Can My Homeowners Insurance Drop Me for Filing Too Many Claims?

Homeowners insurance is supposed to be your safety net. You pay your premiums, trusting that if something goes wrong, your insurance provider will have your back. But what happens when you file multiple claims? Could your insurance company decide you’re too much of a risk and drop you?

Unfortunately, yes—it happens more often than you’d think. Let’s break it down so you can protect your coverage and avoid surprises.

How Many Claims Are Too Many?

Filing a homeowners insurance claim isn’t something most people do unless absolutely necessary. But if disaster strikes more than once, you might wonder: Am I filing too many claims? The answer isn’t black and white.

Generally, filing two or more claims within a short period—often within three to five years—can raise red flags. Your home insurance company may choose not to renew your policy if they think you’re a higher risk than they initially expected. They might not outright cancel you, but they could hike up your insurance premiums or put restrictions on your insurance coverage.

Why Would a Home Insurance Company Drop You?

Insurance companies aren’t just looking at the number of claims you file—they’re considering what types of claims you’ve submitted and how often. Here’s why your home insurance company may decide to cancel your policy or choose not to renew it:

1. You’ve Filed Multiple Claims Within a Short Timeframe

Insurers get nervous when you file too many claims too quickly. They see it as a pattern of risk. Even if the damage wasn’t your fault, too many claims could make you appear accident-prone in their eyes.

2. The Type of Claims Matters

Not all claims are treated the same. A one-time weather-related claim likely won’t raise concerns, but frequent water damage, mold, or liability claims could make your insurance provider uneasy. Home insurance companies are wary of anything that suggests ongoing risk.

3. Your Property Poses a Higher Risk Than Before

Has your home experienced structural damage, flooding, or other major issues? If your insurance provider thinks your home is a bigger risk now than when they first insured it, they might cancel your policy or refuse to renew it.

4. Neglecting Basic Maintenance

Your insurer expects you to take care of your home. If they believe you’re failing to maintain it—such as ignoring a leaky roof or outdated electrical wiring—they might argue that you’re increasing their risk unnecessarily.

5. Suspected Fraud or Exaggerated Claims

Even an innocent mistake in filing a claim can trigger an investigation. If your insurer thinks you’re exaggerating damages or making fraudulent claims, they can cancel your policy immediately.

What Oklahoma Law Says About Home Insurance Cancellation

Oklahoma law protects homeowners to some extent. According to Oklahoma Statutes Title 36, Section 3639.1, your insurance company can’t drop you just for filing a single claim. However, they can nonrenew your policy if they believe you have a history of multiple claims or if they determine the risk has changed significantly.

State law also requires insurance companies to give you at least 30 days’ notice before nonrenewal and 10 days’ notice before outright cancellation. That way, you have some time to look for a new home insurance policy before your current coverage disappears.

What If Your Homeowners Insurance Company Drops You?

If you receive a home insurance cancellation notice, don’t panic—but do act fast. Here’s what to do next:

1. Ask Your Insurer for an Explanation

Before assuming the worst, find out exactly why your insurance provider is dropping you. Understanding the reason can help you find ways to fix the issue or challenge their decision.

2. Shop Around for a New Policy

Just because one home insurance company dropped you doesn’t mean all of them will. Home insurance cancellation laws don’t prevent you from getting insured elsewhere—you just need to shop around. Expect to pay more for coverage, though, especially if your claim history raises concerns.

3. Consider Oklahoma’s FAIR Plan

If you’re struggling to get coverage, look into Oklahoma’s Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan. This program provides coverage for high-risk homeowners who can’t get insured in the standard insurance market.

4. Take Steps to Reduce Risk

You may be able to lower your home insurance premiums by making improvements to your home—like upgrading your plumbing, installing a security system, or fixing previous damage. Insurance companies view multiple claims less favorably when they stem from preventable issues.

How to Avoid Losing Your Homeowners Insurance

To keep your homeowners insurance company happy and your coverage intact, follow these steps:

1. Don’t File Claims for Small Repairs

If the repair costs just slightly more than your insurance deductible, it might be better to pay out of pocket. Filing claims within a short period can make you look high-risk—even if they’re legitimate.

2. Keep Up With Home Maintenance

Your home insurance provider expects you to take care of your property. Performing regular maintenance can help you avoid claims for preventable damage.

3. Understand Your Policy

Not everything is covered under standard homeowners insurance policies. Reading your policy carefully can prevent unnecessary claims.

4. Talk to Your Insurance Agent

If you’re unsure whether to file a claim, consult your insurance agent first. They can advise you on how it might impact your insurance record and premiums.

Don’t Let Your Insurance Company Leave You Unprotected – We Can Help!

Your home insurance company might view filing multiple claims as a risk, but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. Understanding how insurance companies view multiple claims, being strategic about when to make a claim, and taking proactive steps to protect your coverage can help you avoid surprises.

If your home insurance policy was unfairly canceled or your insurance provider is refusing to pay out a legitimate claim, 222 Injury Lawyers is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your legal options and fight for the protection you deserve.