To file a car insurance claim or not?

Question

I was rear-ended earlier...my car doesn't have much damage...some bumper damage. The other guy had a lot more damage.

I am just wondering if I should file a claim (I live in MN and it is a no-fault state) or if I'd be better of just fixing it and paying out-of-pocket?

If I file a claim, will my rates go up? Even though the other guy admitted fault, because he wasn't paying attention and ran into the back of me.

I have a $500 deductible

The cost of a replacement bumper would be about $200 plus installation.

Answer 1

Kevin,

I handle MN claims.

If your damages are really less than your deductible file a claim through the other guys company. Make sure to get a complete estimate from a good body shop. The repair cost will be more than you think, trust me on that.

Just to be clear in MN the phrase "no-fault" pertains ONLY to medical bills. It means that regardless of who is at-fault for an accident, when it comes to medical bills an injured person must present their medical bills to their own car insurance for payment.

The phrase "no-fault" has NOTHING to do with determining fault or who pays for the car damages. If the other guy is insured his company owes you for the damages and a rental car while your car is in the repair shop..

Since this is a not at-fault accident, you can make a claim to the other guys insurance without it affecting your rates.

If not already done, get a complete estimate and report this to the other guys insurance.

Answer 2

Since your deductible is so high, you may as well just pay out of pocket.  That way you stay accident free and your rate won't rise.  I live in a no-fault state, too and it is LAME.  

You may also want to lower your deductible.  It isn't too much more a month.

Maybe send your bill to the guy's insurance.  It couldn't hurt.

Answer 3

I got rear-ended once and did not file a claim because I couldn't see any real damage. Within a week, my driver's side window would no longer operate and I could not open the door from the outside.

I regret not filing the claim.

Answer 4

If you have to pay less than your deductible to repair your car it's better to not file a claim.

Answer 5

No. Let him pay out of pocket.

You can easily compare how your quotes will go up in internet, for example here: http://carquotes.imess.net

Answer 6

Your rates will probably go up. If it's not much damage, I wouldn't file a claim. Insurance sucks and so do those who hit us!!! I don't know who you have for insurance, but you can call and ask them these questions without actually filing a claim. I filed a claim with my insurance company, but decided not to go thru with it, because the woman who hit me wanted to pay cash for the damage.

Answer 7

Yes, your rates will go up. They always go up after you file a claim. Have him pay for the repairs out of his pocket.

Answer 8

do it out of pocket

Answer 9

your rates will go up if you file the claim. what is the point of paying 500, plus having the rates go up when you can just pay for it out of pocket for cheaper and keep your rates how they are now?