Should I file a claim for attempted theft on my ’05 Accord?
Back in December, I discovered a police card stuck in my driver’s window, complete with a case number. It turned out that someone had smashed a passenger window, tampered with the steering column, and broken off a piece of whatever they used to try to start the ignition. A friend of my boyfriend mentioned that when a similar incident happened to his girlfriend’s Hyundai, the police advised them not to file an insurance claim because it could raise their rates.
Today, while taking an Uber, I spoke with the driver, who had experience in insurance through his work with a catastrophic claims company. He told me I should definitely file a claim, as it would be a comprehensive claim that typically doesn’t impact your rates significantly. He mentioned that it might only increase a few dollars. By filing, I could take my car to a Honda dealership to ensure the repairs are done correctly with Honda parts, and I’d only have to cover a $200 deductible.
Currently, my boyfriend and I have found someone who can handle the repairs for $800-$1,000. I wish I had this information earlier because someone is scheduled to tow my car tomorrow 🙃. However, if filing a claim actually makes more financial sense, I’d prefer to save the $600 for bills.
For context, I live on the east side of metro Atlanta, and I feel like my insurance is already quite high for my vehicle, likely due to my location. There are frequent break-ins and thefts in the area, so I assume that affects my insurance premium as well.
Thank you in advance for any advice!
It sounds like you’re in a tough situation, and I can understand your hesitation about filing a claim. Here are some factors to consider that may help you decide:
Insurance Impact: Generally, comprehensive claims for theft or vandalism are less likely to impact your rates than collision claims. However, this can vary by insurer and your specific policy, so it’s worth checking with your insurance company directly to understand how a claim might affect your premiums.
Cost of Repairs: If the estimate for repairs is significantly higher than your deductible ($200), filing a claim could make sense, especially if you can get it done at a dealership with OEM parts. The long-term reliability of using quality parts can be worth the initial cost, and if you need the car for everyday use, getting it repaired correctly is important.
Friend’s Experience: While your boyfriend’s friend’s experience is valid, every situation is different. Since your car was vandalized, an insurance claim might actually be your safest route to ensure proper repairs without overextending your budget.
Local Crime Factors: Since you mentioned living in an area with frequent break-ins, insurance companies may consider this when assessing risk, which could impact your rates. However, when you file a claim for a vandalism incident, it shows you’re taking proactive steps to protect your property.
Urgency: Since you have a tow service coming, consider how urgently you need your car and how willing you are to pay upfront costs. If you can swing it right now, you might want to get an estimate from the dealership while weighing your options.
Ultimately, you should also consider your comfort level with filing a claim and handling potential future premium changes. If you think it’ll make a big difference to your financial situation and you can manage the deductible, filing the claim seems like a reasonable path. Good luck, and I hope your situation gets resolved smoothly!