My parked car was damaged in the community parking lot, possibly by a rock chip or something similar. I’m unsure whether it was caused by another vehicle or kids on bikes, and I can’t determine the responsible party. I do have a waiver for my collision deductible, but I’m not sure if it covers this situation. My collision deductible is $1,000. Would it be more advantageous to simply pay the $700 quote I received from a reliable body shop out of pocket instead of filing a claim?
Car Got Hit While Parked. Will Waiver of Collison Deductible Apply?
In your situation, the waiver of collision deductible typically applies when you’re involved in an accident with another vehicle and can identify the other party. Since you mentioned that you can’t identify who caused the damage, it may not qualify for the waiver.
However, you might want to check your insurance policy specifics or contact your insurance agent for clarification on whether the waiver applies in this particular case, as policies can vary.
Regarding whether to pay out of pocket or report the claim: If the repair quote is $700, it might be more cost-effective to handle it yourself and not report it to your insurance. Reporting a claim can potentially impact your future premiums, and if the damage falls below your deductible, it may not be worth it in the long run. Just weigh the pros and cons before making a decision!