My neighbor accidentally backed into my parked car the other night (a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek). The impact caused part of my bumper to come off and left several black streaks. I took it to an auto body shop, and they managed to reattach the bumper, but mentioned there are some minor cracks inside it. Additionally, the fog light is broken, though it still works.
I’m wondering if it’s worth filing an insurance claim to cover the repairs. I feel guilty about raising her insurance rates for what seems like a minor issue, but I just paid off my car and would hate to see its value drop significantly because of this damage. The estimated repair costs for the bumper and fog light, including labor, are around $2,000, and I don’t think my neighbor is willing to cover that amount.
What would you do in this situation?
It sounds like you’re in a tough situation. Here are a few things to consider:
Cost vs. Value: If the repairs will cost you around $2,000, it’s definitely a significant amount to absorb out of pocket, especially since it’s a newer car. Look into how much value the damage might take off your vehicle’s worth. If it’s going to affect resale or trade-in value significantly, that’s a strong reason to file a claim.
Neighbor’s Willingness to Pay: Since your neighbor doesn’t want to cover the full repair cost, it might be worth discussing this openly with her. If she’s amenable, you could arrange a direct payment instead of going through insurance, which could save her from a premium increase and you from paying upfront.
Documentation: Make sure to document everything. Take pictures of the damage, the estimate from the body shop, and any correspondence with your neighbor. This will be helpful for any potential claims and for having a clear record of the situation.
Insurance Claim Consideration: If you decide to file a claim, check with your insurance about the process and any implications for your premiums. Sometimes, insurance companies will not raise your rates if the claim is made against someone else’s insurance, but every situation is different.
Discuss with Your Insurance: If you’re considering filing a claim, speak with your insurance agent to weigh the pros and cons. They may be able to help you understand how filing might impact your current policy.
Ultimately, you have to balance your financial interests with your relationship with your neighbor. It might be helpful to explore all options before making a decision. Good luck!