Will my homeowners insurance cancel me if I make a claim?
Asked by: River Hartmann | Last update: December 6, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (28 votes)
Will my homeowners insurance drop me if I make a claim?
A home insurer might decide against renewing a policy if you've filed numerous insurance claims. Heller said the triggers for non-renewal in this scenario differ from insurer to insurer.
Can an insurance company cancel your policy after a claim?
Some states do allow insurers to cancel a policy within the first 60 days of issue. 2 So, if a policyholder has a minor accident within that period, the insurer could cancel the policy. Most often, insurance companies cancel policies for fraud, payment default, and unregistered vehicles.
Is it bad to file a claim on homeowners insurance?
Filing a home insurance claim might make the most sense when the loss estimate is more than your deductible. Any claim, even a minor one, might lead to an increase in your home insurance premium. Having frequent or repeat claims could cause a property insurer to nonrenew your policy or view you as high-risk.
Will my homeowners insurance go up if I file a claim?
After you file a home insurance claim, it's possible that your premium will increase when your policy renews. If you file one claim, your insurance company may see you as likely to file another in the future. To offset the cost of that potential claim, your insurance company may charge you more for your policy.
If I make a claim, will my homeowners insurance be cancelled?
Is it worth claiming on home insurance?
If it's an amount you could afford to cover yourself, you might be better off not claiming rather than risking a jump in premiums. Plus, it can help to protect any no-claims discount you've built up, which can get you a better price when it comes to renewing your cover.
How long does a claim stay on your homeowners insurance?
Home insurance claims stay on your record between five and seven years. Every insurer scopes out your recent claims history as well as the claims history for the home when you switch insurance companies or purchase a new policy. This helps them price your policy.
What not to say when filing a homeowners insurance claim?
- Speculation about the Cause of Damage. Avoid making guesses or unsupported statements about what caused the damage to your property. ...
- Admitting Fault or Liability. ...
- Discussing Other Insurance Claims. ...
- Incomplete Information. ...
- Legal Threats or Litigation.
What voids homeowners insurance?
Common exclusions in even the most comprehensive homeowners policies include: earth movement, such as earthquakes; sinkholes or landslides that damage your home; water damage, such as floods or sewer back-ups that leak through a pipe or seep through the foundation causing damage to your home; damage resulting from ...
Do insurance rates go up after a claim?
An actual claim on your insurance history communicates to insurers that you carry a higher risk for future claims. As a result, your insurer will likely put a surcharge on your policy for at least three to five years — at which point, if you've stayed claim-free, you'll likely see your rates ease up.
Can my homeowners insurance cancel me?
After your policy has been in force for at least 60 days, your homeowners insurance company can only cancel your policy for a few reasons: Claim fraud. Failure to make timely payments. Omitting information or misrepresenting yourself on the policy application.
Can insurance drop you if you have an open claim?
Having an open claim doesn't prevent you from canceling or switching your auto insurance policy. Though you may have to pay a cancellation fee, ending your coverage with one company and switching to another won't impact the status of your previous claim.
How many accidents before insurance drops you?
Every insurance company sets its own benchmark for triggering a cancellation, but it is more likely that you'll face cancellation or non-renewal if you've made three or more claims within a three-year period. Most cancellations occur within the first 60 days of a policy, usually due to non-compliance.
Can I keep extra homeowners insurance claim money?
Any excess home insurance claim money is legally yours, provided that you did not commit insurance fraud to obtain the additional amount, or if your insurance company doesn't expect the funds to be returned.
How long do insurance claims stay on your record?
For minor accidents, the record retention period typically spans three years from the date of the accident. Notably, if you were not deemed at fault, it is illegal for insurance companies to increase your premiums in California.
How does home insurance work when filing a claim?
- Take pictures of the damage. First, you'll want to be sure to document any damage done to your home by taking video and pictures. ...
- Report your claim as soon as possible. ...
- Fill out the claims forms promptly. ...
- Document everything. ...
- Be present for the adjuster. ...
- Receive a settlement.
What to avoid with homeowners insurance?
- Under-Insuring Your Home. While this may seem like a no-brainer, many homeowners decide to go with the least amount of coverage available in an effort to save money. ...
- Setting Your Deductible Incorrectly. ...
- Forgetting About Discounts. ...
- Not Customizing Your Coverage.
What three 3 things does homeowners insurance cover?
- Coverage A — Dwelling.
- Coverage B — Other Structures.
- Coverage C — Personal Property.
- Coverage D — Loss of Use.
- Coverage E — Personal Liability.
- Coverage F — Medical Payments to Others.
What are two types of damage not typically covered by a person's homeowners insurance policy?
But, it's important to know that not all natural disasters are covered by homeowners insurance. For example, damage caused by earthquakes and floods are not typically covered by homeowners insurance.
How much will my homeowners insurance go up if I file a claim?
Filing a claim increases your risk in the eyes of your insurance provider, and as your risk goes up, so do your premiums. You can expect to see a rate increase of 9% to 20% per claim, though this number varies by the type of claim and the number of claims you've filed previously.
What are the negatives of making a house insurance claim?
It could increase your premiums
When determining your premiums, insurance companies consider your likelihood of filing a future claim — which could cost them money. The higher your perceived risk, the more likely you are to pay more in premiums. Your claims history tends to play a direct role.
What is the 80% rule in homeowners insurance?
The 80% rule means that an insurance company will pay the replacement cost of damage to a home as long as the owner has purchased coverage equal to at least 80% of the home's total replacement value.
Can my homeowners insurance drop me after a claim?
Filing too many claims: If you file too many claims within a short period, the insurance company may consider you a high-risk customer and may choose not to renew your policy. Non-payment of premiums: If you fail to pay your premiums on time, your insurance company may cancel your policy.
Will my homeowners insurance go up if I file a roof claim?
The truth is that filing a roof claim can indeed result in a higher insurance premium, but the extent of the increase depends on various factors. For instance, if you have filed multiple claims in the past, your insurance company may consider you a higher risk and increase your premium accordingly.
What home insurance adjusters won't tell you?
Adjusters may downplay the extent of the damage, offer lowball settlements, or employ various tactics to delay the claim settlement process. To navigate this challenge, homeowners must be prepared, well-documented, and persistent in advocating for their rights.