Claims

Not every insurance claim is treated equally by providers.

A "good" claim usually involves substantial damage or financial loss, such as fire, severe storm damage, or major water damage from burst pipes, and is typically worth filing because the payout significantly exceeds your deductible. On the other hand, a "bad" claim may result in increased premiums without offering much benefit. These often involve minor issues like small cosmetic repairs or frequent low-cost claims that could flag you as high risk to insurers. If in doubt, consult your agent before filing.

If the cost of repairs is close to or just above your deductible, it may be smarter to pay out-of-pocket to avoid a premium hike.

Filing too many small claims in a short timeframe can increase your insurance costs or even affect your eligibility for coverage.