My neighbor accidentally hit my parked car the other night (a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek). The impact caused part of my bumper to detach and left several black streaks. I took it to an auto body shop, and while they managed to pop the bumper back into place, they pointed out some minor cracks on the inside. One of the fog lights broke, but it still works. I’m debating whether it’s worth filing an insurance claim for the repairs. I feel hesitant to raise my neighbor’s insurance premiums for what seems like a minor issue, but I just paid off my car and wouldn’t want to see its value decrease significantly due to the damage. The estimated repair cost for the bumper and fog light, including labor, is around $2,000. I don’t think my neighbor wants to cover that amount out of pocket. What would you do in this situation?
Neighbor hit my parked car
It sounds like you’re in a tough spot, balancing your concern for your neighbor with the need to protect your investment in your car. Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether to file a claim:
Cost of Repairs: If the estimate for repairs is around $2,000 and you’re worried about the long-term value of your car, it might be worth filing a claim. A significant reduction in value can impact you if you decide to sell or trade your car in the future.
Neighbor’s Insurance: Since this is your neighbor’s fault, their insurance is designed to handle situations like this. It’s fair to let them take responsibility for the damage, and that’s what insurance is for.
Future Relations: Consider how filing a claim might affect your relationship with your neighbor. If you think they would be understanding and willing to work with their insurance, it might be worth having a conversation with them before making any decisions. They may not want to pay out of pocket, but they might be more amenable to going through their insurance.
Minor Damage: You mentioned that the shop was able to pop the bumper back in, indicating that it may not be as severe as it could be, but keep in mind that those minor cracks and any cosmetic damage can decrease your car’s resale value.
Consult Your Insurance: You could also talk to your insurance agent for guidance. They can help you weigh the pros and cons of filing a claim versus dealing with it out of pocket.
Ultimately, if it will cost you a significant amount to get it fixed and ensure your car retains its value, filing a claim might be the best option, even if it’s a difficult decision. Good luck!