Not all claims will count against you.

I had a claim for sump backup damage after Irene last year and my rate has not changed, and in fact, I still receive a Claim-Free Discount on my homeowners' policy.

The adjustor typically works for the insurance company. They have a vested interest in paying no more then absolutely necessary if they can. Feel free to just do whatever they recommend. I'd still get a 2nd and/or 3rd opinions from someone who uses their hands to do more than just pick up a clipboard, pencil, paper, and a tape measure.

You could say the same about figuring the cost of replacing shingles on a roof. Like I said not rocket science and the cost of shingles and labor is well known by insurance companies.

You obviously don't know or have never had a substantial loss. The "pencil pusher" is actually a trained adjuster knowledgeable in the damage he or she is looking for.

Careful in MA. Inquiries, for some reason count as claims. Whether you actually get a check for the damage or not. Two claims and they cancel your policy, and your stuck going on the state plan, which is expensive.

If it's close to your deductible, don't even cal them.

If it's close to your deductible, don't even cal them.

Governors Promote Lower Deductibles for Homeowners

That's fine but be prepared for big rate increases on your homeowners policies.

Are you positive your policy covers your fence? Better check as mine doesn't.

Are you positive your policy covers your fence? Better check as mine doesn't.

After Sandy: Tips on filing home insurance claims

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In addition, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island and 15 other states let insurers include deductibles in their homeowners' insurance policies in the event of a hurricane. Such deductibles vary from 1 percent to 5 percent of the insured value of the home. But each state makes its own determination on whether a storm will trigger those deductibles, so check with your state department of insurance to see if that will be a factor in your coverage.

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The insurance company isn't going to do shit cause it'll cost them money.

I'd suggest you to get a couple of contractors over to give you an idea of any issues they may see.

The problem is.. I have no idea if there's any hidden structural damage. To be safe (and cover my a$$ should something come up in the future) I called my agent. The insurance company will send someone out to inspect things. Obviously I'm not going to go through with a claim unless they find something substantial.

Another advantage to filing a claim is that since the tree did hit your house homeowners insurance will also cover his removal. If it didn't hit the house they wouldn't. Just that cost should more than cover your deductible so everything else will be repaired without additional costs to you.

I know this article is a little old but it might be relevant today about C.L.U.E. (comprehensive loss underwriting exchange. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any details if you don't file a claim if you are still marked in the C.L.U.E. database.

You may want to have a contractor inspect the damage first and let you know. This way you'd know what you are looking at before you called your carrier. So far it looks to be a stump removal, some grass and your gutter. Probably close to your $500 deductible.

Another advantage to filing a claim is that since the tree did hit your house homeowners insurance will also cover his removal. If it didn't hit the house they wouldn't. Just that cost should more than cover your deductible so everything else will be repaired without additional costs to you.

If your rates sky rocket it's going to happen even if you don't contact them. If the rates go up it's going to be an increase for everyone in your area as a group and not on an individual basis.

I can't even afford a $1000 deductible policy anymore.

They have forced everyone in Texas to take a 1%, 2% or more % deductible through pricing.

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In addition, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island and 15 other states let insurers include deductibles in their homeowners' insurance policies in the event of a hurricane. Such deductibles vary from 1 percent to 5 percent of the insured value of the home. But each state makes its own determination on whether a storm will trigger those deductibles, so check with your state department of insurance to see if that will be a factor in your coverage.

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Insurance companies have taken a bath with Katrina and more recent events. They're very touchy about claims. At one point I read they were dropping people who even inquired about filing a claim.

Your $500 deductible will probably cover the cost of fixing the gutter and removing the stump. I'd save the claim for when you really need it, like when the house burns down or the roof blows off.

Insurance companies have taken a bath with Katrina and more recent events. They're very touchy about claims. At one point I read they were dropping people who even inquired about filing a claim.

Your $500 deductible will probably cover the cost of fixing the gutter and removing the stump. I'd save the claim for when you really need it, like when the house burns down or the roof blows off.

They won't raise your rate but you might lose a discount. I get a 10% annual discount for no claims in the last 5 years. I wouldn't put in a claim unless it was going to cost over $1,000 to fix. It can't hurt to call them and ask though.

They won't raise your rate but you might lose a discount. I get a 10% annual discount for no claims in the last 5 years. I wouldn't put in a claim unless it was going to cost over $1,000 to fix. It can't hurt to call them and ask though.