Can I keep extra homeowners insurance claim money?

Author: Mr. Jesus Kshlerin DDS  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 11, 2025

In general, homeowners can keep leftover money from an insurance claim if there is nothing in their policy saying that unused claim funds must be returned. If you are legally allowed to keep the money, you are free to purchase whatever you like with it.

Can you keep leftover money from a home insurance claim?

You may be able to keep excess money as long as you're not violating your provider's rules or committing insurance fraud. You can also put the money towards other areas of repairing your home.

Is it illegal to use homeowners insurance money for something else?

If you receive an overpayment from your insurance company, it's likely best to contact them to determine the best course of action. Using a claims payout for things other than the approved repairs may be seen as insurance fraud by your carrier.

Can I keep my homeowners insurance claim check and make the repairs myself?

Can I keep my homeowners insurance claim check and make the repairs myself? Your ability to complete your repairs on your own will depend on your policy and the nature of the repairs. Many insurance companies will allow you to complete simple repairs yourself, though they may require supervision.

Can I just keep the money from an insurance claim?

The short answer is that yes, you can choose to do whatever you want with the insurance money, but you need to ask yourself whether or not this is the best decision. If you need the cash more than you need to pay for the repairs, then this might seem like the correct decision.

CAN YOU POCKET INSURANCE MONEY? // WHAT IF THERE'S EXCESS MONEY?

What happens if you don't use insurance claim money to fix?

Keeping insurance money without using it for repairs can lead to several risks, including: Contract violations: If your policy or loan agreement requires repairs, failing to complete them could lead to legal or financial penalties.

Can you keep insurance claim money for roof?

Except for the possible issues going forward with your lender or the insurance company continuing to provide coverage, you have no legal obligation to use the funds to repair the roof.

What not to say when filing a home insurance claim?

Topics to Avoid When Speaking to a Home Insurance Adjuster
  1. Speculation about the Cause of Damage. Avoid making guesses or unsupported statements about what caused the damage to your property. ...
  2. Admitting Fault or Liability. ...
  3. Discussing Other Insurance Claims. ...
  4. Incomplete Information. ...
  5. Legal Threats or Litigation.

How many claims are too many for homeowners insurance?

How many home insurance claims are too many? If you've filed more than three claims in the last year, you'll likely face higher premiums, and it may become more difficult to get insurance coverage at all (via Money Crashers).

Can I keep an insurance claim check?

However, if the check is made out solely to you and the damage is cosmetic — dents from a hailstorm, for example — you may be able to keep the money without repairing the vehicle. Bear in mind that you will not be able to receive insurance money for the damages in the future.

What voids homeowners insurance?

Common exclusions in even the most comprehensive homeowners policies include: earth movement, such as earthquakes; sinkholes or landslides that damage your home; water damage, such as floods or sewer back-ups that leak through a pipe or seep through the foundation causing damage to your home; damage resulting from ...

What happens if insurance gives too much money?

In some situations, they may allow you to keep the funds if you incur other damages related to your claim. However, they may also ask you to fill out a form returning the excess money to their agency. How each insurance company handles overpayment varies on a case-by-case basis.

Can insurance ask for their money back?

Commercial Plans/Insurers

California law allows health plans, their delegated groups and health insurers 365 days from the date of payment to request a refund, except in cases of fraud or misrepresentation.

Can I deposit a check made out to me and my mortgage company?

No, you can't cash a check from your insurance company made out to you and your mortgage company without your lender's consent or knowledge. If this were possible, it would leave too much room for fraud. There's a reason insurance checks are made out to you and your mortgage company after an insurance claim.

How to get more money from a home insurance claim?

Notifying your insurer and taking steps to prevent additional damage. Allowing your insurance company access to investigate your damages. Removing debris, and documenting and valuing your damages for your Proof of Loss statement. Soliciting and comparing bids for the work you'll need done.

What is the 80% rule in homeowners insurance?

The 80% rule means that an insurer will only fully cover the cost of damage to a house if the owner has purchased insurance coverage equal to at least 80% of the house's total replacement value.

What happens if you file two homeowners insurance claims?

Reduced Coverage: Filing multiple claims might prompt your insurer to reduce or limit coverage in high-risk areas, leaving you more vulnerable in the event of future damage. Non-Renewal or Denial: The worst-case scenario is your insurer deciding not to renew your policy or denying coverage altogether.

How long does a homeowners insurance claim stay on your record?

Home insurance claims stay on your record between five and seven years. Every insurer scopes out your recent claims history as well as the claims history for the home when you switch insurance companies or purchase a new policy. This helps them price your policy.

What happens if you don't use insurance money for repairs?

What happens if you don't use insurance money for repairs? If you do not spend the money on car repairs, you will likely be left with a damaged and unrepaired car. If the damages are merely cosmetic, this won't significantly impact how your car functions.

Do you report home insurance claims as income?

Generally, insurance claim proceeds used to cover the cost of property repairs or replacements are not considered taxable income. The purpose of these proceeds is to restore the property to its previous condition, and therefore, they are treated as a reimbursement for the loss incurred.

What not to say to a roof adjuster?

However, if you do have to speak with the company's adjuster, here is what not to say to an insurance adjuster.
  • Don't Admit Fault. What should you not say in a claim? ...
  • Don't Downplay Damages. ...
  • Don't Give a Recorded Statement. ...
  • Don't Accept the Initial Settlement Offer.

Can I just keep the money from a home insurance claim?

Any excess home insurance claim money is legally yours, provided that you did not commit insurance fraud to obtain the additional amount, or if your insurance company doesn't expect the funds to be returned.

What do you do with leftover insurance money?

In general, homeowners can keep leftover money from an insurance claim if there is nothing in their policy saying that unused claim funds must be returned. If you are legally allowed to keep the money, you are free to purchase whatever you like with it.

Why does the roofer get the depreciation check?

The answer is simple – because they are the ones responsible for completing the roofing project to its full extent. Since the roofer will be using this money to buy materials and cover labor costs, it makes sense that they receive the depreciation check.

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