What makes a home insurance claim worth filing, and what doesn’t?

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.