Can a claim that occurred at your old house affect the premium for the policy at your new house? Picture this: Our 2015 WNY winter was a tough one and the build-up of ice and snow caused your gutter and fascia board to separate from the house. You reported the claim and your homeowner policy paid $1,200 to repair the damage. A year or so later you decide to sell and move to a new house. Imagine your surprise when you find that not only does the old claim appear in your claim history but it is adversely affecting the premium for your new homeowner policy! I'm not making this up. Just recently I quoted a homeowner policy for a person with two prior claims at his old house and found that only a few companies would write a policy for the new house and that the rate was significantly higher due to the claims. What to do? Keep your house in good condition, consider having a high deductible and refrain from reporting small property claims that you might be able to handle without going through insurance.