Before You File a Claim: What to Know After the Storm

When storms roll through—like they just did in the Hudson and Gilbert areas—it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Roofers and contractors may show up offering help, and the pressure to file a claim right away can feel urgent. But here’s something most people don’t realize:

👉 Your first call should be to your Insurance Agency, don’t skip them and go straight to the insurance company to file a claim….here’s WHY!

At Aspire, we always want you to feel confident and informed—not rushed or unsure. Here’s why a quick claim isn’t always the best move, and what you should do instead.

Understand Your Deductible First

Before anything else, we’ll help you check your deductible. On many homeowners and property policies, especially in recent years, the wind/hail deductible is percentage-based—often 1% or 2% (sometimes even more) of your dwelling’s value.

That means if your home is insured for $400,000, a 1% deductible = $4,000 out of pocket. A 2% deductible = $8,000. That’s a significant number—and it may not make sense to file a claim unless the damage exceeds that threshold. 

Confirm There’s Actually Damage

Not every storm leaves lasting harm. That’s why step two is to verify the damage—with someone reputable.

We have trusted vendors we work with and are happy to connect you with someone who can give an honest, no-pressure opinion. Their assessment helps us determine if it’s in your best interest to file, or if repairs can be handled outside of insurance.

Protect Your Policy Long-Term

One of the biggest misconceptions is that only paid-out claims count against you. That’s no longer the case.

Even if you open a claim and receive no payment, it still shows on your record. And today’s insurance market is more sensitive than ever. A history of small or frequent claims—especially ones that don’t pay out—can lead to:

  • Higher premiums
  • Fewer carrier options
  • Non-renewals or coverage restrictions

In other words, insurance companies now look at claim frequency and behavior, not just the claim size.

The Cost of a Small Claim Can Be Larger Than You Think

Here’s the kicker: Sometimes, filing a small claim costs you just as much as a large one in the long run. That’s why due diligence is everything.

We’ll always guide you through the process with transparency, making sure the decision to file is truly in your best interest—not just in the moment, but for the future.

You Deserve an Agency That Asks Questions

 quality insurance agency won’t just say, “Sure, go file it.” We ask questions, we listen, and we help you think it through—because your peace of mind matters more than rushing into a decision.

So if you’re ever unsure, especially after a storm, please reach out.

👋 Let’s Talk Before You File

Whether you’re in Hudson, Gilbert, or anywhere Aspire serves, know that we’re here to walk you through it—not just file it and forget it.

Let us be your first call. We’ll assess the situation, guide you through your options, and make sure you’re protected—now and in the long term.

📞 (651) 760-8369
📞 (715) 781-8217
📞 (218) 741-0000
📞 (608) 755-1027
📱 Text Line: (651) 273-1143
📧 Email: hi@aspireinsurancegroup.com
📅 Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

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Are you ready to save time, aggravation, and money? The team at Aspire Insurance Group, Inc is here and ready to make the process as painless as possible. We look forward to meeting you!

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