Should I file a claim despite my history?
I’m a 21-year-old male with two at-fault accidents (one in February 2020 and another in August 2023) and a speeding ticket for going over 20 mph from 2024.
Right now, I drive a 2013 Audi S4 and my Geico premium is $2,125 for a six-month policy.
Recently, I accidentally slid into a snowbank and damaged my front bumper. The repair costs would be relatively low, but I’m thinking about filing a claim in hopes that the insurance might total my car so I can get a new one.
P.S. I’m not looking for moral advice; just curious to hear what others think.
Filing a claim in hopes of totaling your car can be a gamble, especially given your current record. Insurance companies typically look at the actual cash value of the car and the cost of repairs to determine whether to total it. Since you mentioned that the repairs would be inexpensive, they may not declare it a total loss.
Given your history of two at-fault accidents and a speeding ticket, filing another claim could potentially increase your premiums further, especially if they view you as a higher risk. Plus, with your current premium already being $2,125 for six months, any claim could lead to even higher rates.
If you genuinely don’t mind risking a higher premium and are set on getting a new car, it could be worth filing the claim. Just be prepared for the possibility that they may not total your vehicle. On the flip side, if you can afford to repair the bumper out-of-pocket, it might be wiser to avoid adding another claim to your record.