Will filing a claim raise my premium?

It depends on the claim, your carrier, and your history.

What usually does not raise rates. A single not-at-fault auto claim, a comprehensive claim like a windshield, or a one-time small property claim with no fault on your part. Most carriers also offer some form of accident forgiveness for long-tenured policyholders.

What usually does raise rates. At-fault auto accidents, claims with bodily injury, multiple claims within a 3-5 year window, and any claim suggesting underlying risk (multiple water damage incidents, multiple theft claims).

The economic question. Even a claim that raises your rate can be worth filing if the loss is well above your deductible. A $10,000 hail loss is worth filing; a $1,200 fender-bender on a $1,000 deductible policy might not be. We do this math with you before you file.

How long a claim affects your rate. Most carriers look back 3 to 5 years when pricing a renewal. A claim filed today will typically stop affecting your premium once it ages out of that window, provided no additional claims follow it.

Best practice. Call your agent before filing any claim where you are uncertain. An informal inquiry about coverage often does not appear on your CLUE history, a formal claim always does.