by Guest » Thu Mar 24, 2016 02:15 am
I have been considering changing insurance companies (auto and homeowners) since I need to insure my daughter who will soon have a drivers license. I think I can get a better rate from a different insurance company. However, a recent storm damaged our roof and likely needs to be replaced. Should I submit a claim with my current insurance company and then shop around for a better rate for auto & homeowners insurance? Or vice versa...change insurance companies to get a better rate and then submit a claim for my roof? Or is there some other (better) option I should consider?
If it makes any difference, I live in Alabama, have 2 older vehicles to insure and my house is 3600 square feet with a steep roof (meaning I can't replace the roof myself!).
If it makes any difference, I live in Alabama, have 2 older vehicles to insure and my house is 3600 square feet with a steep roof (meaning I can't replace the roof myself!).
Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2016 02:15 pm Post Subject:
It's possible (depends on the insurance company) that the carrier that you file a claim with will report the claim to a national database. Any new carrier will then see this claim and might increase your quote. To that affect, the new carrier's application will probably ask if you've had any claims or damages recently. If you get a new carrier, cancel the old one and then report the claim to the old carrier they are going to wonder if the loss occurred after the policy was cancelled. I'd at least recommend you document the damages as soon as possible.
I can't really help you with when to report the claim.
Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 05:42 pm Post Subject:
Most policies will state that you notify your insurance company of damages within a timely manner. I do not think that waiting is going to help your situation, however it could potentially harm your claim. Had you have not been aware of the damages, they would hopefully understand your reason for the late filed claim, however as you are clearly aware of the damages you may run into problems. Also, depending on how bad the damage is, there is a good chance that your new insurance company would find it during their inspection and require you to fix the issue.
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