How Claim Frequency Affects Your Home Insurance Rates in Oklahoma City

When Bryce bought his first home in a quiet Oklahoma City neighborhood, he took comfort in knowing he had a solid home insurance policy in place. The first year, a summer storm knocked a tree onto his fence. He filed a claim.

​That winter, a burst pipe in his laundry room led to water damage. Another claim. The following spring, hail cracked a few shingles on his roof. One more claim.

By the time his renewal notice came around, Bryce was shocked. His premium had jumped hundreds of dollars. When he called his insurance company, they explained: "It's not just what you claim. It's how often."

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Understanding How Home Insurance Claims Work

Filing a claim isn’t always a straightforward decision. Yes, homeowners insurance exists to help pay for repairs after damage. But every time you file a claim, your insurance company takes note—and the more frequently you file, the riskier you appear to them.

What Insurers Look At

Your insurance company evaluates several factors to set your premium, and claim frequency is high on the list. Here’s what they consider:
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• Number of claims within a specific timeframe (usually three to five years)
• Type of damage (water damage tends to raise more concern than wind or theft)
• Total cost of claims
• Whether claims were denied or paid

Claims That Could Raise a Red Flag

Not all claims are viewed equally. If you live in Oklahoma City, where wind and hail are common, insurers might expect an occasional weather-related claim. But certain claims are more likely to trigger higher insurance premiums or even a non-renewal:
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• Repeated water damage claims
• Liability claims (like dog bites or slip-and-fall incidents)
• Small claims filed frequently
• Claims for issues that could be tied to poor maintenance

When Filing Makes Sense (and When It Might Not)

Before picking up the phone to call your insurance provider, ask yourself these questions:

• Is the cost of damage significantly higher than your deductible?
• Is this a one-time incident, or part of a larger pattern?
• Will filing impact your policy renewal or future coverage limits?

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If the repair is just a little over your deductible—say, a $1,500 fix with a $1,000 deductible—it might be worth paying out of pocket. This avoids a potential rate increase and keeps your claims history clean.

The Oklahoma Weather Factor

Living in Tornado Alley comes with unique challenges. From hailstorms to ice, the risk of property damage is real. But it also means that insurance companies doing business in Oklahoma City are used to seeing weather-related claims.
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Still, that doesn’t mean they won’t raise your rates if claims become too frequent. In fact, companies use ZIP-code level data to adjust rates based on how risky your neighborhood appears. If you and your neighbors file frequent claims, your whole area might be affected.

How to Be Strategic With Your Coverage

Here are a few ways to avoid unnecessary claims and manage your homeowners insurance policy wisely:

1. Increase Your DeductibleA higher deductible lowers your premium and discourages small claims. Make sure you can cover it if needed.

2. Maintain Your HomeKeep your roof, plumbing, and electrical systems in good shape. Preventive maintenance helps you avoid claims.

3. Talk to an Insurance AgentBefore you file a claim, speak with your insurance agent. They can help you understand how it might impact your rates.

4. Bundle Insurance PoliciesIf you carry auto insurance or other policies, bundling them with the same provider can earn you a multi-policy discount, helping offset any increases.
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5. Know What Your Policy CoversReview your insurance policy so you understand what counts as a covered event. Not everything—like normal wear and tear or flood damage—is included in a standard policy.

What to Do If Your Premium Jumps

If you see a big increase in your premium after filing claims, don’t panic. Here’s what you can do:

• Ask your insurance company for a claims history report
• Shop around for insurance quotes from other providers
• Ask about discounts you might qualify for (security systems, claim-free history, etc.)
• Consider reducing additional coverages that you may no longer need

 It’s All About Balance

Home insurance exists to help you in tough moments. But using it wisely is key to keeping your insurance costs in check. Think of your policy as a safety net—not a maintenance plan. With Oklahoma City’s ever-changing weather and active storm season, being strategic can make a big difference.

If you have questions about your current homeowners policy, your claims history, or want help finding the right balance of coverage and affordability, Oklahoma Insurance Professionals is here to help.
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We’re an independent insurance agency right here in Oklahoma City, serving homeowners throughout Edmond, Moore, Norman, Yukon, and nearby communities. Let’s talk about how to protect your home without overpaying. Reach out today for a review of your coverage—we’ll make sure you’re set up for success, whatever the weather throws your way.

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Scott Godwin
Founder

Oklahoma Insurance Professionals LLC serves Oklahoma City and the surrounding Oklahoma communities by protecting the people we work with just like we protect our own family members. Home insurance, auto insurance, business insurance, and more. We can help you find the coverage you need. ​​