Auto Insurance Claims: Auto insurance claim, state insurance commissioner, auto insurance claim

Question
Can you file a claim with your auto insurance co., if you accidentally close the hood of your car, while the hood prop is still in place and cause damage to the hood?" I have a 2005 Pontiac Vibe. The auto bodyshop told me I needed a new hood. The cost of a new hood would be $829.00 They said, repairing the damaged hood would be a waste of money. I have $100 deductible comprehensive insurance and 0 deductible collision with my insurance co. What should I do?

                  Thanks

Answer
Dear Steve,

I would go to another body shop for a second opinion and then decide whether or not to turn in the claim.  Here is why.

First, you ARE entitled to have your company pay your body shop the $729.  This is what you paid for, and your fault in the damage is not relevant.  Comprehensive insures against ALL RISKS.

BUT, WHAT IS THE RISK OF INCREASED RATES IN THE FUTURE?

You might contact your state insurance commissioner and ask him or her whether companies are allowed to raise rates on a comprehensive claim.  That should help in the decision-making.  Get your insurance commissioner's contact information from the links page on my website:
http://www.settlementcentral.com/links.php

OR, YOU COULD CALL YOUR AGENT, on condition she does not report the claim, and ask her about rate increases for making a comprehensive claim with your particular company.

What if your body shop is making a scam?  What if you could get the damage repaired for $375 at another body shop?  Then you would at least have the choice as to whether or not you wish to make a claim.  By the way, your company IS NOT entitled to know that you went to a second body shop.  

Of course, your own company's adjuster will make his own estimate as to what is required to fix the dent.  He may agree with your body shop, or he may note that the dent can be fixed without a new hood.

Finally, have you considered getting a higher deductible?  Even with new cars, I never carried less than $250 because $100 is just too darn expensive.  You might want to get a quote for the higher deductible and see if it saves you some money.

I trust that these answers have been of benefit to you, and so I would respectfully request that you leave me some feedback on the form provided by this site.

Best Wishes,

Dr. Settlement, J.D.
www.SettlementCentral.Com