Yes, simply inquiring about a claim with your insurance company typically does not cause your premium to increase. A claim inquiry is a preliminary question to an agent or representative about your coverage or the claims process. However, your rates can go up if you officially file a claim that results in a payout. Insurers base premiums on risk, and a filed claim—especially for an at-fault accident—signals higher risk.
The critical distinction is between an inquiry and a filed claim. An inquiry is just a conversation. A filed claim is a formal request for payment, which becomes part of your CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) report. This database is used by nearly all insurers to review your seven-year claims history when calculating your rate.
It's also important to understand what constitutes a claim. If your inquiry leads to a discussion of specific damages and a potential payout, the representative might be obligated to log it as an official claim, even if you later decide not to pursue it. This is often a gray area. For minor issues, it may be wiser to pay out-of-pocket to avoid a potential rate increase.
| Scenario | Impact on Premium | Reasoning |
|---|
| General coverage question | No impact | Considered a routine customer service interaction. |
| Asking "what if" hypothetically | No impact | Not a formal request for payment. |
| Filed at-fault accident claim | Likely increase (20-40% on average) | Indicates you are a higher-risk driver. |
| Filed not-at-fault accident claim | Possible increase | Some states and insurers may still raise rates. |
| Filed comprehensive claim (e.g., hail damage) | Varies; less impact than collision | Seen as less within your control, but multiple claims raise flags. |
The best practice is to be clear with your agent. State upfront that you are only seeking information to make an informed decision and ask if the conversation will be noted as a claim inquiry or a formal claim. Understanding your policy's deductible and weighing the cost of repair against a potential long-term premium hike is essential for financial decisions.
