Auto Insurance Claims: minor parking lot accident, parking lot accident, claims adjuster

Question
I was backing out of a parking space at the mall the other day and I was toward an end spot. An older woman came from around the corner to get to another spot and we hit. I had no damage on my car and saw none on hers. She was nervous and we exchanged information but she said she is taking her car to a mechanic just to make sure but she did not want to go through the insurance. She called me today to say rubber rim on her wheel was loose and would cost $113. She wanted me to pay and would not make a claim. Knowing backing up I may be more at fault than 50/50 in NY and since it was such a small amount I told her ok. She already was having her car fixed before she called me. I then get a call from my Insurance company stating that she put a claim in. When I called her she claims she only wanted to report the accident to her insurance company and did not want to make a claim. Her insurance company called my insurance company for a claim. I was told by my claims adjuster that even if I pay her directly and no payout goes through I would still be charged as a claim against my policy. My question is am I better off paying this small claim for $113 and having no payout on my policy, or since this is listed as a claim and I cannot withdraw it, should I let it go through the company. This is more of an underwriting question. Would my rates go up anyway whether no payment went out or a small payment of only $113. I live in the state of NY. Thanks

Answer
HI Mary,

Unfortunately, many insurance companies will increase your rate just based on the fact that the claim was reported, even if they do not make a payment. It is the individual company's decision if this is the case. You would have to pose this question directly to your insurance company or your agent. They would be the only ones that would know what they would do.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh