Auto Insurance Claims: Should I let My insurance handle it or should I Pay, company checks, insurance premium

Question
I was in a accident where my car went crashed through the front door of a building. No one was injured, and the damage to the building was $2700. Police were called and since no one was injured it was considered a traffic accident.
My questions are 1) If I pay for the damage out of my pocket will my insurance premium be affected in any way? 2)Is it true that since police were called, the insurance company will be notified anyway?

Answer
Hi Rick,

Police departments do not report accidents to insurance companies. However they do put information on your driving record. So the accident and any tickets you receive will be on your driving record. If your insurance company checks your driving record they will find out about the accident and will likely raise your rates even if you do not file a claim. So you are likely better off to file the claim.


I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh