Filing a car insurance claim for minor issues could result in an increase in what you pay, so you do want to consider a few things before you file a claim.
1) Is this claim something I can pay for on my own? If the answer to this is yes, you may be better off paying it and not filing a claim.
2) How much is my deductible? If your deductible is $500, and the damage to your car is $700 to repair, you are still going to pay the majority of the cost yourself. You should try to pay the entire amount, and not get your insurance involved.
3) Was someone else responsible for the damage? If someone else caused the damage, it is very possible that THEIR insurance will need to pay for the damage. In this case, you have two options: contact their insurance and file your claim against their insurance, or file a claim with your insurance, and explain that the other driver was at fault. Your insurance will then pay your claim, but will seek repayment from the other driver.
If there is no one else involved in the accident and the cost to repair the damage is within your means to pay, PAY IT out of pocket!
Don't put marks on your insurance history unless you have to. Save your insurance for the large losses (lets hope you never have a large loss).
Too often the loss of discounts, rewards, and surcharges exceed the cost of the cost of the repair. Customers get upset out it later and wished they had asked before. Good question and my advice be sure you have insurance with a company that has an agent that you can trust to ask questions, just like this!
Agency Owner, The Thomas G Sheehan Agency, 27 Glen Road Sandy Hook, CT 06482
Generally speaking, if it is a minor physical damage loss to your car, namely something where the repair amount falls under your Comprehensive or Collision Deductible, you may want to think about not filing a claim. In all cases, however, discuss your options with your Insurance Professional. Keep in mind that if you have "Full Glass" coverage and /or Roadside assistance (Towing), these are not subject to your deductible so they are worth filing. Again, your Insurance Professional is your best resource. Insurance companies review policies for both the size of claims paid and the frequency that claims are reported. Both can affect your rates down the line.
Branch Owner, TWFG Insurance Services, Fremont California and the Greater Bay Area Representing Dozens of Insurance Carriers
This is a question you should always consult with your agent when a situation arises. Your agent should be able to properly advise you on the pros and cons of filing a claim for any given situation which will provide you with enough information to make an informed decision on whether or not to file a claim.
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1) Is this claim something I can pay for on my own? If the answer to this is yes, you may be better off paying it and not filing a claim.
2) How much is my deductible? If your deductible is $500, and the damage to your car is $700 to repair, you are still going to pay the majority of the cost yourself. You should try to pay the entire amount, and not get your insurance involved.
3) Was someone else responsible for the damage? If someone else caused the damage, it is very possible that THEIR insurance will need to pay for the damage. In this case, you have two options: contact their insurance and file your claim against their insurance, or file a claim with your insurance, and explain that the other driver was at fault. Your insurance will then pay your claim, but will seek repayment from the other driver.
Don't put marks on your insurance history unless you have to. Save your insurance for the large losses (lets hope you never have a large loss).
Too often the loss of discounts, rewards, and surcharges exceed the cost of the cost of the repair. Customers get upset out it later and wished they had asked before. Good question and my advice be sure you have insurance with a company that has an agent that you can trust to ask questions, just like this!