the scratch is pretty deep. it was my fault, so i'm guessing that my insurance would have to pay. I'm a teen driver but i have not had any accidents before. i've been driving for about a year. thanks a lot.
2006-08-26 07:11:41 · 11 answers · asked by gabe_shob 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
Get an estimate for the repair from a reputable body shop, just as if it was for the insurance claim. If the amount is reasonable, then you pay the bill at the repair shop. Have the person sign a release he is happy with the work on the car.
Very commendable of you to fix the car yourself, rather than letting your dad's policy go up too, if you are on his policy. If you are not, still give yourself a pat on the back!
...jj
2006-08-26 07:46:06 · answer #1 · answered by johnny j 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can pay for the damage out of pocket, I would most definitely do so. See if you can get a copy of the estimate of damages and a picture of the damage. That way, you can have someone else (perhaps your agent or another body shop mechanic) advise if the estimate is not being unjustifiably inflated. If the damage is only a scratch (deep or not) it should not take more than 2-3 days repair.
Please note that if your insurance company pays for the damage, your rate will go up whether the total amount of the damage is $200 or $2000. If the damage is around $500, it will be much better to pay for it out of pocket. Especially if you are a teen driver. In California, many insurance companies will not continue to insure a youthful driver if he has two points and certainly not two at fault accidents (regardless of the amount of damage paid out).
Also, be sure to get a signed release from the owner of the vehicle stating that the you are no longer responsible for the damage that occurred.
2006-08-26 07:20:51 · answer #2 · answered by halosfan2003 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Out of pocket settlements NEVER end up well. If you are going to pay, get the person to sign a release, releasing you from any liability or further payment so that later he is not asking for money for damages not seen on the original estimate, or for a rental, etc. The other person is not obligated to settle with you out of pocket and can make a claim with your company. Did I mention that they don't usually work out? There was actually a question in this area where someone paid out of pocket, then the other person went to his insurance company for more damage, and now the ins. co is looking for payment from the responsible driver.
Sometimes people focus so much on the rate going up that they don't see the big picture. If you had to pay a few hundred dollars, would that be the amount your policy would increase? If not, then you may not want to pay out of your pocket.
2006-08-26 11:31:39 · answer #3 · answered by Chris 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, pay out of your pocket if it's not too much. Being a teen, your insurance would really go up if you report it to them.
2006-08-26 07:17:38 · answer #4 · answered by sheeny 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have the money to pay out of pocket I would... being a teen driver in most states, anything that you report to you ins. comp. will make your rate go up
2006-08-26 07:15:16 · answer #5 · answered by Ashs 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You better look at the estimate before you decide. You rates likely will not go up as much as the cost to repair the car.
2006-08-26 14:02:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ABSOLUTELY. If they are willing to let you pay them directly, do it. At your age an at-fault insurance claim will kill you on premiums, and depending on the company, they could even drop you. I am glad to see someone your age being responsible like this. Good for you.
Good Luck.
2006-08-26 07:39:33 · answer #7 · answered by answerman63 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
PAY now or take it up the azz later from your insurance company.
2006-08-26 07:19:39 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
depending on the acceptance of the opposite party you may do so subject to local laws
2006-08-26 07:15:32 · answer #9 · answered by toliagoldstar 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can do that, I would, I've done that for my daughter, darn her, her's was $600.00.
2006-08-26 07:15:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋