The short answer is: It might, but often not for the reason homeowners fear.
At Colonial Roofing, we understand that the fear of a premium increase is the single biggest reason homeowners hesitate to file a claim, even when they have legitimate storm damage. Your homeowner’s insurance policy is there to protect your most valuable asset, and we want to equip you with the facts to use it wisely.
The impact a roof claim has on your premium is highly dependent on three core factors: the type of damage, your claim frequency, and your insurer’s policies regarding regional vs. individual risk.
The Critical Difference: “Act of God” vs. Negligence
Insurance companies classify claims differently, and this is the most important distinction when evaluating a potential premium hike.
1. Act of God / Catastrophic Event (Low Individual Risk)
- What it is: Damage caused by widespread, uncontrollable natural disasters, such as hail, wind, tornadoes, or hurricanes (often referred to as “perils”).
- The Impact: In many states, insurance companies are prohibited from raising your premium solely because you filed a claim for an “Act of God.” This is because the risk is considered regional—the storm affected an entire area, and the cost is spread among all policyholders in that region, not just you.
- The Caveat: While your individual rate may not be targeted, if a major storm causes thousands of claims in your area, all premiums in your zip code may increase to cover the collective cost. This increase happens regardless of whether you file a claim or not.
2. Negligence / Preventable Damage (High Individual Risk)
- What it is: Damage caused by lack of maintenance, poor upkeep, or accidental mishaps.
- Examples: A leak caused by severely clogged gutters, a roof failure due to letting moss/algae rot the decking, or interior water damage from a dishwasher overflow.
- The Impact: Claims stemming from neglect or a lack of maintenance are viewed as high individual risk. These claims are much more likely to lead to a direct and significant premium increase or, in severe cases, policy non-renewal.
The Colonial Roofing Takeaway: If a claim is clearly for storm damage verified by our inspection, you are using your policy exactly as intended, and the impact on your individual rate is often minimal or non-existent.
Four Factors That Determine the Financial Fallout
If your premium does increase, it won’t be an arbitrary decision. Insurers use specific criteria to assess your risk profile:
1. Your Claim History (The “Frequency” Flag)
Insurance companies track every claim you make on a national database called the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE).
- Single Claim: A single storm-related claim, especially after many years of claim-free coverage, is unlikely to cause a massive increase.
- Multiple Claims: Filing two or more claims (even small ones) within a short period (typically 3-5 years) is the biggest red flag. This pattern suggests to the insurer that you are a high-liability policyholder, and they will likely raise your rates or even decline to renew your policy.
2. The Cost and Severity of the Loss
A minor repair claim of $1,500 that is only slightly above your deductible will have far less impact than a total roof replacement claim of $25,000. For small claims, it is often more financially prudent to pay for the repair out of pocket to preserve your claim-free status.
3. Your Policy Type and Deductible
If your policy has a “Claims-Free Discount,” filing a claim will cause you to lose that discount, which is effectively a premium increase. Additionally, some modern policies include separate, higher deductibles specifically for wind or hail damage (often a percentage of your home’s insured value, not a fixed dollar amount). Always know your deductible before you pick up the phone.
4. The Condition of Your Old Roof
If the insurance adjuster determines your roof was already in poor condition, and the damage was simply the final straw of “wear and tear,” they may deny the claim entirely. Crucially, a denied claim still goes on your CLUE report and can still negatively impact your rates.
Our Professional Guidance: When to File and How to Proceed
We never advise filing a claim unnecessarily, but we will always advise you to protect your home. Here is a clear strategy:
1. Get a Professional Inspection FIRST
Before you contact your insurance company, call Colonial Roofing for a free, no-obligation inspection. We can definitively tell you:
- The Extent of the Damage: Is it superficial, or is it widespread, verifiable storm damage?
- The Cost of Repair: Does the repair cost significantly exceed your deductible?
- The Type of Damage: Is it a covered peril (storm) or simple wear and tear?
2. Apply the “Deductible Rule”
If the repair cost is only a few hundred dollars more than your deductible, pay for the repair yourself. You save your claim-free status, prevent a potential premium adjustment, and still get a professional repair.
3. Make the Claim Count
If our inspection confirms major storm damage that is thousands of dollars over your deductible, file the claim. That is what you pay your premium for. By installing a new, high-quality roof system (which may even qualify you for future insurance discounts), you are mitigating the long-term risk to your home and making a solid investment in its safety.
Take Control: Don’t Let Fear of Premiums Delay Protection
The primary goal of homeowner’s insurance is to restore your property after a covered loss. Don’t let the anxiety over a potential rate increase prevent you from accessing the protection you’ve already paid for, especially when dealing with major storm damage. The true cost is not a potential minor premium adjustment, but the structural damage, mold, and devaluation caused by delayed repairs. When in doubt, start with an objective, no-cost inspection from Colonial Roofing. We provide the certified documentation you need to confidently assess the claim’s viability and move forward, ensuring your roof—and your investment—is protected.
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