Car Claim Inquiry
Hello everyone,
I need some advice regarding my insurance situation. I’m with Wawanesa in California and have comprehensive coverage on my 2011 Mercedes.
Recently, while visiting family, a dog unexpectedly jumped the fence, apparently searching for my family’s dogs inside the house. We noticed the dog—appearing to be a German Shepherd—through the window when it startled us in the middle of the night. Unfortunately, it jumped on my car several times, leaving scratches on the hood, fenders, roof, doors, deck lid, and one of the bumpers.
While some scratches are light and I managed to buff them out to lessen their visibility, others are quite deep and expose the primer. I have some detailing experience and applied the techniques that most professional shops would use to address these scratches.
What frustrates me is that, aside from the rear bumper—which had damage before I purchased it—my car had all original paint and was in great condition, which is rare for a 14-year-old vehicle. Every time I see the scratches, I feel a sense of annoyance, and I’ve started to wonder if I should reach out to my insurance company. However, given the rising costs today, redoing the entire paint job might exceed the car’s value, potentially classifying it as a total loss.
I’ve been driving for nearly 30 years without making any insurance claims, so I’m not familiar with the process in this situation. With insurance rates climbing, I’m concerned about increasing my premium or risk being dropped altogether.
What should I consider moving forward? Any insights would be appreciated!
Hi there,
I’m sorry to hear about your car! That sounds really frustrating, especially considering how well you’ve maintained it. When it comes to filing a claim for damage caused by a dog (or any animal), there are a few things to consider.
First, even though the damage is significant, it’s smart to assess whether the cost of repairs exceeds your deductible. If you have a high deductible, it might not be worth claiming, especially since your premiums could increase afterward. On the other hand, if the total repair costs are likely to be much higher than your deductible, it may be beneficial to file a claim.
You might also want to contact Wawanesa to get an estimate on the repair costs—they may have preferred repair shops that can give you a detailed evaluation. This could help you decide if filing a claim is worth it or if you should handle it out-of-pocket.
It’s true that insurance rates can go up after a claim, but if you’ve been a long-term customer without claims, they might take that into consideration. Some companies also have accident forgiveness policies that could help.
In the case where the repairs would exceed the car’s value and possibly lead to it being a total loss, that could complicate things. Sometimes insurers will offer you a cash settlement that you can use toward repairs or finding a replacement vehicle.
Ultimately, I recommend contacting your insurance agent for guidance tailored to your specific situation. They can provide clarity on your coverage and what the next steps should be. Good luck, and I hope you find a resolution that works for you!