Hey everybody. About four months ago I had a dent repaired, using insurance, where someone had backed into the driver side door of my parked RX-8 ($1200). Now, there is a new dent in almost the same place, except that now it's right on the seam between the two driver's side doors and the repair is an estimated $900 at the MAzda dealership here in Corpus Christi.

My question is this: Is it worthwile to use insurance again (I have uninsured driver coverage with a $250 deductible) or should I bite the bullet and pay out of pocket to save my premium from going up? I am 27 years old, have no accidents (other than the door repair from the last "no-fault" accident) and no tickets on my driving record. My insurance company is State-Farm

Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated, because I'm getting really sick of looking at this dent on my beatiful car all the time. Thanks!

 

bite the bullet.

First time, fine.

second time, Im pretty sure your insurance will go "UP", especially with StateFarm. and remember. this "incident" will stay on your record for quite some time.

So if you can afford it, pay for it out of your pocket.

or just leave with the damage for a while.

 

Most insurance companies do not count no fault and comprehensive damage against the driver. In the last 2 years, wev'e hit 2 deer replaced a windshield and had an engine fire in our 94 RX7 (totaled) and had a lady with no insurance hit us. That has amounted to over $40,000 our insurce company has paid out. Rates have stayed the same. I am older so maybe that makes a difference but if you know your insurance agent just ask.

 

I disagree, this claim isnt your fault. It cant affect your rate. You might not even have to pay the deductable. I had to make two claims in one year once, and they waved the second deductable. It was in my policy, i guess, were if theres multiple claims in one year, you only have to pay the deductable once.

 

I have State Farm and have had my vehicle replaced under the uninsured motorist coverage and my rates did not go up.

 

check your policy and ask your agent. you may have a "lawfully parked" exclusion so it won;t affect your rates. you might also want to ask about filing it under uninsured underinsured motorist rider since it was a "hit and run".

 

Yeah, I was thinking it would be hard for them to raise my rates based on two incdients, neither of which were my fault (and neither of which I was even in my car for) but insurance companies didn't get to be the size they are by being generous. I asked my agent but she told me that she couldn't answer that question as she has nothing to do with how the underwriters make their decisions... I guess close examniation of my policy is the best bet. Thanks again y'all!

 

Insurance is a great thing! You pay to have it, and get penalized when you use it.

 

Another "uninsured motorist" claim will not affect your insurance premium. It just might be a consideration when renewal time comes and they are deciding whether to renew or not. With State Farm, I doubt it. They have pretty good customer relations (at least in Texas. Don't mention their name here in Mississippi).

I got a written permanent guarantee of renewability from SF years ago. They do reward long-standing customers, especially if you carry multiple lines with them.

I trust that you have a local agent who is approachable and will give you straight answers. That's what agents are for (and why I don't deal with GEICO or USAA).

 

Yeah, I have a good agent who I'll ask to explain the details about renewal and what role she has in that decision-making process. Thanks for the advice!