Does filing an insurance claim after a recent storm cause my rates to go up?

Insurance premiums are a crucial aspect of homeowner's insurance and are determined by various factors such as the location, age of the property, and type of coverage. It is a common misconception that filing a claim for damage to your roof due to a storm will result in higher insurance premiums. However, this is not the case as insurance companies are not legally allowed to raise rates for legitimate claims.

When you purchase homeowner's insurance, you are paying for the coverage of specific perils, such as natural disasters or theft. The purpose of insurance is to protect you financially in the event of a loss, and when you file a claim, you are using the coverage you paid for. It is not uncommon for homeowners to need to file claims for damages resulting from storms, fires, or other events covered by their insurance.

Insurance companies are regulated by state insurance departments, and they are not allowed to increase rates arbitrarily or unjustly. In most states, insurance companies are only allowed to raise rates if there is a change in the overall risk of insuring your home. For example, if the overall risk of insuring homes in your area has increased, the insurance company may be allowed to raise rates for all policyholders in that area. However, they cannot raise rates solely because you have filed a claim.

It is important to note that if the insurance company determines that the damage to your roof was due to poor maintenance or neglect, they may be able to deny the claim. In such a case, your premiums may increase if the insurance company views you as a higher-risk policyholder.

In conclusion, if you file a legitimate claim for damage to your roof due to a storm, your insurance premiums should not increase. Insurance companies are legally required to act in good faith and cannot raise rates arbitrarily. If you have any concerns about the handling of your claim contact CCC to have one of our trained insurance professionals assist you with your insurance claim process.