When Not to File a Homeowner’s Insurance Claim (And When You Absolutely Should)
After Austin’s most recent devastating windstorm—trees toppled, roofs torn open, and widespread power outages—you might be wondering:
“Should I file a claim with my homeowner’s insurance?”
We’ve been hearing this from neighbors, clients, and even fellow agents who are facing water intrusion, broken skylights, and significant exterior damage. And the truth is: while insurance is there to protect you, filing a claim isn’t always the smartest move—especially if you plan to sell your home in the next few years.
Here’s what you need to know before making a decision.
✅ When to File a Claim
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Major structural damage – If your home is no longer safe, your roof is breached, or large-scale flooding has occurred, file a claim immediately. Your priority should always be safety and stopping further damage.
Repair costs significantly exceed your deductible – For example, if your deductible is $2,500 and repairs are estimated at $10,000, that may be worth filing. -
You risk further loss – Delaying repairs could allow mold, rot, or interior collapse to take hold—making your situation worse and more expensive.
🚫 When to Think Twice About Filing
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Cosmetic or minor damage – Bent gutters, light roof shingle loss, or downed tree limbs that didn’t impact the structure may not justify a claim.
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Cost of repairs is close to or under your deductible – In many cases, insurance won’t pay unless you exceed that threshold—and you’ll still have a claim on your record.
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You’ve made previous claims in the past 3–5 years – Insurance carriers view your claim history (through a national database called a CLUE report). Multiple claims, even small ones, can increase your premiums or make you uninsurable altogether.
📉 Keith’s Warning: Claims—even small ones—can haunt your record. We’ve seen deals fall through because of a home’s "CLUE report" (a record of past insurance claims).
🛠 Before You File: Let Us Help You Assess First
You don't have to go it alone. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make after a storm is rushing into a claim without knowing the real scope—or cost—of the damage.
That’s why we offer access to trusted local contractors who can assess your home before you make any decisions. These are people we’ve worked with for years—roofers, inspectors, plumbers, and general contractors—who will give you a fair, honest estimate. With that information in hand, you can weigh whether it’s worth filing, paying out of pocket, or simply monitoring for now.
Let us help you get clarity first—before calling your insurance company.
💡 Other Tips Homeowners Should Know
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Take photos of all visible damage before cleanup. This includes your roof, walls, floors, windows, yard, and any fallen trees. Documentation is crucial.
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Temporary fixes are allowed – You’re allowed (and expected) to prevent further damage while waiting on a claim. Just keep your receipts for reimbursement.
Ask your carrier how a claim will affect your premiums. Some insurers are transparent about future rate impacts—ask before you commit.
Final Thoughts
We don’t just sell homes—we help you protect your investment. And after a major storm like this, we know how overwhelming it can feel to sort through next steps.
If you’re uncertain about what to do, don’t guess. Reach out to us—we’ll help coordinate a damage assessment, talk through the pros and cons of filing a claim, and connect you with people you can trust.
You deserve peace of mind—and we’re here to help you get it.
~ Trigaci Stiles Group
