What is the name of your state? Michigan, home of the second worst economy in the nation...https://forum.freeadvice.com/images/smilies/mad.gif
A couple of weeks ago a lightning strike near my home damaged a number of (relatively)small items: modem, antenna pre-amp, answering machine, ignition module in the furnace, most notable a home automation controller for lighting. I am still finding things that were damaged. Last night we found a computer we use only for the kids' games is completely dead and today I found out both my irrigation controllers are smoked. At first I wasn't going to claim as it barely made the deductible, but now the damage is upwards of $1,500 (I have a $500 deductible and full replacement value on personal property).
I have repaired most of this damage already, and saved hundreds by troubleshooting thoroughly, buying no more than in necessary, doing the work myself, and even going so far as to buy a used furnace ignition module on E-Bay for $12 instead of calling a repair service for hundreds.
I've been reading many postings here about getting dropped or having premiums raised for too many minor claims or even one major claim. I've heard (possibly urban myths) that you should never claim anything under $10,000. Based on experience, can anyone say whether it is worthwhile to file a claim for this amount of damage? Or should I just save my limited ability to actually use my insurance for something bigger in the future? Any chance the insurance company will be the slightest bit interested or impressed with my money0saving efforts (on their part if I file a claim)?https://forum.freeadvice.com/images/smilies/confused.gif
Thanks in advance for any input.
A couple of weeks ago a lightning strike near my home damaged a number of (relatively)small items: modem, antenna pre-amp, answering machine, ignition module in the furnace, most notable a home automation controller for lighting. I am still finding things that were damaged. Last night we found a computer we use only for the kids' games is completely dead and today I found out both my irrigation controllers are smoked. At first I wasn't going to claim as it barely made the deductible, but now the damage is upwards of $1,500 (I have a $500 deductible and full replacement value on personal property).
I have repaired most of this damage already, and saved hundreds by troubleshooting thoroughly, buying no more than in necessary, doing the work myself, and even going so far as to buy a used furnace ignition module on E-Bay for $12 instead of calling a repair service for hundreds.
I've been reading many postings here about getting dropped or having premiums raised for too many minor claims or even one major claim. I've heard (possibly urban myths) that you should never claim anything under $10,000. Based on experience, can anyone say whether it is worthwhile to file a claim for this amount of damage? Or should I just save my limited ability to actually use my insurance for something bigger in the future? Any chance the insurance company will be the slightest bit interested or impressed with my money0saving efforts (on their part if I file a claim)?https://forum.freeadvice.com/images/smilies/confused.gif
Thanks in advance for any input.