home insurance claim call warning

Homeowners: One Innocent Call Could Cost You Your Insurance Policy

When something happens to your home—whether it's water damage, roof issues, or anything in between—your first instinct might be to call your insurance company’s claims line and ask a few questions. After all, isn’t that what it’s there for?

Here’s the truth most homeowners aren’t told:
That phone call alone can be recorded as a claim event. Even if you never file anything. Even if they never pay out.

The Hidden Risk in That 800 Number

I recently heard a home insurance expert explain just how common this issue is—and it really made me pause. Most people think they're just getting information. But many insurance companies automatically log your inquiry as a claim in their system. That entry ends up on your CLUE report, which is the internal record insurers use to track your claim history.

The consequences?

• Higher premiums at renewal

• Red flags that make shopping for a new policy harder

• In some cases, non-renewal notices—leaving you scrambling for coverage

Real World Example: Just Asking Can Still Count

Let’s say you notice some minor water staining on your ceiling and want to understand if it’s covered. You call the insurance claims line, describe the issue, and ultimately decide to pay for repairs out of pocket. You never file a formal claim. But that call may still get coded as a claim event. Down the line, when you're up for renewal—or trying to switch carriers—that record can impact your premiums or even your insurability.

So, What Should You Do Instead?

The smart move is to have a trusted insurance advisor or local rep—someone who can walk you through the situation without triggering a claim record. They’ll help you understand whether it’s worth involving your carrier, or if it’s safer (and smarter) to handle things out of pocket.

If you don’t have someone like that in your corner, I’m happy to connect you with experienced pros who can help—no strings attached. As a San Diego-based Realtor who’s helped hundreds of homeowners over the years, I’ve seen how these behind-the-scenes details can make a real difference.

Knowledge is Power for Homeowners

Owning a home means navigating a lot of complex systems—and insurance is one of the trickier ones. The key is knowing when to ask questions, and who to ask them to.

Bottom line: Before you call your insurance company’s 800 number, watch the video above. It might save you more than you think.

Have questions about protecting your home, buying or selling in San Diego, or finding the right people to guide you through it all? I’m always here to help.
Reach out anytime.