Yeah, seen that happen more than once. Couple quick points from experience:
- Small claims under $1k usually aren't worth the premium hike.
- Had a tenant file for minor fence damage after a storm... premiums jumped nearly 20% next renewal.
- Always better to crunch numbers first—sometimes paying out-of-pocket saves you money long-term.
Insurance companies aren't charities; they'll get their money back somehow.
"Always better to crunch numbers first—sometimes paying out-of-pocket saves you money long-term."
Definitely agree with this. Learned the hard way after a branch smashed part of my gutter during a storm. The repair was just over $500, and I almost filed a claim before doing the math. Glad I didn't... a neighbor had similar damage, filed a claim, and ended up paying way more in premiums over the next couple years. Insurance is handy for big hits, but small stuff usually isn't worth it.
Yeah, smart move skipping the claim. Insurance companies always get their money back one way or another. Had a similar thing happen with a fence repair—paid cash, no regrets. Save insurance for when it's really gonna hurt your wallet.
Yeah, makes sense to skip the claim if it's just minor stuff. Last year, had some shingles blown off and a gutter dangling after a storm...got a quote from insurance, but after factoring in the deductible and potential rate hikes, it wasn't worth it. Ended up paying out of pocket—hurt a bit at first, but definitely saved me headaches down the road. Insurance is great for disasters, but smaller repairs? Better to bite the bullet and keep the premiums reasonable.
"Insurance is great for disasters, but smaller repairs? Better to bite the bullet and keep the premiums reasonable."
Yeah, learned this lesson myself when a branch took out part of my fence. DIY’d it over a weekend—wasn't perfect, but cheaper than dealing with insurance hassle and rate bumps.
