Read This First
Before You Submit a Claim — Please Read
If you’ve experienced damage to your vehicle, home, or business, we understand this can be stressful. Before submitting an insurance claim, it’s important to take a moment to understand how claims work and what factors may affect your policy.
Every situation is different. While we can’t provide a single answer that applies to everyone, the information below can help you make a more informed decision.
Common Questions Clients Ask
After a loss, many clients wonder:
- Should I submit a claim or handle this myself?
- Will filing a claim affect my premium?
- Could my policy be non-renewed?
- Who should I contact first?
These are all reasonable questions — and the answers depend on several factors.
Important Factors to Consider Before Filing a Claim
1. The Size of the Loss
Insurance is designed to help protect against significant losses. In many cases, the decision of whether to submit a claim matters most for smaller losses, especially those close to your deductible.
For larger losses, submitting a claim is usually appropriate. For smaller losses, it may help to review the situation carefully first.
2. Your Deductible
Your deductible is the amount you are responsible for paying out of pocket before insurance applies.
If the total damage is less than your deductible, submitting a claim typically won’t result in a payment. If the damage is only slightly higher than your deductible, the amount paid by the insurance company may be limited.
In these situations, it’s worth understanding the full picture before deciding how to proceed.
3. Property Damage vs. Injuries
This distinction is very important.
- Property damage only: In some cases, paying for minor damage out of pocket may be an option.
- Any injury involved: Always report the claim promptly. Even minor injuries can lead to legal or medical issues later. Failing to report an injury claim right away may create coverage or defense issues in the future.
If someone was injured, it’s generally best to notify the insurance company immediately.
4. Insurance Company Guidelines
Every insurance company has its own underwriting rules, claims practices, and rate plans. Similar claims may be handled differently depending on the carrier and the type of policy.
Some companies adjust pricing after claims, while others may review eligibility for renewal based on claims history, within the limits of state law.
5. State Insurance Laws
State laws help define when and how a policy may be canceled or non-renewed. These protections vary by line of insurance and by situation.
Personal insurance and business insurance are often governed by different rules, which can affect how claims are treated.
Talk With Us Before Filing
If you’re unsure whether to submit a claim, we encourage you to contact our office first. We can help explain how your policy works and discuss general considerations related to your situation so you can make an informed decision.
Our role is to help guide you through the process and answer questions before you take the next step.
Next Steps
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Review the information above
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If you have questions, contact our office
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If appropriate, we can help direct you to the correct claims contact for your carrier
We’re here to help you understand your options and navigate the claims process with clarity and confidence.
Ready to File a Claim?
If you’ve reviewed the information above and are ready to move forward, you can submit your claim directly with your insurance carrier.
👉 Find Your Insurance Company’s Claims Information
If you’re unsure who your carrier is or need help locating the correct claims contact, please contact our office and we’ll be happy to assist.
Important: Insurance coverage cannot be added, deleted, or changed until confirmed in writing from our office.
