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File-a-Claim Break-Even Calculator

Compare paying for minor damage yourself against filing a claim, once your deductible and a likely multi-year premium increase are both counted.

Short answer

Filing a small claim pays off only if the repair cost minus your deductible is more than the extra premium you would pay while the claim surcharge lasts, usually three to five years after an at-fault claim. For damage close to your deductible, paying the shop yourself is often cheaper. Enter the repair cost and your premium to see the break-even.

California, Massachusetts and North Carolina set public rules for at-fault surcharges; we apply them.
Used to estimate the increase in North Carolina.
Ask your agent: outside North Carolina, the increase depends on your insurer's own rating plan. In North Carolina, leave this blank and we estimate it from the state plan.
Not legal, financial, or insurance advice. This tool gives a general, educational estimate only. Insurance laws, deadlines, and formulas vary by state, by policy, and by insurer, and they change over time. Verify anything important with your insurance policy, your state department of insurance, or a licensed attorney before relying on it. Actual surcharge amounts and duration vary by insurer, state, and driving record — call your agent for an exact number before deciding.

The real cost of filing a small claim

For minor damage close to your deductible, the sticker cost of a claim (your deductible) is often not the full story — many insurers apply a surcharge to your premium for several years after an at-fault claim, which can add up to more than the repair itself.

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Worked example

You caused a minor accident. The repair estimate is $1,400 and your deductible is $500. Your insurer is likely to add about $350 a year to your premium for 3 years after an at-fault claim.

  • Filing a claim: $500 deductible + ($350 × 3 years) = $1,550
  • Paying it yourself: $1,400

Paying yourself saves about $150 here. With a $3,000 repair the answer flips: the claim costs $1,550 against $3,000 out of pocket. Ask your insurer or agent what surcharge an at-fault claim triggers on your policy, because it varies a lot by insurer and state.

What to do next

Frequently asked questions

Will filing one small claim really raise my rate for years?

It depends on your insurer and state, but a single at-fault claim commonly affects your premium for 3-5 years (sometimes called a claim's 'surcharge period'), even after you've paid it off.

Does a not-at-fault claim still raise my premium?

In most states, a claim where you weren't at fault shouldn't raise your premium — but 'claim surcharging' rules differ by state and insurer, so it's worth confirming with your agent.

Is it worth filing a claim for a cracked windshield?

Glass is often handled differently. Many policies have a separate or zero glass deductible, and many insurers do not surcharge glass-only claims. Check your policy before paying out of pocket.

Should I tell my insurer about an accident even if I pay for it myself?

Most policies require prompt notice of any accident. Reporting is not the same as filing a claim, and failing to report can cause problems if the other driver files against you later.