When is it Better Not to Tell Your Auto Insurance Company?:
To File or Not to File, That is the Question: A few year's ago, my wife got into a minor accident in a parking lot. There was no damage to our car, but the other vehicle had about $900 in damages. The accident was our fault and we filed with our insurance company. Although this was the first accident we had filed for in over 10 years, our monthly insurance premium increased by about $10 about 8 months after the accident. I complained to the auto insurance company, but was told that I had submitted a claim above $800, so an increase was madatory.
Although the policy of don't ask, don't tell seemed like a good idea for the military, should it be the same with auto insurance company? As you see, telling can lead to bigger premiums. In my case it wasn't too big, but it's the principal of the issue (no claims for 10 years and then this?). There are times when you just pay for damages on your own, but what's the threshold for paying on your own and filing a claim? What do you NOT tell your auto insurance company? If you want your door repainted every time someone bangs into it, that is your right, but be prepared for your auto insurance company to raise your rates. Depending on how many and for what dollar amount your claims are for, your policy may not even be renewed at the next renewal period. Just like your homeowner's insurance, each time you call in a claim, it will go on your transferable record. Believe it not, auto insurance companies hire hundreds of gossipy aunts just to share news with each other. It's a fact, they do share information about each other's clients. Bottomline, you can no longer switch companies to avoid being charged for a comprehensive claim. If you let your auto insurance lapse for nonpayment, you will be stuck with high-risk insurance for three years. Does this sound like a problem? It could be, but, for now, most body shops won't contact your auto insurance company if you take your car in to be fixed on your own.
Steps to take to determine what to do
If you have some dents you want fixed, and you aren't sure whether to file a claim or not, first take it to a body shop and see what it would cost. If it is less than or slightly more than your deductible, pay for the repairs yourself. Some experts say that you can save a lot on auto insurance by simply raising your collision and comprehensive deductibles. This will lower your monthly premiums. In the best of worlds, you would sock the savings into your own special savings account to accumulate for the time you will need it.
WARNING! WARNING! DANGER! DANGER! - When to report
If you have an accident with another vehicle, immediately report it to the police AND your auto insurance company. Even if it seems no one is hurt, if you don't file, the odds are good that the other guy will. And, if his is the only story on file, guess which one will be believed several months down the road! Any time two vehicles are involved, you can bet that one is going to file an auto insurance claim. Be sure your report is filed first. Get the names and addresses of any witnesses to back you up. Note time and day, road conditions, exact description of the damage to both cars. You'd be amazed at how hitting someone on the right front bumper can cause damage to the rear of a car, if you don't have the damage noted.
There are times when not reporting a minor incident is a good idea. If the damage is less than your deductible, you won't get anything anyway - except a ding on your auto insurance report. But if another vehicle, or worse, damage to someone else's property has been done, then immediately report it. |
