At HUB International, we’re here to help when life takes an unexpected turn—whether it’s a car accident, a burst pipe, or a storm-damaged roof. But one of the most important conversations we have with clients is about when not to file an insurance claim.

That might sound strange coming from your insurance advisor. After all, isn’t that what insurance is for?

Yes—but not always.

In some cases, filing a claim can do more harm than good. Higher premiums, denied renewals, and the inability to switch carriers down the road can all be unintended consequences. That’s why we tell our clients to think of the phrase we all learned as kids: Stop, Drop, and Roll.

Only now, we ask you to: Stop, Think, and Call.

Here’s what that means—and the top mistakes we see policyholders make when filing a claim.

1. Stop: You Have Time—Use It Wisely

One of the biggest myths about insurance claims is that you have to file them immediately or risk denial.

That’s not true.

You do need to report claims within a reasonable amount of time, but “reasonable” doesn’t mean within minutes or even hours. For most carriers, you have several days or even weeks—particularly for non-emergency events—to decide whether filing a claim is the right move.

Instead of reacting in the heat of the moment, take a breath. Assess the damage. Think strategically. Once a claim is filed, it’s permanent—whether it pays out or not.

2. Think: Know Your Deductible, Coverage, and Consequences

Before you file, ask yourself these four key questions:

a) What’s my deductible?
If your deductible is $1,000 and the damage is $850, there’s no payout—but the claim still appears on your record. Even a $0 payout can increase your premium at renewal.

b) Do I know the actual cost of repairs?
Too many people file a claim before getting an estimate. We advise getting a professional quote first. If the damage is only slightly above your deductible, you may prefer to pay out-of-pocket and avoid a potential rate increase.

c) Is the damage even covered?
Flooding from a river? Likely not covered under standard homeowners insurance. Damage from wear and tear? Probably excluded. Call us first—we’ll help you understand what’s covered, what’s not, and what makes sense before you contact the carrier.

d) What are the long-term consequences?
One small claim may not seem like a big deal. But multiple claims in a short time frame—even for minor issues—can cause your carrier to non-renew your policy. And other carriers will see those claims when you apply elsewhere.

3. Call: Your HUB Broker is Your Best Resource

Here’s what most people don’t realize: Your insurance company is not your advisor. Once you call your carrier and report a claim, it enters their system. Even if you later change your mind, that claim can’t be erased.

That’s why we strongly encourage you to call your HUB broker first. We’re not the insurance company—we’re your advocate. Our job is to guide you through your options and help you make the most financially sound decision.

We can:

• Help you interpret your policy
• Talk you through the pros and cons of filing
• Recommend trusted contractors for estimates
• Discuss the potential impact on your rates
• Only after we’ve done that should you file a claim—if it truly makes sense.

4. The Myth of the Deleted Claim: It Doesn’t Exist

One of the most damaging misunderstandings we see is the idea that you can “delete” a claim.

You can’t.

Even if no money is paid out, your claim history will show a $0 claim—which often raises red flags for underwriters. Too many of these and you may be seen as a high-risk policyholder, which limits your future options and raises your costs.

In fact, one of the biggest risks of claim filing is what we call “frequency over severity.” A few small claims can be more harmful than one large claim. Why? Because carriers interpret frequency as a pattern of risk.

5. Examples of When NOT to File a Claim

To help make this real, here are a few common scenarios where filing a claim might not be in your best interest:

Auto Insurance: Fender Bender in a Parking Lot

• Estimated damage: $700
• Deductible: $1,000
• Verdict: Don’t file. You’ll pay for everything out-of-pocket and still take a hit to your record.

Homeowners Insurance: Minor Water Leak Under Sink

• Estimated damage: $1,200
• Deductible: $1,000
• Verdict: Possibly worth filing—but talk to your broker first. That $200 payout could cost you more in premium increases over time.

Storm Damage to Fence

• Estimated damage: $900
• Deductible: $1,000
• Verdict: Not covered or not worth filing. Self-pay and protect your claims history.

6. When You SHOULD File a Claim

Of course, there are many times when filing a claim is absolutely appropriate—and encouraged:

• A major accident where someone is injured
• Significant property damage that exceeds your deductible by thousands
• A fire, theft, or total loss scenario
• Liability concerns where someone could sue

When in doubt, ask yourself: Is this the kind of event I bought insurance for? If the answer is yes, don’t hesitate—call us, and we’ll help you file correctly.

Final Thoughts: Be Strategic, Not Reactionary

At HUB, we understand that accidents happen. But we also know that not every mishap warrants an insurance claim. Think of your insurance policy as a financial tool—not a piggy bank.

That’s why we say: Stop, Think, and Call.

1. Stop before you file.
2. Think about your options and consequences.
3. Call your HUB Personal Lines broker to help you make the smartest decision.

Need Advice Right Now?

Contact a HUB Advisor like me before you file. We’re here to help you protect not just your assets—but your long-term financial well-being.