Should you get an estimate from a repair shop before filing your claim? My deductible is $500 for comprehensive (an animal ran into side of car doing 75 on freeway), but I just filed a uninsured motorist claim a month ago (on different vehicle) and the insurance co paid $2800.00 to fix. I'm worried about my rates going up and If the damage is less the deductible then obviously don't file the claim. However, the damage is probably more, but I'm really worried because of the previous claim which was not my fault, nor is the new accident. Do they take fault into consideration on deciding whether to up your rates????
2006-12-02 06:36:19 · 6 answers · asked by LuvHarmony 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
WOW! An animal doing 75 on the freeway. Must have been a cheetah. http://www.extremescience.com/cvideo.htm the world's fastest land animal.
Yeah, I know, but I couldn't resist. As to your real question, accidents that aren't your fault don't count against you and don't raise your rates. But yes, you can get an estimate first and then decide on filing.
It may surprise you how expensive a little dent can be. I wish you well.
2006-12-02 07:23:22 · answer #1 · answered by oklatom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they do take that into consideration. They don't normally raise your rates for non-fault accidents. Comprehensive claims, unless you have a ton (maybe your car gets broken into a lot because you live in a bad neighborhood) don't normally count against you either. You should be ok.
I'm telling you this, but I don't know the policies of the company you're with to know if they practice any other procedure when it comes to these claims.
2006-12-02 15:17:57 · answer #2 · answered by Chris 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When I was working in the Underwriting Department of a major insurance company, Comp claims were only considered if there were more than 1. Depending on the length of time you've been with the company and the other things you have on your driving record, they may allow more before taking any action.
Don't call the company and ask them; ask your agent. Claims inquiries can go into your record and be counted just like a claim (it's a loss without a payout).
2006-12-02 23:30:12 · answer #3 · answered by Faith 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fault is generally taken into consideration with regard to determination of rates.
If you get an estimate from a repair shop, tell them you don't have comprehensive coverage as they will generally charge less.
You should file the claim and see what the insurer's estimate is.
2006-12-02 14:53:35 · answer #4 · answered by MoltarRocks 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The UIM claim usually doesn't affect your rates. As to the comp claim, yeah they often do factor in even though fault isn't assessed on that type of claim. Get the estimate and if it's less than or only slightly more than your deductible then just pay it out of pocket.
2006-12-02 15:13:29 · answer #5 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually, comp claims are not considered for rate increases, however, claims frequency can effect underwriting considerations. I think you will find that your rates would not go up near as much as it will cost to repair your car and you rates will go back down if you remain loss-free.
2006-12-02 19:36:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋