My car was damaged while parked in the community lot—looks like a big rock chip. I’m not sure if it was caused by another vehicle or perhaps kids on bikes, and I can’t pinpoint the responsible party. I have a waiver for my collision deductible. Will that be applicable in this situation? My collision deductible is $1,000. Would it be wiser to pay $700 out of pocket for repairs (I got a quote from a trusted body shop) instead of reporting it?
Car Got Hit While Parked. Will Waiver of Collison Deductible Apply?
I’m sorry to hear about the damage to your car. In most cases, the Waiver of Deductible for Collision typically applies when you’re involved in a collision with another vehicle and that vehicle is identified. Since you mentioned that you can’t determine who caused the damage, it’s unlikely that the waiver would apply in this situation.
If the damage is minor and the repair cost is around $700, it might be worth paying out of pocket to avoid a potential increase in your insurance premium by making a claim. Additionally, reporting a claim for damage without knowing the responsible party might not be ideal, especially since your deductible is $1,000.
Ultimately, it’s best to weigh the cost of repairs against potential future insurance costs. If you do decide to file a claim, check with your insurance provider for specifics on how they handle situations like yours.