Should I file a small claim or pay out of pocket?

The decision rule we use with clients: estimate the total loss, subtract your deductible, then compare what is left to roughly 3 years of likely premium increase from the claim. If the net recovery is less than the rate impact, you are better off paying out of pocket and protecting your claim history. Examples. A $1,800 fence repair on a $1,000 deductible policy nets $800. If filing it bumps your premium $300 a year for 3 years, you net out at minus $100. Pay out of pocket. A $14,000 roof loss on a $2,500 deductible nets $11,500. Even with rate increase, file the claim. Call us before filing if you are not sure. Once a claim is in the carrier's system it is part of your CLUE history for 5 to 7 years even if you do not collect.