Should I file a claim on my car insurance for a new bonnet?
Hello everyone! My mum drives a 2016 Mini Cooper, and I discovered yesterday that the bonnet is badly dented. I’m not exactly sure when it happened. After consulting a few dent repair professionals, they advised that it can’t be fixed and needs a replacement.
We received a quote of £1000 for a new bonnet and repainting. The insurance excess is £300, and she pays around £250 annually for her premiums (she’s a 60-year-old woman).
Is it worth it to make a claim for this repair cost? I understand that premiums are likely to increase, but the total cost exceeds the excess significantly. I’m just wondering what the point of having insurance is if we don’t use it when a situation like this arises. What do you think?
Deciding whether to claim on your car insurance for the new bonnet involves weighing several factors. Here are a few points to consider:
Financial Impact: If the total cost of repairs is £1,000 and your excess is £300, you’d be claiming for £700. While it’s a significant amount, consider how much your premiums might increase after the claim. If the increase is substantial, you could end up paying more in the long run than if you just paid for the repairs out of pocket.
Current Premiums: Since your mum pays about £250 a year for her premiums, an increase from a claim could potentially outweigh any immediate benefits. Try to estimate how much her premiums might rise after the claim—some insurance companies raise rates significantly after a claim, especially if it was a fault claim.
Claims History: If your mum has a clean claims history, this might be her first claim. Some insurers may not penalize first-time claimants as harshly, but you still have to consider the long-term implications on her insurance record.
Future Claims: If your mum plans to keep the car for several more years, it might be worth using the insurance to cover the cost. On the other hand, if she’s planning to trade it in soon, paying out of pocket might be less of a hassle.
Peace of Mind: If being able to get the bonnet repaired without financial strain is a priority, claiming might be the best route. Having the repairs done professionally could also potentially maintain the car’s value better than an out-of-pocket DIY or partial fix.
Other Options: You might explore other repair options that could be less expensive than the full bonnet replacement. Sometimes, there are alternative repairs that could salvage the appearance without going through insurance.
Ultimately, it’s a personal decision based on your financial situation, your mum’s insurance provider’s policies, and how much value you place on having a dent-free car. If you decide to claim, make sure to fully understand the implications on her policy and premiums moving forward.