Should I file a claim for attempted theft on my ’05 Accord?
Back in December, I found a police card stuck in my driver’s window with a case number on it. It turned out that someone had broken my passenger window, tampered with the steering column, and damaged the ignition in an attempt to steal my car. A friend of my boyfriend mentioned that when a similar situation happened to his girlfriend’s Hyundai, a police officer advised them against filing an insurance claim, claiming it could increase their rates.
Today, I took an Uber, and my driver, who has experience working in catastrophic claims insurance, suggested I absolutely should file a claim. He explained that since it would be a comprehensive claim, it shouldn’t significantly raise my rates, and while it might go up slightly, it wouldn’t be anything drastic. By doing this, I could take my car to a Honda dealership for repairs, ensuring everything is done correctly and with Honda parts, leaving me with just a $200 deductible.
Currently, my boyfriend and I have found someone willing to do the repairs for $800-1k. I wish I’d learned this sooner, especially since someone is scheduled to tow my car tomorrow. However, if filing a claim is the more financially sensible choice, I’d prefer to keep that $600 for bills.
For context, I live on the east side of metro Atlanta, and I feel my insurance rates are already high given the type of car I have, likely due to the area. There are frequent break-ins and thefts around here, and I suspect that impacts insurance premiums.
Thanks in advance for any advice!
It sounds like you’re in a tough situation, and I can understand your concern about filing an insurance claim versus paying out-of-pocket for the repairs. Here are a few points to consider:
Insurance Claim: Since this is an attempted theft, filing a claim under comprehensive insurance (comp) is generally a good idea. As the Uber driver mentioned, comp claims usually don’t lead to significant rate increases, especially if you have a clean driving record and your insurance company treats it as a non-fault incident. However, it’s important to check with your specific insurance provider for their policies, as they can vary.
Deductible vs. Repair Costs: If your deductible is $200 and the cost of repairs at a Honda dealership is significantly higher than the out-of-pocket estimate you’ve received, filing a claim could save you the hassle and potentially ensure that the repair is done correctly with original parts. $800 to $1k is reasonable, but it also leaves you with less flexibility for other expenses.
Quality of Repairs: Getting repairs done through a dealership usually provides peace of mind, especially with complex issues like steering column and ignition jams. If you choose to go the route of a claim, you’ll likely get a warranty on the repairs.
Timing: Since someone is scheduled to tow your car soon, you might want to quickly contact your insurance agent to discuss options before the tow happens. They can guide you on the necessary steps to file a claim and what documentation you’ll need.
Long-Term Considerations: Reflect on how much you value having the repairs done right and if the potential increase in insurance rates is a concern for you in the long run. Sometimes spending a little more upfront for quality repairs can save future headaches.
Ultimately, weigh the pros and cons of each option. If you’re leaning towards filing a claim, start that process soon to avoid any delays. Good luck, and I hope your car gets back on the road soon!