you deserve. All you need to do is reach out to us today at 1-888-614-7730 for a free consultation.

Will My Insurance Rate Go Up If I File A Claim? Filing an insurance claim may increase your insurance premium. This is because insurance companies consider claims history when determining a policyholder's risk level and setting their premium.

If you file multiple claims or have a history of frequent claims, your insurance company may see you as a higher risk and raise your rates to compensate for that risk.

Additionally, the impact on your insurance premium will vary depending on several factors, such as the type and amount of the claim, your overall claims history, and the specific insurance company you have coverage with. In some cases, a single small claim may not result in a rate increase, while multiple larger claims could result in a significant premium increase.

Now, having said that, let's take a look at the types of insurance claims that could increase your rates.

Types Of Insurance Claims That Result In Increase In Rates

1. Home Insurance Claim

Your home is probably the most valuable thing you own and you need to protect it at all costs. Filing a home insurance claim can have an impact on your insurance rates. This is also dependent on the type of claim being filed.

For example, if the claim was the result of a natural disaster, such as a tornado or hurricane, your insurance company may not increase your rates. On the other hand, if the claim was due to homeowner negligence, such as a leaky roof or a burst pipe, your rates may go up.

Another factor that comes into play is your claim history. If you have a history of making multiple claims in a short period of time, your insurance company may view you as a high-risk policyholder and increase your rates accordingly.

It's also worth noting that, depending on your circumstances, your home insurance premiums may not rise at all. If you have a clean claims history, your insurance company may be more likely to keep your rates stable.

However, there are some factors that can affect your home insurance rates. It is important to understand these factors in order to make informed decisions about your insurance coverage. Here they are:

• Location

The location of your home can play a major role in determining your insurance rates. If your home is located in an area that is prone to natural disasters, such as hurricanes or earthquakes, or if it is located in a high-crime area, your rates may be higher due to the increased risk of damage to your property. On the other hand, if your home is located in a low-risk area with a low likelihood of natural disasters or crime, your rates may be lower.

• The Age And Condition Of Your Home

The age and condition of your home can also affect your rates. Older homes that are in need of repairs or renovations may be considered a higher risk, which can result in higher insurance rates. On the other hand, well-maintained homes that are in good condition may be considered lower risk, which can result in lower rates.

• Credit Score

Your credit score can also play a role in determining your home insurance rates. Many insurance companies use credit scores as a factor in their underwriting process, and a good credit score can indicate a lower risk of default on your insurance payments. As a result, those with higher credit scores may be able to secure lower rates.

• Coverage Limits And Deductibles

The amount of coverage you choose, as well as the size of your deductibles, can also affect your rates. Higher coverage limits and lower deductibles will generally result in higher rates, as they increase the amount of protection your insurance company provides. On the other hand, lower coverage limits and higher deductibles can result in lower rates, as they decrease the amount of protection your insurance company provides.

2. Car Insurance Claim

A car accident can elicit a wide range of emotions. It can be tense and frightening. It is not something you'll even wish on your worst enemy and before filing a claim, the one question on your mind might be: "Will my insurance claim go up after this?" The answer is yes, depending on the nature of the accident.

For example, suppose you were in a minor fender-bender and the repairs were only a few hundred dollars. Your insurance company may not raise your rates in this case because the claim was minor and unlikely to indicate a pattern of risky driving behavior.

However, if you were involved in a major accident that resulted in several thousands of dollars in damage, your insurance company might view you as a higher risk and increase your rates accordingly. Additionally, if you have a history of making multiple claims in a short period of time, your insurance company might assume that you're a high-risk driver, which could also lead to higher rates.

3. Health Insurance Claim

Whether or not your insurance premium rates will increase after filing a health insurance claim also varies. For example, if you have an indemnity health insurance policy, which pays a set amount for each covered service, your rates are unlikely to increase as a result of filing a claim. With an indemnity policy, you pay a monthly premium and are responsible for paying out-of-pocket expenses, such as deductibles, up to an annual limit.

However, if you have a managed care policy, such as a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), your rates may increase if you file a claim.

Contact Our Experienced Texas-Based Attorneys

If you disagree with your insurance company's decision regarding coverage or payment of a claim, or if your insurance company only pays a portion of your insurance claim, know that there's help available.

At Voss Law Firm here in Texas, our experienced insurance claim attorneys will fight for you till you get every benefit you deserve. Reach out to us today at 1-888-614-7730 for a free consultation.