r/Insurance • u/jg23678 • 6d ago
Scared to file claim
I am looking at potentially having to file my third claim within 5 years. Actually within 3 years.
The first was a major power outage and I stupidly followed the advice of others and they sent me a check to replace spoiled food. I didn't really realize this was a claim or I never would have done this. (2024)
Second, my husband had someone convince him to come make a claim for new siding after hail damage. (2025)
Now, my mom flooded my bathroom and there's water coming through the first floor. I am praying this is just a few thousand and we will pay it. But if its major damage we won't have a choice but to make a claim. I am sick and just so bummed for making the other two claims.
Will we be dropped if we make another claim?
Update, it looks like the damage isn't so bad and we will pay out of pocket. So many reddit trolls here just to insult me on a seriously bad day. You don't know what you don't know.. and now I know.
I'll never be as lame as people who spend their time on reddit trying to make people feel bad.
2
u/WhyNotPal 5d ago
Independent Agent here. Yes, you are not in a good position. 3 claims in 5 years probably means you'll have to go to surplus lines for a year or two. Most of the horror stories you hear about insurance comes from surplus lines companies. It is however a better situation than no insurance. How you look at this claim should be different than your first claim. The math has changed. This claim will push into a bracket that is more costly with inferior coverage. If you have a 1k deductible and the cost to repair is 3 or 4k I fix it myself. You'll pay that much more in future insurance cost. If it's 20k than you make the claim and deal with the consequences. With my customers I always advise getting all the information before you make a claim. How much are repairs, how much are you going to realize after the deductible. I've seen too many small/zero claims followed by a real claim result in non-renewal.