There was a day when the answer to this question would have been “no”. Today, insurance carriers have very sophisticated rating programs that may include surcharges or renewal rating variables that may include prior claims activity. That is not to suggest that all companies utilize this practice. Some do not. For those companies where claim history is a factor, the rating program may involve the following caveats:

• Forgiveness for the first claim.
• Base surcharges on the amount of the claim. (larger losses, higher surcharge)
• Base surcharges on the type of claim (IE: maintenance related losses vs. those a homeowner would have no control over)
• Remove or reduce the surcharge for claims free experience over a period of years.

For some programs, home insurance rating techniques have adopted much of what auto insurance carriers have implemented for years. And, the level of sophistication is such that the calculations may not be visible to your agent or company representative. What’s one to do? The practice of using insurance to transfer the risk of loss for those type of claims you otherwise could not absorb, is best practice. Take the highest deductible you can reasonably afford and use your insurance for only those types of losses you can’t finance yourself. Have additional questions about your Homeowners Insurance? We LOVE to help! Feel welcome to stop in and see us or call 607-324-7500 This article originally appeared at https://www.quora.com/Does-wind-hail-storm-damage-claims-increase-my-homeowner-insurance-premium