Homeowners insurance can be a lifesaver. Some damages, however, are too small of a claim to justify the resulting increase in your premium or the hassle of filing paperwork. Sometimes the repair doesn’t even cost as much as your deductible. In terms of homeowners insurance self repair is typically a case in which the repair is small- or simple enough to complete yourself and does not justify submitting a claim.
Repainting
Walls are relatively durable, but pets, children, and rearranging furniture can scuff the paint. When this happens, it is relatively easy to repaint the affected area without hiring a professional or spending a lot of money. In this case, submitting a homeowners insurance claim is rarely justified.
Fixing a Fence
Wooden fences require occasional upkeep such as repainting or restaining to prevent them from rotting. Neglecting this task can ultimately require replacing sections of the fence, or the entire thing. If the repair involves only a small section, it is best to repair it yourself and skip submitting a claim.
Replacing Small Amounts of Carpet
When carpets wear down or become heavily stained, it’s best to replace the affected section or the whole carpet. This can be done for a few hundred dollars, and often does not approach the cost of your deductible. Save your insurance for when you really need it, such as when the entire first floor needs replacing after water damage.
Homeowners insurance can save you money, but sometimes it is best to pay for the repair yourself and save yourself the increase in premium and the headache of filing a claim.