Auto Insurance Claims: to claim or not to claim . . ., windshield coverage, green bay wisconsin

Question
Hello,
I must admit that my question is not as severe as some questions on this message board.  My heart goes out to all the families who lost loved ones in car accidents.
I currently have a great insurance rate (WI "teacher's rate") through AAA in Green Bay, Wisconsin.  I pay about $275.00 per six months.  (And then $45.00 a year for AAA membership.) My driving record is perfect (I think) with the possible exception of when I was hit from behind three years ago.  I had Progressive insurance then and the woman who hit me was insured (and they covered everything).
Last night I hit a patch of ice, spun twice, and hit a large snowbank.  The great WI weather of -25 caused my bumper to not withstand the impact and suffer substantial damage.  My 2005 Chevy Trailbazer has about $1,000 worth of damage.  However, the guy who did the estimate "trimmed the fat" if I pay out of pocket to about $800.  I don't know what to do.  Do I pay out of pocket and avoid the insurance claim or do I claim it, pay the $500 deductible and risk my insurance rates going up for the years to follow.  I'm a 27 year old high school teacher.  I get along well with my AAA insurance agent but I don't know if I can call her and ask "off the record" without her being upset or suspicious??
Although I didn't damage my windshield, I've been wondering this!  Is it true that a consumer should specifically ask for windshield coverage on their car insurance because most insurance companies will cover windshield repairs for free (no deductibles).
Thanks for listening!!

Answer
Hi Brooke,

I'm not sure about the windshield coverage. That may be specific to your state.

As far as your accident though, you should definately pay this one out of pocket. The insurance company will consider this to be an at-fault event and your rates will go up for the next 3 years. Since you can get the repairs done for $800.00 and $500.00 is your deductible that you would have to pay anyway, the extra cost is only $300.00. Your increase over the next 3 years may be substantially more than that.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh