WHEN TO FILE AN AUTO INSURANCE CLAIM
Auto accidents can be overwhelming. After a collision, one of your first instincts may be to file an insurance claim. And, in many cases, that is the right choice.
But sometimes, it might make more sense to cover the damages out of pocket. So how do you know when you should file a claim and when it could be better to take care of things yourself? Here’s what you need to know.
A Single-Car Collision
In the case of an accident that involves only your car, assess the damage. If you see only slight cosmetic damage — say, a small dent — get an estimate for the repairs.
Is that amount less than or close to your deductible? If so, consider taking care of the cost yourself. Filing a claim may result in changes to your rates that could be avoided if you can afford to fix your vehicle.
However, if you are in a collision involving your car and a pedestrian or bicyclist, you should always contact us.
A Two-Car Collision
Accidents involving multiple drivers often require filing an insurance claim. Not only is insurance typically necessary to cover the cost of repairs to one or both vehicles, but it will also help to cover medical bills if anyone is injured.
In the case of a very minor collision with another driver, you could consider working with the other driver directly to avoid filing a claim, but that is generally not recommended.
When in doubt, you can always reach out to ask about filing a claim or paying for damages out of pocket. We’re always happy to answer your questions
