When a storm hits, your roof takes the brunt of it—hail, wind, and heavy rain can leave behind real damage. But after you notice missing shingles or leaks, the big question comes next:
👉 “If I file a roof claim, will my insurance rates go up?”
It’s one of the most common—and most misunderstood—concerns we hear from Pennsylvania homeowners. At Bella Construction, we’ve helped thousands of families across Western PA navigate the roof insurance process, and we can tell you this: filing a legitimate storm damage claim usually doesn’t cause your premiums to increase.
Let’s break down why that is, what exceptions exist, and how to protect yourself before and after filing a claim.
Understanding How Home Insurance Works
Your homeowners insurance is there to protect you from unexpected damage—especially from severe weather. Every month, you pay premiums for peace of mind, knowing that if a storm damages your roof, you won’t have to shoulder the entire cost yourself.
But not all claims are treated equally.
Insurance companies categorize claims based on the cause of damage. Some types of claims are considered within your control, while others are not. And that distinction makes all the difference when it comes to your rates.
The Difference Between a Storm Claim and a “Chargeable” Claim
In the insurance world, there’s a key phrase you should know: “Act of God.”
A storm-related claim—like wind, hail, or lightning damage—is considered an Act of God claim, meaning it’s caused by nature and outside your control.
That’s very different from what insurance companies call “chargeable” claims, which typically involve preventable or man-made issues.
Here’s how they differ:
| Type of Claim | Example | Effect on Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Act of God (Weather-Related) | Wind, hail, lightning, tornado, or fallen tree during storm | Usually does NOT raise your premiums |
| Chargeable Claim | Water damage from an old roof leak, theft, fire caused by negligence, or plumbing failure | Can raise your premiums |
| Frequent Claim History | Multiple claims (even weather-related) over a short period | Can affect your eligibility or rates |
So, if your roof was damaged by hail or high winds, filing a claim generally won’t increase your individual insurance rate—because the damage wasn’t your fault.
However, there are a few nuances to keep in mind.
How Storm Claims Can Still Affect You (Indirectly)
While your personal claim for storm damage usually won’t make your rate go up, your ZIP code or region’s overall claim volume can.
Here’s why:
Insurance companies pool risk across large areas. If a storm sweeps through Western Pennsylvania and thousands of homeowners file claims, the insurance provider may raise base rates for the entire area in the future to offset widespread losses.
That means even homeowners who didn’t file a claim could see a small rate increase later on.
But remember—that’s a regional adjustment, not a penalty for filing your own claim. In fact, if you have legitimate storm damage and don’t file, you’re essentially paying for others’ repairs through higher premiums while leaving your own roof damaged.
When Filing a Claim Can Impact Your Rates
While storm-related claims are generally safe, there are situations where your premiums could be affected:
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Filing multiple claims in a short time.
If you file multiple home insurance claims within two or three years—especially for minor issues—your insurer might flag you as higher risk. -
Filing for non-storm or preventable damage.
Claims for wear and tear, neglected maintenance, or leaks caused by age rather than weather can hurt your record. -
Switching insurance companies too soon.
If you change carriers right after a large claim, your claim history follows you and may raise your starting premium with the new insurer.
That’s why it’s important to get a professional roof inspection before filing. A trusted local contractor like Bella Construction can help confirm whether your damage truly qualifies as storm-related—and help you document it properly to strengthen your claim.
The Importance of a Professional Inspection
One of the smartest things you can do before filing a claim is to get an expert opinion.
At Bella Construction, we offer free roof inspections to homeowners across Western Pennsylvania. Our trained inspectors look for signs of hail impact, wind uplift, and hidden damage that might not be visible from the ground.
We’ll also:
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Document everything with photos and detailed notes
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Help you determine if the damage meets insurance claim criteria
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Advise you on whether it’s worth filing (and when not to file)
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Coordinate with your insurance adjuster if you move forward
This upfront inspection helps ensure your claim is legitimate, properly documented, and less likely to be denied.
Why Homeowners Fear Rate Increases
We understand why homeowners hesitate. No one wants their insurance rates to spike or their coverage to be dropped.
But the truth is, avoiding a valid claim can cost you far more in the long run.
Let’s look at an example:
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Your roof has $15,000 worth of hail damage.
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Your deductible is $1,000.
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You’re worried about filing a claim, so you pay for repairs out of pocket—or worse, do nothing.
A year later, leaks start forming, leading to ceiling damage and mold. Now the repair cost is over $20,000—and your insurer may deny coverage because the issue worsened due to lack of timely reporting.
By waiting, you could end up paying far more than your deductible—and risk losing future coverage altogether.
Pennsylvania’s “Act of God” Protection
Pennsylvania, like many states, recognizes that Acts of God—like hail, windstorms, and lightning—are events beyond a homeowner’s control.
While each insurer has its own underwriting rules, the general industry standard in Pennsylvania is that filing one legitimate storm-related claim does not directly raise your premiums.
However, if a homeowner has a pattern of multiple claims (even for weather), insurers may still choose to adjust rates or cancel renewals based on overall risk history.
The takeaway: use your coverage responsibly, but don’t be afraid to use it when you need it.
Bella Construction: Your Trusted Roofing Advocate
For over 30 years, Bella Construction has helped Western Pennsylvania homeowners navigate the insurance claim process with honesty and transparency.
We understand that filing a claim can be stressful, and we’re here to make it easier.
When you work with Bella, you can expect:
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Thorough roof inspections after hail or wind storms
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Clear photo documentation to support your claim
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Guidance through the insurance process from start to finish
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High-quality materials and proper installation backed by warranty
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A 2-Year Labor Warranty and priority service for all Bella customers
We’ve helped thousands of homeowners get fair coverage for storm damage—without surprises, pressure, or confusion.
Final Thoughts
Filing a storm damage claim in Pennsylvania won’t automatically raise your insurance rates—especially if the damage was caused by weather. That’s what your insurance is there for.
The real key is filing correctly, documenting properly, and partnering with a trusted contractor who understands how to work with insurance—not against it.
If you suspect storm damage, don’t wait or worry about rate hikes. Call Bella Construction today at 724-515-5163 or visit www.mybellaroof.com to schedule your free roof inspection.
We’ll help you determine if you should file a claim, document your damage, and restore your roof with the quality and care your home deserves.
Because when the storm passes, you deserve peace of mind—not paperwork headaches.