Car insurance

[kymom99]

I’m posting here at the risk of being scolded for asking such questions on an internet discussion board. I have this fear of having my insurance rates go through the roof if I call and ask questions.

I figure someone here has either had a similar experience or works in the insurance industry.

We have State Farm insurance. A couple months ago, my son had the hood of his car up. A wind gust came through unexpectedly and the hood blew back. The stick came out and the hood fell closed. The fenders bent back on either side, up by the windshield. It doesn’t look like much but the paint is peeling. I’ll try to post a picture.

We talked about paying to fix it. It’s a 2018 Honda with 40k miles on it. A nice car. I talked to my friend whose son does auto body work. He said it would cost about 4k. the paint is expensive and he probably would have to replace the hood hinges. He does excellent work and I trust his judgement.

So my questions: Did I wait too long to file a claim? The car is in my name. Since it wasn’t being driven, does that fall under comprehensive?

 

[Southernmiss]

I'd get a second opinion on the work first.

We recently had to get some work done on our son's auto. Our usual auto body place was months behind.

We found another place who did just as nice of a job within 2 weeks for less than half the price.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I'd get a second opinion on the work first.

We recently had to get some work done on our son's auto. Our usual auto body place was months behind.

We found another place who did just as nice of a job within 2 weeks for less than half the price.

I second this. We had a major dent/scratch in the side of our truck. Took it to a couple of place for quotes and Yikes! it was $1800-2000. We found a local small body shop and got it fixed for $800 (cash price).

 

[tvguy]

Paint is EXPENSIVE. I bet the paint work alone will be close to $2,000

 

[cvjw]

Can you not just call your agent and ask about it being comprehensive and too late to claim? I also have State Farm and call my agent anytime I have a question. They are always super helpful. I figure I am paying them for their service with my premiums for the last 30 years.

 

[kymom99]

Paint is EXPENSIVE. I bet the paint work alone will be close to $2,000

That’s exactly what he said. Tricoat pearl paint. It involves 2 panels

 

[Denise W]

It is a comprehensive loss, so that deductible would apply. I would go ahead and report it.

 

[EACarlson]

Asking those questions of your State Farm Agent isn't going to get your rates raised. Your agent actually wants to help you since they get paid every time you renew your policy. If you call the claims line they might put a note in the file but not your agent.

 

[kymom99]

Can you not just call your agent and ask about it being comprehensive and too late to claim? I also have State Farm and call my agent anytime I have a question. They are always super helpful. I figure I am paying them for their service with my premiums for the last 30 years.

Asking those questions of your State Farm Agent isn't going to get your rates raised. Your agent actually wants to help you since they get paid every time you renew your policy. If you call the claims line they might put a note in the file but not your agent.

thanks this is good information. Exactly what I was looking for.

 

[KayMichigan]

I have State Farm, too, they also have a Facebook page and a Twitter account where you can message them and ask questions.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I have State Farm. Several years ago, someone I sort of knew (our kids did theater together) backed into me in a parking lot. I was positive that she hadn't been moving when I backed out. I was putting my car into drive to go forward when she whipped out of her space. Still, we both had State Farm and the adjuster said anytime two people are backing up, it's considered 50/50 fault. Before I could get that damage fixed, I was driving into a school parking lot with a metal gate that was open. As I drove through, the wind blew the gate right into the side of my car. I called my agent and he said the damage from the gate would be covered under my comprehensive coverage. I got all the damage fixed at once. My collision deductible was $500 and comprehensive was $100. So, for $600, I got my car looking like new again. My rates didn't go up one bit. My agent encouraged me to always use my coverage when I need it. That's why I pay my premiums.

 

[kymom99]

I have State Farm. Several years ago, someone I sort of knew (our kids did theater together) backed into me in a parking lot. I was positive that she hadn't been moving when I backed out. I was putting my car into drive to go forward when she whipped out of her space. Still, we both had State Farm and the adjuster said anytime two people are backing up, it's considered 50/50 fault. Before I could get that damage fixed, I was driving into a school parking lot with a metal gate that was open. As I drove through, the wind blew the gate right into the side of my car. I called my agent and he said the damage from the gate would be covered under my comprehensive coverage. I got all the damage fixed at once. My collision deductible was $500 and comprehensive was $100. So, for $600, I got my car looking like new again. My rates didn't go up one bit. My agent encouraged me to always use my coverage when I need it. That's why I pay my premiums.

I think I will check with them.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

You should also have a copy of what is often called a Policy Back. This is what your policy does and does not cover, timeframe, etc.

Often a renewal document has an abbreviated version but you can find the full document as well.

 

[kymom99]

You should also have a copy of what is often called a Policy Back. This is what your policy does and does not cover, timeframe, etc.

Often a renewal document has an abbreviated version but you can find the full document as well.

I’ll have to look for that. We have 4 cars. I’m bound to have one of them laying around if not I can find it online

 

[kymom99]

I’ll add to this, our insurance offers some sort of accident forgiveness. I think I it’s one claim every 3 years but it’s something I need to check into as well. It will be 4 years ago I backed out of my driveway into a car stopped at the community mailboxes. I put a small scratch on the other car. My agent told me about the forgiveness since it was our first claim in years but I don’t remember the timeframe

 

[MillauFr]

I wouldn't turn it into insurance. I would just pay out of pocket. Of course I don't have comprehensive or collision insurance so it isn't an issue. Back when I bought the car the bank that issued the loan forced me to buy collision so I said fine I'll just request a $5k deductible so I don't have to pay as much for insurance I don't need or want.

 

[tvguy]

I wouldn't turn it into insurance. I would just pay out of pocket. Of course I don't have comprehensive or collision insurance so it isn't an issue. Back when I bought the car the bank that issued the loan forced me to buy collision so I said fine I'll just request a $5k deductible so I don't have to pay as much for insurance I don't need or want.

I had $1,000 deductible for over 35 years. We bought a new Toyota with zero percent financing and Toyota Motor Credit requires no more a $500 deductible. I was shocked at how little difference it made in my premium. $25 more every 6 months. Insurance rates always baffle me.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I wouldn't turn it into insurance. I would just pay out of pocket. Of course I don't have comprehensive or collision insurance so it isn't an issue. Back when I bought the car the bank that issued the loan forced me to buy collision so I said fine I'll just request a $5k deductible so I don't have to pay as much for insurance I don't need or want.

Normally I'd advise as well to be careful on turning in claims when it's close to the deductible but if the estimate of $4,000 is still accurate that's generally (though I stress that) much more than most people's deductible. If the damage was like $800 no I wouldn't turn that in.

For our particular policy we have a $500 deductible on comp with glass being $50

 

[MillauFr]

I had $1,000 deductible for over 35 years. We bought a new Toyota with zero percent financing and Toyota Motor Credit requires no more a $500 deductible. I was shocked at how little difference it made in my premium. $25 more every 6 months. Insurance rates always baffle me.

Yes the bank sent me nasty letters saying the deductible was too high but I just ignored them. They never did anything.

 

[tvguy]

Yes the bank sent me nasty letters saying the deductible was too high but I just ignored them. They never did anything.

I had to sign a form saying I would provide the insurance coverage, and have my agent send proof I had done it.