to file a claim or not file a claim

[Fred Stevenson]

I have a property in which the tenant had a "cooking accident" that sent flames up to the ceiling, and burnt a whole into the bedroom above.  The work order from my property manager is for $6120.00, and my deductible is $5000.00.  I have five houses total with this same insurance company. 

I don't know if it has any bearing or not, but this property is owned by my LLC, and I have several other properties in which I have done a title transfer into another LLC.

So the question is, am I better of not filing a claim with the insurance company "Affinity", and paying the total amount out of pocket, or should I file the claim to recoup at least the 1120.00. 

I spoke to the insurance company, and they advised me to file a claim, and the agent didn't think it would bump up my premiums at renewal time, but he said another department reviews the claim history so he couldn't make any guarantees.

[Sara Nobles]

Good afternoon, as the Manager for Affinity Claims Management (ACM), which is contracted by Affinity Group Management (AGM) and National Real Estate Insurance Group (NREIG), I wanted to take a moment to step in on the issue raised by Mr. Stevenson.  I work in conjunction with the team that reviews claim activity for the Program Participants and can offer that any costs increases due to claims activity are reviewed based upon claim frequency, severity and they type of losses submitted. For example, weather-related claims, which you have no control over, typically do not adversely affect your account.  However,  frequent claims that could be avoided through good risk management would likely have an impact.  

If you would like to discuss any specifics as they relate to your account with us, I am happy to do so at your convenience.