Car damage concern before gifting to my mother-in-law
I have a 2007 Saturn Vue that was accidentally backed into by my neighbor driving his work truck. The only noticeable damage is a crack in the plastic/fiberglass door panel.
I’m hesitant about filing a claim because I’m currently in the process of closing on a new home and will be switching my insurance from USAA to Progressive at that time. I’m worried that filing a claim could complicate the closing process.
Should I attempt to repair the crack myself, or go ahead and file the claim?
It’s great that you’re thinking ahead about the potential implications of filing a claim. Since the damage is relatively minor, you might consider a few options:
Assess the Damage: If the crack isn’t affecting the door’s functionality and you feel comfortable making a temporary repair, weatherproofing it yourself could save you from dealing with insurance complications.
Claim Considerations: Filing a claim might indeed affect your transition to Progressive, especially if you’re close to closing on your new home. It’s worth checking with both USAA and Progressive about how a claim might impact your policy or home purchase process.
Neighbor’s Insurance: Since your neighbor’s work vehicle caused the damage, you might want to consider having them contact their insurance to cover the cost of repair rather than filing a claim yourself. This might keep your insurance history clean and avoid complications during your home closing.
DIY Repair: If you go the DIY route, there are kits available for repairing plastic or fiberglass that can help restore the panel and prevent further deterioration.
Ultimately, weigh the cost of repair against your concerns about insurance claims and the potential effects on your home closing. If unsure, consulting with an insurance agent for personalized advice might help clarify the best path forward.