QuestionGood afternoon Richard,
Thanks in advance for the time you spend answering this question, it is very kind of you to lend your knowledge and expertise to those of us who need it.
My wife and I have had an unusually eventful year (death of a parent, birth of our second child), and it has carried over into the status of our vehicles. We've been too busy to worry about these since none of the items affect us driving the vehicles.
We have three different possible claims, and I don't know which of them, if any, we should submit to our insurance company. We have a top insurance company and pay for complete coverage on both cars. Have not had an accident in five years, so we receive a Premium Driver discount on both cars. We live in TN, in case the state affects your recommendations.
About a month or 6 weeks ago, my front window was hit by a stone and has a spiderweb crack in it that may need the window replaced before winter coming. The repair place said they can try to fix it, but if it doesn't work the window may crack. So I'm looking for information on whether I should claim it prior to having it done.
Second item. Last week I had my 45,000 mile service done and asked them to check my driver side door handle/lock because it seemed to becoming off of the car. They said someone tried to break into the car using a screw driver. Repair cost $295.00. Parts on order.
Third item. We noticed a few weeks ago that my wife's car (a low wheel base sports sedan) is missing an approximately 1' x 2' piece around the right front fog light. Last week my wife had her car into her dealership (different car manufacturer than mine) for a check engine light and asked them about it. They said that the bumper is slightly damaged and will need replaced in order to fit the new piece around the fog light. They said it looked like she may have taken a speed bump/driveway too hard or she bumped into a curb. Repair cost just under $1500.00. Have not yet fixed it.
Please let us know how many claims can be submitted before the rates go up, and which deductible we would have to pay for each item. Our Comprehensive Deductible is $100.00, and our Collision is $250.00. Should we claim all three? Would claiming certain ones automatically make our rates go up? If so, is there any reason we shouldn't claim all three?
We really appreciate your thoughts on these questions. Have a great week!
Sincerely,
JD
AnswerHi JD,
I will try to answer your questions in order.
1) The windshield damage on your car would be a comprehensive claim. It would depend on your policy if your deductible would apply. It is important to have a clear field of vision so I would recommend have it repaired or replaced. You would have to contact your insurance comapny to see if your deductible would apply. In some states the deductible does not apply to windshields. Even if it does apply it would only cost you $100.00 and in most cases a comprehensive claim will not affect your premiums.
2)The door handle claim would also be a comprehensive claim, however, another deductible would apply since this is a seperate incident.
3) Your wifes bumper would be considered an at-fault collision claim that may affect your premium. You should go to a body shop to see if the bumper cover can be repaired rather than replaced. This would be significantly less expensive than replacing the entire bumper cover. If the bumper cover can be repaired, your insurance company would require that it be repaired rether than replaced anyway.
Many companies today offer accident forgivness and others will not increase your rates for minor incidents. There are also companies that look for any excuse to increase your rates. Unfortunately there is no way for me to know which you have. It might be a good idea to call your agent and ask some hypothetical scenario questions prior to actually filing a claim. That way you can ask how an event may affect your premiums with out tipping them off that you actually have an issue.
I hoep this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh
