Auto Insurance Claims: Disregarding a claim, business protocol, premium rate

Question
Hello,
I have made a small dent on the side of my car by hitting a mounted object recently.  I reported a claim to progressive, and had one of their representatives to give me a cost estimate.  Now, I made my decision not to go through with the insurance, and paid the whole cost out of my pocket.  So I called the representatives to remove my claim.  However he said that that is not possible, and once the claim is made it will be on my record.  Is this a standard business protocol?  I am afraid that it will increase my premium rate when I renew the policy.

Answer
Hi Sarah,

Yes this is standard. Anytime you inform an insurance company about an incident they will count it as an at-fault accident even if they do not pay out on the claim. You should never report an incident unless really mean to.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh