FAQ: Insurance Claims

Here you'll find answers to some frequently asked questions about filing a claim, the claim process and basic claim terminology.

Have specific questions about a certain type of claim? Find answers on our auto, home, life and flood claim FAQ pages.

Insurance Claims FAQ

What is a deductible?

A deductible is the amount you've agreed to pay out of your pocket before Allstate^® pays for a covered claim.

What is a limit?

A limit is the maximum amount your policy will pay toward a covered claim. Each coverage in your insurance policy has a limit. The limit is the amount of coverage you have.

Should I file a claim if my losses are less than my deductible?

Filing a claim is up to you. Filing helps protect you by covering damage or injuries discovered later and lawsuits. If you don't file, you risk losing these protections.

Whether it's home, auto or life, each type of claim is different. Many factors affect how long it takes to resolve a claim. You can help your claim process go more smoothly by providing us with all the necessary information. An Allstate representative will provide an approximate timeline for resolving your claim.

Will my premium increase if I file a claim?

Your insurance premium may increase for a few reasons, including:

External factors, such as government regulations or an overall rise in medical costs for claims.
Your prior claims, the type of claims you've made and how long you've been with Allstate.
The coverages, limits and deductibles you choose when you purchase or renew a policy.

Allstate offers several ways to help manage your insurance costs, including features such as auto accident forgiveness and multiple policy discounts.

You should regularly review your coverages to make sure they meet your needs.

Will filing a claim cancel my policy?

Under some circumstances permitted by state law, we may cancel or non-renew a policy as a result of a claim. Reasons for cancellation or non-renewal may include fraud or filing multiple claims in a certain time period.