The Big 3 Homeowners Insurance Claims, and How to Head Them Off This Fall

Most homeowners don't think about their insurance policy until they need it, and by then the damage is done. Across the country, three types of damage cause most homeowners insurance claims. All three tend to show up during the stretch from late fall through winter here in Central and South Central Pennsylvania.

Here's what the numbers say and what you can do about it this season.

#1: Wind and Hail, the Most Frequent Claim

According to the Insurance Information Institute, using ISO/Verisk data from 2019 to 2023, wind and hail cause more homeowners claims than anything else. Nationally, that works out to about 1 in every 36 insured homes each year, with an average claim of nearly $14,750.

Fall storms, strong winds, and heavy leaf loads put real stress on roofs and gutters.

How to get ahead of it:

• Clean your gutters and downspouts after the leaves drop. Clogged gutters send water under shingles and into walls.
• Walk your roofline from the ground, or use binoculars. Look for missing, curled, or cracked shingles and loose flashing.
• Trim trees and dead limbs that hang over the house, garage, or power lines.
• Secure outdoor items like patio furniture, grills, and trampolines before a windy forecast.

#2: Water Damage and Freezing, the Hidden Threat

Water damage and freezing cause about 1 in every 67 homes to file a claim each year, and the average claim is higher than wind and hail at around $15,400. Water damage often goes unnoticed until it has spread into drywall, flooring, and insulation.

A Pennsylvania cold snap can turn a small plumbing weakness into a burst pipe overnight.

How to get ahead of it:

• Disconnect garden hoses and drain outdoor spigots before the first hard freeze.
• Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls.
• Test your sump pump by pouring a bucket of water into the pit to make sure it kicks on.
• Know where your main water shut-off is, and make sure everyone in the house can find it fast.
• Keep the heat on (typically no lower than 55°F) if you'll be away during cold weather.
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#3: Fire and Lightning, the Most Costly Claim

Fire and lightning claims are much less common, at about 1 in 435 homes per year. When they happen, they are by far the most damaging, with an average claim of about $88,000. That's more than five times the average for all property damage claims.

As heating season starts, furnaces, fireplaces, space heaters, and wood stoves all come back into use.

How to get ahead of it:

• Have your furnace or heating system serviced before you rely on it daily.
• Get your chimney inspected and cleaned if you burn wood.
• Give space heaters 3 feet of clearance from anything that can burn, and never leave them running unattended.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries as needed.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it.

If Damage Does Happen: Tips for Filing a Claim

Even well-maintained homes can be damaged. If it happens to you, these steps can help the process go more smoothly:

1. Make sure everyone is safe first. Leave the home if there's any risk from fire, electrical hazards, or structural damage.
2. Stop further damage if you safely can. Shut off the water, cover openings, or call a professional mitigation company. Many policies expect homeowners to take reasonable steps to prevent more damage.
3. Document everything. Take photos and video of the damage before cleanup begins, and keep receipts for any emergency expenses.
4. Contact your insurance company or agent promptly to report the loss and ask about next steps.
5. Review your policy. Coverage varies widely from policy to policy. Your insurance carrier decides what is covered, so ask your agent if you have questions.



When You Need Help, We're Here

ClassONE Property Restoration is a firefighter-owned company serving Central and South Central Pennsylvania. We provide water, fire, smoke, storm, and mold restoration, plus emergency mitigation and reconstruction. If your home is damaged, call us 24/7 at (844) 425-2771.

On your worst day, we're with you.

Statistics: Insurance Information Institute (III), based on ISO®/Verisk Analytics data for homeowners policies, 2019–2023. National figures, not specific to Pennsylvania. This article is for general information and is not insurance advice. Check your own policy or talk with your insurance agent about your coverage.