Auto Insurance Claims: Auto Insurance, insurance question, lightpole

Question
QUESTION: I  have a 16 year old who was in a single car accident last night.  There was no collision on vehicle as it was valued at $1,000 - a 1998 Ford Explorer - I believe they are going to tell us the vehicle is totalled.  Can we pay to have the vehicle repaired at our own cost? and does this mean that she will be placed in a pool and our rates will increase.

ANSWER: Hi Judy-

I'm sorry to hear about your childs accident. I'm not sure who you are referring to when you say "they are going to tell us the vehicle is totaled".  My best guess is the insurance company - so that means you already reported it to your insurance company even though there was no collision coverage.  Was there Property damage involved? (did she hit a lightpole or something your company is going to cover the bill for).
If not, I don't see why it would count as a chargeble accident if there was no collision coverage on the vehicle then you are going to have to pay to have it repaired or replaced.    The premium will nearly double on a 16 year old when they have an accident on their record.  It will continue to affect the premium for at least 3 years.
Please clarify and I can be of more help.

yourfarmersoffice.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: We have not reported it to the insurance company yet.  We intend on having the damage quoted to see if it makes sense to have it repaired.  Do we have to tell the insurance company she was in an accident?  There was no damage involved though the police department has told us that we can pick up a copy of the police report in a few days.  I really appreciate the help you are giving.

Answer
Judy-

If a police report was filed, it will probably show up on her DMV record.  The insurance companies check driving records periodically but it costs them lot's of money so they don't check it as often as many people think.  So they may charge her for it eventually but to my knowledge there is nothing that says you have to report an accident if it's not going to be covered anyway.  

Sheldon Maughan
Sacramento, Ca