Last updated 2025-08-29
Look‑back periods
Many insurers evaluate the last five years of losses. Weather‑only claims often weigh less than non‑weather losses like water damage or liability.
Claims that matter most
- Water (non‑weather): Pipe leaks, appliance failures—often heavily surcharged or restricted after multiple events.
- Liability: Slip/fall or dog bite—carriers scrutinize ongoing risk factors.
- Theft: May indicate neighborhood risk; mitigation can help.
Surcharge patterns
Multiple recent losses can move you to a different underwriting tier. Some carriers also raise deductibles or require specific repairs before renewal.
How to mitigate
- Address root causes (e.g., plumbing updates, leak sensors).
- Improve premises safety; document remediation.
- Bundle home/auto for potential pricing offsets.
Explore how Claims in last 5 years changes our estimate on the estimator.
FAQs
Do weather claims always raise my rate?
Less than non‑weather claims, but frequency matters. Some carriers ignore a single weather loss over a longer horizon.
Will an old claim still hurt me?
Most carriers age out surcharges after the look‑back period if no additional losses occur.