[Templar]

Lots of info in here, but before doing anything I would see how much it costs to have it repaired out of pocket first. It doesn't hurt to get an estimate (you're going to need one anyway).

Sure, if you have an agent that will work with you, that's great. If you don't, then be careful what type of information you indulge them with...

[bga23]

Originally Posted by Devious21

Here's advice from a claims adjuster in California. May not be applicable to all states.

You should be safe calling your insurance company. It wouldn't hurt to get an estimate, if you can get a shop to provide you one for free.

I don't know what "banged up a little" means. But keep this in mind:
Comprehensive covers vandalism, theft, fire, extreme weather (hail/flood), animal and POSSIBLY road conditions (gravel kicked up).
Collision is basically you hitting an object.

Collision claims are what raises your rates. Comprehensive claims do not.

You can call up and tell them "what happened" and see if they consider it Comprehensive or Collision. If they consider it comprehensive, it won't affect your Premium.

If they consider it Collision AND you make a claim, there's a good chance your rates will go up (but it's possible they won't). Depends on how much damage. The "threshold or formula that determines if your rates go up" is up to the Company's discretion and they most likely won't share that information with you. Unfortunately, you won't know if the claim will raise your rates until after you file one.

If they tell you your incident is considered Collision and you don't want to take the chance of your rates going up, You can decline to make a claim at that point (unless there's a third party involved). If you call and tell them you backed into your own garage (for example), they don't care unless you make a claim and have them pay for it.

Keep in mind that whatever "story" you tell the insurance company - if you make a claim - they'll send an adjuster out to inspect your vehicle and these guys aren't stupid.

Thanks for all of this info, very helpful.

And I would fully expect my rates to go up if I make a claim (would fall into collision category), I just want to weigh the increase vs the cost of paying for the repairs myself. I'll get an estimate this week to at least get an idea of what it'll cost to repair and go from there.

[JLed79]

Pay for it yourself. Tell insurance co. nothing. You will definitely pay more in the long run with the rate increase than you will be out of pocket now.