Comprehensive Claims: Does My Rate Go Up?
Comprehensive claims cover damage from non-collision events like hail, theft, vandalism, fire, flooding, falling objects, and animal strikes. The big question many drivers ask is simple: will filing a comprehensive claim make my premium go up at renewal? The short answer is that it can, although usually less than an at-fault collision claim. The outcome depends on your insurer, your state, the size and type of claim, and how many recent claims you have.
Quick take
Most comprehensive claims are not at-fault
They involve events outside your control, so many carriers treat them more leniently than crash claims. Still, a premium change is possible at renewal. [ref]
Rates may rise a little
Several insurers note that comprehensive claims can affect price, although typically less than at-fault accidents. [ref]
Laws and rules vary by state
Some states limit surcharges for not-at-fault events. Georgia, for example, prohibits surcharges for not-at-fault accidents. [ref]
What counts as a comprehensive claim
- Weather damage like hail, wind, flood, or wildfire
- Theft or vandalism
- Hitting an animal
- Falling objects like tree branches
- Glass damage and windshield chips or cracks
Progressive, among other major insurers, lists these perils directly in its coverage explanation. That helps clarify what falls outside collision. [ref]
Why a comprehensive claim might affect your premium
Insurers price risk with both individual history and broader trends. If you file a claim, your future expected cost to the insurer could be higher. Even area-wide spikes in comprehensive losses, for example during a hail season or a theft wave, can influence prices for many policyholders in that region. This is one reason some drivers notice a renewal change after a storm even if their claim was not at-fault. [ref]
The Insurance Information Institute also explains that insurers commonly adjust premiums after claims and that the size and duration of those adjustments vary by company. While that guidance is general and often focused on at-fault claims, it helps set expectations that any claim activity can influence renewal pricing. [ref]
Important state-level guardrails
Consumer protection rules differ. A concrete example is Georgia, which prohibits surcharges for accidents where the insured was not at fault. Rules like these do not map one-to-one with every comprehensive scenario, but they show how states sometimes limit what carriers can surcharge. Always check your state’s regulator for specifics. [ref]
Deductibles, glass claims, and special options
Comprehensive claims are subject to your comprehensive deductible. Many drivers choose a higher deductible for lower monthly premiums, which makes sense until a small loss occurs that falls below or only slightly above that deductible. In those cases it can be cheaper to pay out of pocket and keep your record claim-free.
Windshield damage is a special case. Comprehensive usually applies, and in some states or policy options the glass deductible can be lower than your standard comprehensive deductible, or even zero for glass-only claims. It is worth checking your declarations page for a “full glass” option or a separate glass deductible. [ref]
Tip card
If the repair estimate is near your deductible, ask your agent how a small comprehensive claim might impact renewal. A short call can help you decide whether to file or pay cash for a tiny fix.
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Neutral image. For illustration only.
How big is the average comprehensive claim
Industry resources show that comprehensive claims tend to be less frequent and less costly than collision claims on average. That helps explain why the premium impact is usually smaller than an at-fault crash, although your experience can differ if your claim is large or you have several claims in a short period. [ref]
Typical outcomes by scenario
| Scenario | Likely surcharge outcome | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| One hail claim in three years | Possible small change at renewal, or none, based on carrier and state | Ask your agent about any claim-free discounts you might lose and how to restore them |
| Single glass chip repair | Often minimal impact, sometimes handled under a special glass option | Ask if you have full glass or a reduced glass deductible before filing |
| Animal strike with major body damage | More likely to affect pricing than a small repair, still usually less than at-fault crash | Compare repair cost vs deductible and request a claims-impact explanation |
| Two or more comprehensive claims within three years | Higher chance of a noticeable change or even non-renewal with some carriers | Consider whether very small losses should be paid out of pocket in the future |
Multiple claims within a short window can matter regardless of fault classification, because insurers look at overall loss frequency. [ref]
Smart ways to limit premium impact
Tune your deductible
Choose a deductible that matches your emergency fund. Higher deductibles can lower premium but increase out-of-pocket costs when a loss occurs. [ref]
Use full glass if available
Ask your agent about zero or reduced deductibles for glass-only claims in your state. [ref]
Mind the small stuff
If the damage is just over your deductible, consider paying cash to preserve claim-free status. Ask your insurer how a small claim might affect renewal. [ref]
Know your state rules
Some states restrict surcharges for not-at-fault events. Check your regulator’s guidance or ask your agent for a state-specific rundown. [ref]
Related reads on our site
- Considering a higher or lower deductible for next renewal? Read Auto Insurance Deductible 500 vs 1000 for a practical cost comparison.
- Unsure where comprehensive fits with collision? See Comprehensive vs Collision for a plain-language breakdown.
- Want to smooth cash flow after a claim year? Compare Pay in Full vs Monthly Auto Insurance to see which approach saves more over twelve months.
- Need instant documents after filing? Instant Proof of Insurance explains how to get ID cards fast.
These articles connect the dots between claim decisions, deductibles, and billing choices that affect your total yearly cost.
Frequently asked questions
Will a single comprehensive claim always raise my rates?
No. Some drivers see no change, others see a modest adjustment. The decision depends on your carrier’s rating plan, your past claims, the claim amount, and your state’s rules. Major carriers acknowledge that comprehensive claims can affect price, but the effect is usually smaller than for an at-fault collision. [ref]
Are windshield repairs “free” with comprehensive?
Not automatically. Comprehensive applies with your deductible, except where you have a special glass option or where state rules allow a separate glass deductible. Ask about a “full glass” endorsement if you want fewer out-of-pocket surprises. [ref]
How long does a claim affect my premium?
Insurers often review the past three years of claims, although exact look-back periods and the size of adjustments differ by company and state. The Insurance Information Institute notes that percentage increases and timeframes vary across carriers. [ref]
Bottom line
A comprehensive claim will not always raise your rate. It can, but usually with a smaller effect than an at-fault crash. Your state and your insurer matter. Before filing a small claim, compare the repair estimate with your deductible and ask your agent how the claim would be treated at renewal. That quick check helps you protect both your car and your budget.