At Sharp Family Insurance here in Hot Springs, Arkansas, one of the most common questions we hear is:
“If I file an insurance claim, will my rates go up?”
The answer? Sometimes yes… sometimes no.
We know—super helpful, right?
But don’t worry. We break it all down for you in this quick video. Watch it below and keep reading for more local insight on how different types of claims affect your car and home insurance rates.
Watch Now: Will a Claim Raise Your Insurance Rates?
Sharp Family Insurance | Hot Springs, AR
Auto Insurance in Arkansas: What Claims Actually Affect Your Rate?
Not all car insurance claims are created equal. Here’s how they typically break down:
Collision Claims = Higher Premiums
Examples:
- Backing into your garage
- Hitting a mailbox
- Door dinging someone in a parking lot
Even if no one else is involved, these are at-fault claims and are typically subject to your collision deductible. They stay on your record for five years, although their impact starts fading after three.
Comprehensive Claims = Usually No Premium Increase
These include:
- Hitting a deer
- Hail damage
- Theft or vandalism
- Fire or flood
Since these are acts of nature or out-of-your-control events, they usually don’t cause your rates to go up—unless you file a lot of them in a short time (like five windshield claims in one year).
Homeowners Insurance in Hot Springs: What You Need to Know
Home claims are a little different, but the general rule is similar.
Claims That Typically Don’t Raise Rates:
- Wind and hail damage
- Fallen trees due to storms
- Ice and snow issues
These are all considered non-preventable events and are common in Arkansas.
Claims That Can Raise Rates:
- Fire damage
- Water damage from leaks
These may be seen as preventable or maintenance-related, which could lead to a premium hike.
The Sneaky Danger of Zero-Pay Claims
Here’s something most people don’t realize:
Even if your claim is denied and nothing is paid out, it still goes on your loss history.
Let’s say a roofer knocks on your door and says, “Hey, you’ve got hail damage.” You file a claim, and the adjuster comes out… only to say there’s no damage.
Boom. You’ve now got a zero-pay claim sitting on your history—which can still hurt you later, especially if you need to switch carriers.
Call Us First—Seriously
Before you file any claim—auto or home—give us a call first. We’ll walk you through the pros, cons, and fine print so you can make the best decision.
We’re your local experts here in Hot Springs, and we’re just a quick call away.
Call us at (501)547-9474.