Should I file a claim based on my history?
I’m a 21-year-old male with two at-fault accidents—one from February 2020 and another from August 2023. I also received a speeding ticket for going over 20 mph in 2024.
I drive a 2013 Audi S4, and my Geico premium is $2,125 for six months.
Recently, I slid into a snowbank, which damaged my front bumper. The repair costs would be relatively low, but I’m thinking about filing a claim in hopes they might total my car so I can get something new.
Just looking for opinions, not moral advice. Thanks!
Filing a claim in your situation could be a gamble. Given your driving record—which includes two at-fault accidents and a speeding ticket—your insurance premiums are likely to be high already. By filing a claim for the bumper damage, especially if it’s minor, you risk increasing your rates further if the insurer perceives you as a higher risk.
It’s also important to consider that insurers typically look at the overall condition of the car, including its age and value, before determining if they will total it. Since your Audi is a 2013 model, it may not have a high enough value for the insurance company to declare it a total loss unless the repairs are substantial.
If the repair costs are less than your deductible or only slightly above it, it might not make sense to file a claim. You could be better off paying out-of-pocket for the repairs and simply taking the hit on your current car. If you’re really set on getting a new vehicle, you might also want to consider alternative options, like saving up for a while before purchasing or exploring if you can get a better deal on your insurance elsewhere.
Ultimately, weigh the potential for higher premiums against the benefits of filing the claim, and make sure to do the math to see if it’s worth it for you.