A year-end look at claim trends, preventable losses, and smarter ways to manage risk
As 2025 comes to a close, our Claims team at Stolly Insurance has been looking back at the patterns we saw throughout the year. Some of the trends were expected. Others were eye-opening. All of them offer valuable lessons as we head into 2026.
The purpose of this review isn’t to dwell on losses—it’s to help our clients understand where risk is showing up most often and how small changes can make a big difference.
Top Claim Trends We Saw in 2025
1. Personal Auto Losses (By Far the Most Frequent)
Personal auto claims topped the list again in 2025—and it wasn’t close.
What drove the frequency?
- Distracted driving
- Hurried driving
- Uninsured motorists
- Parking lot accidents (so many parking lot accidents)
Low-speed incidents may feel minor, but they often come with surprisingly high repair costs, extended claim timelines, and increased frustration. Add in uninsured motorists, and even a “not-at-fault” accident can quickly become complicated.
2. Water Damage Losses
Water losses remain one of the most costly claim categories we see.
Common sources include:
- Frozen pipes
- Slow leaks
- Appliance or plumbing failures
- Water intrusion that goes unnoticed
Many of these claims escalate simply because the damage wasn’t discovered or addressed quickly.
3. Weather-Related Claims
Ohio weather continues to keep things interesting. Wind, hail, heavy rain, and winter storms all contributed to losses that reminded us how quickly conditions can change—and how important preparation and timely response can be.
The Most Preventable Losses We See
While not every loss can be avoided, many of the most frequent and costly claims are also the most preventable.
Driving-Related Losses Top the List
Simple habits can significantly reduce auto claim frequency:
- Stay attentive and minimize distractions
- Use hands-free technology appropriately
- Leave earlier to avoid rushed driving
- Drive defensively, especially in high-traffic areas
- Back into parking spaces when possible to improve visibility
These small changes can help prevent the fender-benders and parking lot incidents that drive up claim counts year after year.
Water Damage Prevention Still Matters
Regular maintenance, winterization, and prompt attention to leaks can dramatically reduce water-related losses. The difference between a minor repair and a major claim is often measured in hours—not days.
Common Mistakes That Increase Claim Costs or Delay Payment
Across all claim types, we continue to see a few recurring issues that make claims harder than they need to be:
1. Delayed reporting
Waiting to report a claim often leads to increased damage, missing details, and longer resolution times.
2. Failure to mitigate damage
Insurance policies expect reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Not taking action early can significantly impact claim outcomes.
3. Incomplete documentation
Photos, videos, police reports, and clear timelines help claims move faster. When information is missing, delays follow.
4. Acting too quickly without guidance
Starting permanent repairs or making assumptions about coverage before speaking with the claims team can create unnecessary complications.
Turning 2025 Lessons into a Smarter 2026
Claims are never fun—but they can be educational.
As we move into the new year, we encourage clients to:
- Review where losses occurred
- Identify repeat patterns
- Talk openly about risk reduction strategies
- Make small adjustments that lower exposure over time
At Stolly, our Claims team works closely with our Service and Risk Management teams to help clients not only recover from losses—but reduce them going forward.
If you’d like to review your claims experience or talk through ways to reduce risk in 2026, we’re here to help. Sometimes the best claim is the one that never happens.
Here’s to a safer, smoother year ahead.
Disclaimer: This article was drafted with the assistance of AI and reviewed for accuracy and clarity before publication.