For the 85% of American homeowners that carry home insurance, the thought of filing a claim and the subsequent influence it will have on their rates sends a shudder down the spine. Fortunately, just 5.8% of insured homes have a claim during an average year, according to Insurance Information Institute data stretching from 2016-2020. Data from Travelers Insurance Cos. shows wind, non-weather-related water damage, hail, weather-related water damage and theft, respectively, are the most common drivers of home insurance claims. Although fire isn't one of the most common perils that result in a claim, it is the most costly. Fire accounts for 25% of home insurance claim costs, according to Valuepenguin.com. Additionally, lightning caused more than $1 billion in property claims in 2021. The Triple-I found the average cost per claim involving lightning has increased 100% from 2017-2021, with the average payout reaching more than $21,000 by the end of that period. "The average cost per claim is volatile from year to year, but it has been particularly high in the past two years because of lightning fires throughout the country," Loretta Worters, a vice president with the Triple-I, said in a release. The above slideshow details how the most common types of home insurance claims can raise premiums as well as information on how filing a second claim can increase rates, according to Insurance.com. Related: |

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