When It May Be Best NOT to File an Automobile Insurance Claim
When It May Be Best NOT to File an Automobile Insurance Claim
Your neighbor Bob may tell you one thing. Cousin Jeff may tell you another. It seems everybody has an opinion. When should you file an insurance claim with your automobile insurance company and when should you just try to take care of the consequences on your own?
The discussion usually centers around the potential rate increases you could see in your automobile insurance if you file a claim. There’s much more to consider, however. So, when should you file a claim and when may it be best to NOT file an automobile insurance claim?
You put a small dent in a car owned by someone else.
It can be tempting to settle this type of claim privately. The problem is you don’t know who you may be dealing with and they may request more funds in the future. You should file a claim in this situation.
You cause an accident that involves injuries.
When injuries are involved in an incident you caused, it is critical you contact your insurance company. This could eventually involve significant medical bills and you want the support of your insurer.
You cause significant damage to another vehicle.
Because there may be more damage than initially thought, you should always let your insurance company know if you cause an accident with serious damage.
You cause serious accidental damage to your own car.
You may want consider whether or not to make a claim under this circumstance based on your deductible and on the possibility your rates could go up upon renewal. Of course, if you just have liability coverage, there will be no need to file a claim.
You cause minor damage to your own car.
If you only have liability coverage or if damage is less than your deductible amount, there is no need to file a claim with your insurance company. Even if damage is slightly more than your deductible, you may be better off handling the situation on your own.
In reality, there are few circumstances when you will not want to notify your insurance company of an incident. This is particularly true if injuries are involved.
Do you have sufficient automobile insurance for your situation? We can help. Contact our independent insurance agents and get a no-obligation insurance review and quote. You may just find improved coverage at a more affordable price. Get more for your money when you contact us for your automobile insurance needs.
Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder
Search All Blogs
Search All Blogs
Read More Blogs
Relatively Rare Home Damage Incidents and Home Insurance
Would You Be Covered For These Unusual Claims?
What’s the Difference?
What IS the Difference?
Business Insurance and Your Non-Profit
Operating a Non-Profit Can Be Risky Business
Do You Still Need Life Insurance After Age 65?
How Life Insurance Can Help into Retirement
Six Easy Tips to Safer Driving
How to Be Safer and Save on Car Insurance Rates
Six Easy Tips to Safer Driving
How to Be Safer and Save on Car Insurance Rates
Vehicle Manufacturing Quirks of Which You May Not Be Aware
Some Automaker Secrets May Surprise You
Ouch! Common Burns in the Home
Why You Should Be Careful As Homeowners
Five Horses Famous for Very Different Reasons
The Most Noted Equines of History, Literature, Entertainment and Sports.
Want More Stress? Don’t Get Business Insurance.
10 Possible Calamities in the Next 10 Hours