Is damage to my car door lock worth filing an insurance claim?

Question

I recently came out of the mall and discovered someone tried to break into my Dodge Intrepid. The door lock on the passenger side looks as if someone attempted to jimmy the lock open. The Lock is pushed in and the metal around it is warped. Also my key no longer works on that door. I have a $300 deductible. Is it worth filing a claim. How much would it cost to replace the locks?

Answer 1

Save your claim for something big. Even a small claim may affect your claims-free status, depending on where you live, in which case the break point for a claim would actually be around $500. If you are in a jurisdiction like Manitoba, where it wouldn't affect your status, the break point is actually $300. Check you policy, and call an agent, but do not call your agent, as he will note it in the file even if you do not make the claim.

Answer 2

First take the vehicle and get an estimate done.

Now this type of claim will be treated as a vandalism or theft attempt, and be filed underneath your comprensive coverage. Please review your policy and verify coverage and deductible.

Now think about the frequency of your claims over the past 3 - 5 years? Have you ever filed a claim? Do you normally file a claim once a year?

If you decide to file a claim, your policy could increase when the policy renews. Insurance premiums are figured by assigning you to a group of drivers that exhibit a similar risk. Therefore you pay a similar price for insurance as others in your risk group. Now a vandalism is not surchargeable, and their will be no direct charge attributed to this claim. However, upon your renewal this claim could be "the straw that breaks the camels back", and puts you in a higher risk group.

Now you know the reasoning, lets take a look at your situation. First don't call your agent unless you are going to make the claim. If you call and advise and do not ask for payout the occurence still goes on your record. Second if you have made lots of claims, no matter how little, in the past 3 - 5 years, do not call it in. Third if you have made absolutley no claims in the past 3 - 5 years, you might not want to turn it in. Finally if the total price of repair does not double your deductible, do not turn the claim in.

So I would say if your estimate is less that $600, do not turn it in.

Answer 3

Car Door Damage

Answer 4

Take it by a body shop and get an estimate. Let them know you have a $300 deductible, and don't really want to file if it is near that to fix it.

Just to replace the lock should be under $100, but you may have a different key for that door, and that doesn't fix any body/paint damage.

Answer 5

I do not know how much it will cost where you live but I had a similar situation in South Texas on a 2000 Ford F150 to the drivers door. The total cost for replacing the lock cylinder and replacing any trim with new stuff was a total of $185.00.
I had 3 different quotes and they ranged from $185 - $225.
My recommendation is to visit several body shops and get the quotes to make your decision.

Answer 6

I would get a few quotes first. If It's less than $500, I would not file a claim against your insurance co becuase your rates may go up. If the estimate is really high, then file a claim.

Answer 7

Get an estimate. If it's less than $300 it's not worth filing. This would be considered a vandalism claim and might/might not go against your record. It's best to ask your insurance company.

Answer 8

Get an estimate. If it's over the deductible,make the claim. Or report it, have the insurance company do the estimate, then decide if you want to pursue the claim and get paid.

Answer 9

The more claims you file the more your insurance cost will go up. For his Minor damage I would just get 2-3 quotes to repair. the quotes will not cost you, then you can decide what is best to do.

Answer 10

I recommend that you try this site where you can get quotes from different companies: http://insure-cheap.info/index.html?src=5YAhih52VaKMtd1

RE :Is damage to my car door lock worth filing an insurance claim?
I recently came out of the mall and discovered someone tried to break into my Dodge Intrepid. The door lock on the passenger side looks as if someone attempted to jimmy the lock open. The Lock is pushed in and the metal around it is warped. Also my key no longer works on that door. I have a $300 deductible. Is it worth filing a claim. How much would it cost to replace the locks?
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