Ralph
Well-Known Member
As pointed out by @SwampNut you can choose to take a discount to avoid any claim whatsoever. Each event would have to be evaluated against that discount to determine whether claiming that event is financially sound.My home owner's insurance, obviously a bit difference than car insurance, has a "frequent" claim penalty clause. Our area had a hailstorm that damage a lot of roofs. Erie Insurance came to me unsolicited (I didn't see any damage), wanting to inspect my roof for damage. THEY decided they wanted to replace it due to a few hail dimples, to avoid future water infiltration claim possibilities. $13,000 later I had a new roof, fully paid by them.
About 3 weeks later, I got a letter from them saying if I filed another claim for anything within 2 years, my rate would go up 30%. a second claim - up 50%, 3 or more claims up 100%.
So yeah, you can be penalized for using your insurance even if it is an "act of God".
But....as you point out, in your homeowners example, the other party is "god", who cannot/will not be re-imbursing a claim. Not at all the same as the OP.
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