My son, a student driver, accidentally brushed against a parked car’s mirror while navigating a narrow street. We exchanged information at the scene, and then provided our insurance details as they began the claim process. Now, I’m debating whether to file a claim for the damage to my own vehicle or just cover the cost myself.
Our insurance agent mentioned that our rates wouldn’t increase if the claims are below a certain amount, but I suspect the other party’s claim may exceed that threshold. I’ve been looking for a replacement mirror on eBay, and used options range from $100 to $150, but finding one in the right color has proven challenging. If I choose to file a claim, everything would match, but I’m uncertain if that would be the best decision in the long run. What do you think I should do?
It sounds like you’re in a bit of a tough spot. Since you’ve already provided your insurance information to the other party and they’re processing a claim, it’s important to consider a few factors:
Cost of Repair vs. Claim: If you can find a used mirror for around $100 to $150, that might be less than your deductible, depending on what it is. If you fix it yourself and it turns out to be less than your deductible, you might avoid filing a claim, which could keep your insurance premium from increasing.
Future Premiums: Given that your insurance agent mentioned that claims under a certain amount typically won’t impact your rates, you could evaluate if the repair costs on your car would likely stay under that amount. If filing a claim won’t affect your premiums but you’re uncertain about the repair costs, it might be worth filing.
Matching Color: If you are having trouble finding the mirror in your car’s color and think that replacement through a claim would guarantee a proper match, that could also sway your decision to file.
Long-Term Considerations: Think about the long-term implications of a claim vs. the out-of-pocket expense. If your insurance premiums would increase significantly, that may outweigh the immediate cost of repair.
In summary, if you feel confident that the repair costs will remain manageable and you can find a solution that matches your car, you might choose to fix it yourself. However, if the potential for costs and color matching becomes complicated, filing a claim could offer peace of mind and ensure your car is repaired correctly. Ultimately, choose what makes you feel most comfortable moving forward!