How Claims History Affects Your Homeowners Insurance Rates in Ohio

When it comes to homeowners insurance, many people focus on coverage limits, deductibles, or discounts — but your claims history also plays a big role in what you’ll pay. Insurance carriers use past claims as an indicator of future risk, so understanding how this works can help you keep premiums lower and avoid surprises at renewal.

What Counts as a Claim?

Insurance companies record most interactions where money changes hands (or could have):

• Weather-related claims – hail, wind, ice dams, or storm damage.

• Water damage – burst pipes, sewer backups, sump pump overflows.

• Fire or smoke damage – from electrical issues, kitchen accidents, or lightning strikes.

• Liability claims – if someone is injured on your property and files a claim.

• Theft or vandalism – stolen items, break-ins, or damage caused by others.

Even small claims (like a $1,200 roof repair) can go on your record, depending on your insurer.

The CLUE Report: Your Insurance Report Card

In Ohio, insurance carriers share claims data through the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE).

• This report goes back up to 7 years and includes every property claim you’ve filed.

• Carriers pull this when you apply for new coverage or renew a policy.

• Multiple claims in a short window can flag you as “high-risk,” even if they weren’t your fault.

How Claims Affect Your Premiums

1. Higher Risk = Higher Premiums

2. More claims suggest you’re statistically more likely to file again. Even one claim can raise rates; multiple claims often lead to steep increases.

3. Type of Claim Matters

4. Liability claims tend to raise rates more than small weather claims.

5. Water damage and fire damage are viewed as costly, high-risk categories.

6. A simple windstorm claim may have less impact, but two or three in quick succession? That can hurt.

7. Frequency Over Size

8. Insurance companies care more about how often you file, not just how much was paid out. A homeowner with three small claims may see bigger rate hikes than someone with one large claim.

How Long Do Claims Affect Rates?

• In Ohio, insurers typically look back 5 years for rating purposes.

• Some carriers check the full 7 years in CLUE, especially if you switch insurers.

• After that period, claims usually “fall off” and no longer affect premiums.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Rates

• Think Before Filing Small Claims

• If the damage is just above your deductible, it may be cheaper in the long run to pay out of pocket. Filing too many small claims is a common way to drive up rates.

• Bundle Coverage

• Companies like Rolland Insurance often offer home & auto discounts, which can offset the rate increases caused by past claims.

• Invest in Prevention

• Sump pump backups → add a battery backup.

• Hail damage → consider impact-resistant shingles.

• Liability exposure → install railings, improve lighting, and maintain walkways.

• Review Your Policy Annually

• An independent agency like Rolland Insurance can shop multiple carriers to find the best rate, even if one company penalizes you for past claims.

Final Word

Your homeowners insurance is there to protect you from major, unexpected losses, but not every small repair is worth a claim. In Powell and across Ohio, a history of frequent claims can mean higher premiums or even trouble getting coverage. By understanding how claims history works, you can make smarter choices — and keep your home (and budget) protected.