Should I call my insurance company?

Question

I just got in a minor accident where I broke my side view mirror and the fender is banged up and needs to be replaced. I'm a decent driver but that day I guess I was just out of it. Cut a turn too much and hit the side of a guard rail. Should I just get the fixing done out of my own pocket? I'm nervous that if I call my insurance company, that my rates will go up and that wouldn't be good.

Answer 1

Call you agent and ask them. A similar thing happened tome and I was told my rates would not go up from only one claim but since my deductible was $500 and the damages was only $600 I paid myself. Just calling you agent won't have any effect on your rates.

Answer 2

yeah, if it were me, I'd pay it out of pocket.  

If you file the claim, they're also going to try to replace that guard rail you likely damaged - making the claim MUCH higher, and making it an at fault accident for you.

Answer 3

There's no harm in asking. Your insurance company will know best. They can't raise your rates unless you agree to file a claim.

Answer 4

If its me, the first thing that I do is go to a reliable body shop that I know won't over charge me and then get an estimate as to the repair. If you know the deductible and the estimate is below or at the deductible there is no reason to even talk to them because they would not be paying out anyway.

If the estimate is considerably more than your deductible, talk to them and find out how it would effect your rates if you file a claim. Since there is no other car they should have no problem with you talking about it if you do not file a claim. Also, some carriers like Allstate have accident forgiveness programs.

If they do tell you that the rates won't go up, try to get it in writing. At the very least, get the name of the person you spoke with about it.

My guess - you probably will see an increase if your claim is higher than the deductible.