Should I File a Claim for Water Damage?

Check your eligibility, catch hidden exclusions (like Seepage), and calculate if a claim makes financial sense over the next 5 years.

Claim Details

Enter your policy info and damage estimate.

$5,000
$500$50,000+

Restoration is expensive. When in doubt, slide higher.

Your Recommendation

FILE CLAIM

The damage justifies the cost. Proceed immediately.

Financial Breakdown

Immediate Payout

$4,000

Repair Cost - Deductible

5-Year Cost

Based on an average 18% premium increase over 5 years + loss of 'Claim-Free' discount.
-$1,980

Premiums + Lost Discounts

Financial Feasibility Score

+2,020

Net 5-year gain/loss

How to Use This Calculator

Get a clear answer in 4 simple steps.

1. Policy Details

Grab your insurance declarations page. You'll need your Annual Premium and Deductible amount.

2. Repair Estimate

Enter a rough estimate of the repair costs. If unsure, get a quote from a local handyman first.

3. Identify Risks

Select the specific source of water. This identifies hidden traps like 'Seepage' exclusions or 'Sewer' caps.

4. The Verdict

We calculate your 5-year financial impact to tell you if filing a claim is actually worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Water Damage Claims

Is it worth filing a claim for $5,000 in water damage?

Usually, yes—but it depends on your deductible. If your deductible is $1,000, you will net $4,000. However, if you have a prior claim on your record, the resulting premium hike could cost you more than $4,000 over the next 5 years. Use the calculator above to check your specific "break-even" point.

How much does home insurance go up after a water claim in 2026?

Industry data suggests a single water damage claim can increase your premiums by 20% to 40% nationally. If you have filed two claims in the last 5 years, some insurers may drop your coverage entirely (Non-Renewal).

What is the difference between "Sudden" and "Gradual" water damage?

This is the #1 reason for denial. Insurance covers sudden, accidental events (e.g., a burst pipe, a storm blowing off shingles). It does not cover gradual damage (e.g., a slow leak under a sink that rots the floor over months, or groundwater seeping through a basement wall). If your damage happened slowly, do not file a claim; it will likely be denied.

What happens if I file a small water damage claim?

Filing a small claim (e.g., slightly above your deductible) is often a financial mistake. You might receive a small check for $500, but you will have a "Water Loss" on your permanent record. This can make you ineligible for competitive rates with other carriers for up to 5 years.

Does a denied claim still affect my rates?

Yes. Even if the insurance company pays $0, the inquiry and claim filing are recorded on your CLUE report. Insurers view this as a risk signal (meaning your home has issues), which can lead to higher rates or difficulty renewing your policy.