Without a doubt, a lot of drivers need to have an understanding of how having the right quote for their finances is important, especially when it comes to auto insurance. Should I file an insurance claim for bumper damage? Before we begin, it is important to know that the limits you choose, the type of policy you buy, as well as other factors, affect the type of coverage you need to get.
The main objective of getting or purchasing a car insurance policy is to protect you and your family financially in case of any unexpected accident. One of the unexpected or unpredictable events that can take place is an accident leading to bumper damage.
So, you may be wondering if your car insurance will offer reimbursement if you file a claim. However, there are some events in which you do not need to file a claim against damages to your insurance provider. You will be learning more below.
Should I File an Insurance Claim for Bumper Damage?
The answer to whether you should file an insurance claim for bumper damage depends on different factors. For example, if another party or driver is responsible for the accident or if the cost of repairing your car surpasses your deductible by a large amount, filing a claim may be a good option.
This does not only allow you to take advantage of your policy benefits, but you also get to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses you will make. On the other hand, if the damage is considered a minor one and the repair cost is less than your deductible, it is economical to manage the repair cost yourself to avoid an increase in your insurance premium.
When to File a Claim?
You can consider filing an insurance claim against bumper damage to your insurance provider if any of the following take place:
- There is additional damage that could affect your vehicle’s safety, but it might not be immediately apparent.
- The damage is huge, and the repair costs significantly surpass your deductible.
- You can claim against your insurance company if another party is at fault.
When to Not File One?
It is advisable to not file a claim against bumper damage to your insurance provider in any of these scenarios:
- You are worried about a potential increase in your insurance premiums because you have a history of previous claims.
- The cost of repairs is less than or close to your deductible amount.
- The damage is purely exterior and will not affect the safety or functionality of your car or vehicle negatively.
How To File a Claim for Bumper Damage
Filing an insurance claim for bumper damage is a series of different processes that are effective and efficient to ensure a successful claim filing. Here is the guide you need to begin the process:
- Assess the damage.
- Document the incident.
- Check your insurance policy.
- Get a repair estimate.
- Report the accident to your insurer.
- Claim filing.
- Adjuster assessment.
- Review the claim.
- Repair your vehicle.
- Settlement and payment.
Throughout the process, remember to save documents and receipts associated with the repair of your car and keep records of communications with your insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will filing a claim for bumper damage increase my insurance premiums?
Filing a claim can potentially lead to an increase in your premiums, especially if you have a history of claims. However, this can vary by insurance company and depends on whether you were at fault. If the damage is minor, it might be more cost-effective to pay for the repairs out of pocket.
How do I decide whether to file a claim for bumper damage?
Consider filing a claim if the cost of repairs significantly exceeds your deductible and the accident was not your fault. If the damage is minor or close to the amount of your deductible, it might be better to pay out of pocket to avoid any potential increase in premiums.
What should I do if the bumper damage is from a hit-and-run?
If your vehicle is damaged in a hit-and-run, you should report the incident to the police and your insurance company. Depending on your policy, you may have coverage under uninsured motorist property damage or collision coverage. Filing a police report is often necessary to utilize this coverage.
What documentation is needed to file a claim for bumper damage?
To file a claim, you will need to provide your insurer with detailed photos of the damage, a copy of the police report, repair estimates, and any other documentation they request. Having comprehensive documentation can help expedite the claims process.
Is it worth filing a claim for very minor bumper damage?
For very minor damage, especially when the repair costs are below or near your deductible, it might not be worth filing a claim. Consider the long-term costs of a potential premium increase compared to the immediate repair costs.