Should I report this damage to my car as auto accident or comprehensive?

Question

I came outside this morning to find the side mirror busted on my car outside of my apartment. I don't know what happened but I didn't hit anything. How do I report this?

Answer 1

Get an estimate done first. You don't want to report something like this to your insurance company, if you don't have to. It goes on your permanent record. If its just your mirror, it shouldn't be much. If its less than your deductible, then don't even bother telling them.

Answer 2

Get an estimate, if it is lower than your deductible, then don't file a claim. Different states have different insurance rules and regulations. Strangely, I just spoke to my NJ insurance company. With this NJ insurance company, if your claim is less than 1000.00 it shouldn't effect your insurance. (some companies have a 500.00 maximum claim), no matter what it is considered, collision or comprehensive. I would check with your insurance company and find out how they will evaluate what happened. They will tell you whether it is a comprehensive claim or collision claim. They will also tell you if you rates will go up if you put in a claim, or what their maximum pay out is before your rates will be affected.

Answer 3

Just report it, your company will decide if it was damaged in a collision or by a comprehensive peril. The appraiser will probably be able to tell. You don't get to choose. They will choose.

Answer 4

You report it as cause of loss unknown. The appraiser will determine if it will be a comp or collision loss.

Answer 5

You dont need to decide which coverage it falls under- thats the insurance companies job. Just call and say exactly what you just did and they will open the correct coverage.

Answer 6

side mirror would prabably be less than your deductable - call your dealer and ask for cost first