Car Accident - Do I claim or pay out of pocket?

[tmdm]

Hello all,
First time on this forum and am seeking assistance from everyone. Very stupidly, I was driving my car out of the garage and turned the wheel a little too soon, catching the rear passenger door and rear wheel body panelling on the wall. It didn't scratch, but it left two hefty dents, crushing part of the wheel arch. I took it to PDR who said it needs to go to the body shop. I have a 2016 leased Ford Fusion. I contacted my insurance company who filed a claim, but now I am not so sure I should be doing that. I got a quote of $1500 from Ford's body shop to repair it which is only $500 more than my deductible ($1000). I am trying to decide whether:

1. Cancel the claim, pay out of pocket and hope the premium does not go up since now it is reported, it is on record (even though it will show as $0.00 paid out)

2. Go ahead with the claim since I have a great driving record, no tickets, no claims, nothing. And hope the premium doesn't go up substantially as the payout amount by the insurance won't be substantial.

I am not sure what to do and have to make a decision pretty quick. I am in Los Angeles, CA (high premiums already) What would you do?

My insurance company is Geico. Geico is much cheaper than any other coverage for me by almost $1000 every 6 months. Thank you! Thank you! I appreciate all fo your help.

 

[pcgeek11]

I have been using GEICO Insurance for well over 30 years. I have made several claims through those years and my insurance rate has never increased because of said claims.

 

[boomerang]

1. Cancel the claim, pay out of pocket and hope the premium does not go up since now it is reported, it is on record (even though it will show as $0.00 paid out)

You still have a claim on your record. You cannot make it go away. Very shortly after switching insurers I got a star break on my windshield. I called and my new insurer filed a claim even though they did not even offer glass coverage and obviously paid zero for the repair. The mistake was mine and rooted in my having forgotten that my new insurer did not offer glass coverage. You have made a similar mistake.

Get the car repaired to the degree possible on their dime because the claim is on your record now.

If interested, get a copy of your CLUE Report. It will show your information in the central database all insurers utilize. It's akin to pulling your credit report (which insurers also utilize) but for insurance.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Are there any requirements in your lease agreement w/r/t this?

 

[tmdm]

I know, I made the stupid mistake of saying something about it! The original body shop said the damage was about $2500 which is why I contacted my insurance, but my local Ford dealership pointed me in the direction of their body shop which is an offsite one and he offered $1477 to repair it and using Fords paint.

My understanding is that this damage will exceed the lease allowed damage amount since it has crushed in part of the body panel. The door has a minor crease which could be removed but the rear panel is pretty bad.

I called my insurance and they said that if I cancel the claim, it will still reflect on the policy BUT it will show as $0.00 paid out and this wont cause a surcharge to be added to my policy.. not sure if I believe them or not..

 

[ponyo]

It's on your record now since you contacted your insurance. Collect the insurance money and fix it. It's done deal.

 

[tmdm]

I understand It is in record, but my insurance has advised if I cancel the claim, it will simply show as $0.00 paid out and therefore won’t affect my policy with the surcharge.

 

[ponyo]

Well if you believe them and get it in writing. But they will find some other BS reason to raise your rates and say it wasn't due to the accident. But how you're going to fight and argue with them? And when you shop and change insurance companies, the other companies will see the reported damage and claim. You can do whatever you want but if I was in your shoes and had already reported it, I would collect and repair. That's the only sure thing in my book and I don't like playing what if.

 

[aigomorla]

Get the car repaired to the degree possible on their dime because the claim is on your record now.

+1

you made the call and they inputted it in their records.
You can not make it magically disappear anymore.

I understand It is in record, but my insurance has advised if I cancel the claim, it will simply show as $0.00 paid out and therefore won’t affect my policy with the surcharge.

It will still be on file.
So when you do get something in which you do need to claim, they will ding you hard as 2 claims instead of 1 on your history with them.

Also when u goto another insurance company, they will most likely forward the claim, and the new insurance company will not care if they paid out 0.00. They will only see it as you had filed a claim previously.

So the mistake is done, i'd honestly go with the least paid out of pocket route now.

So the premium increase after the claim vs paying the repairs fee's out of pocket in the span outlook of 1 yr.

 

[mztykal]

I made a geico claim for damage that they never repaired and I did so out of pocket. The policy still was raised next renewed due to claim filed which was completely opposite of what they said would happen. Insurance people are almost as bad as car salesman. Just go through with having the car fixed.

 

[Bacstar]

Check and see if you have accident forgiveness as part of your policy. This may not ding you, if you do...

 

[Pulsar]

I understand It is in record, but my insurance has advised if I cancel the claim, it will simply show as $0.00 paid out and therefore won’t affect my policy with the surcharge.

Straight up, that's a bullshit reason to raise your insurance. Make the claim. If they raise it, walk the heck away from the thieves. Of course I say this as a 20+ year customer of the same insurer.