When a hailstorm hits, it’s natural to want to act fast. The damage might not be obvious, but the instinct to “get someone out from the insurance company to take a look” is strong. We get it.
But here's the reality: In today’s market, that approach may hurt you more than help—especially long term.
The Hidden Cost of “Just Filing a Claim”
For several consecutive years we've seen a sharp rise in property insurance rates across Wisconsin and beyond. Insurance carriers are adjusting their pricing, increasing deductibles, and narrowing coverage based not just on major losses, but also on how often clients submit claims—even if those claims are denied or result in minimal payouts.
Every claim you submit is a data point. Even if it's ultimately closed with no payment, it can still count against you when it’s time to renew. Frequency matters.
And here’s what most people don’t realize: a “zero-dollar claim” still costs the carrier real money. They often send a seasoned field adjuster, sometimes traveling hundreds of miles, to walk your roof, take photos, and write up a detailed report. That process takes hours and costs hundreds of dollars. Multiply that across thousands of similar claims, and you can see why carriers penalize claim frequency. The costs are real, even without a payout.
Additionally, carriers are extending how far back they look when assessing your claim history. What used to be a 3-year window is now stretching to 5–6 years. That means a single small claim today can linger for much longer than you might expect.
If your record shows three or more claims within that window, many carriers will consider non-renewal. For new policies, underwriting guidelines are even more restrictive. Submitting a claim today—especially for something minor—can limit your options tomorrow.
We often hear, “Well, I’ve never filed a claim before.” And while we believe relationships are important, we can't forget that at the end of the day, insurance is a one-year contract. The past doesn’t always carry as much weight as we think. Carriers are looking at what’s happening now, not what’s never happened before.
A single chargeable claim can trigger:
- Loss of "claims-free" discounts
- Additional surcharges
- Compound rate increases on top of broader inflationary trends
It’s not uncommon to see rate increases north of 30% tied to a single event.
So What Should You Do After a Hailstorm?
If you suspect hail damage, don’t call your carrier right away. Instead:
- Bring in a qualified contractor or roofer to inspect the damage and give you a written estimate.
- Send that estimate to the Claims team at Hausmann Group. We’ll review it with you and talk through whether a claim makes sense.
- If you decide to file, we’ll guide you through the process and make sure you’re set up for a smooth experience.
Why This Order Matters: Claims Come With Consequences
This part is important: Even if you file a claim first and it gets approved, you’ll still need to hire a contractor to do the work. That step isn’t optional—it’s required.
So, whether you start with a claim or start with a contractor, the contractor is still part of the process. But by starting with the contractor, you stay in control of whether a claim even makes sense in the first place.
It’s faster. It’s smarter. And it protects your long-term insurance costs.
Protecting Your Claims History Protects Your Future
Your claims history is one of the most important tools you have to control your insurance costs—and to keep access to the best carriers and coverages. Filing claims unnecessarily not only risks premium increases today, but could limit your future options if another loss happens later.
We want your insurance program to be a strategic asset—not a reactive tool. If you’re ever unsure about what to do after a storm, call Hausmann Group first. We’ll help you think it through, with your best long-term interest in mind.
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