Car accident dilemma before gifting to mother-in-law:
I have a 2007 Saturn Vue that was recently backed into by my neighbor’s work truck, resulting in a cracked plastic/fiberglass door panel. That’s the extent of the damage I’ve noticed.
I’m hesitant to file a claim because I’m in the midst of closing on a new home and planning to switch my insurance from USAA to Progressive at that time. I’m worried that making a claim could complicate this transition.
Should I attempt to repair the crack myself or go ahead and file a claim?
It’s understandable to be concerned about how a claim could affect your home closing process and insurance switch. Here are a few things to consider:
Insurance Impact: Since you’re switching from USAA to Progressive, it’s worth checking with both insurance companies about how a claim could affect your pending transition. Sometimes, a claim can slightly affect your insurance rates, but it might not impact your home closing directly.
Cost of Repair vs. Deductible: Consider how much it would cost to repair the damage versus your deductible. If the repairs are minor and the cost is less than your deductible, it might be better to fix it yourself.
Condition of the Vehicle: If the Saturn Vue is in otherwise good condition and you plan to keep it, addressing the crack might be worth it for both aesthetics and potential resale value.
Future Claims: If you anticipate needing to file insurance claims in the future, having this incident documented could be beneficial.
Ultimately, if the damage is relatively minor and you feel comfortable fixing it yourself, that might be the best route. However, if you’re unsure or the repair could lead to further issues down the line, filing a claim could be a safer option.