Auto Insurance Claims: son hit deer, juris doctor, insurance commissioner

Question
My son hit a deer while driving my car.  Will this accident go against his
insurance or my insurance?  We have separate policies.  Is it likely to raise both
of our insurance rates?  Is it considered comprehensive?

Answer
Dear Shirley,

Your son's accident will likely be categorized as an "at-fault" accident within the hallowed halls of your insurance company, and thus it will count against him when it comes time to renew.  

It will be covered under his comprehensive clause, subject to his deductible.  

HERE IS WHERE YOU CAN HELP:
What if the car can "live with" some bumps and bruises and it takes only $1,000 to fix it, but your son has a $500 deductible?

I would just pay the $1,000 and NOT make a claim to the insurance company.  

What about your rates?  Well, it is not going to impact your rates at all since you are on separate policies.  Your insurance commissioner has adopted standards by which companies can consider an accident to be "at fault" and the minimum amount of damage that can be considered in making a rate increase.  For example, in Washington state, anything less than $750 damage cannot be considered in rate adjustments.  

Best wishes,

Dr. Settlement, J.D. (Juris Doctor)
www.SettlementCentral.Com