To file an auto insurance claim or not?
Wife's van got scratched down the side in the parking lot at work. No way to know who did it. It's down to the metal in three spots with some minor dents so we definitely need to get it repaired. Cheapest estimate is $1500.
I figured we'd just pay out of pocket and not have to deal with insurance, mainly because I assume our premium would go up. But I called my insurance (Mercury) today and the guy that answered said it wouldn't impact my premium if it wasn't our fault. Not sure I believe that.
Posted: 02/11/2026 at 03:14 PM ET
Thread Replies (13)
To file an auto insurance claim or not?
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-- HokieGator
Feb 11, 2026 at 03:14 PM ET
HokieGator
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02/11/26 03:14 PM ET
Isn't that covered under "Comprehensive?"
-- EDGEMAN
Feb 11, 2026 at 04:59 PM ET
EDGEMAN
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02/11/26 04:59 PM ET
Be cautious. Do you have deductible? I tend to keep insurance claims to the
-- Stork
Feb 11, 2026 at 03:18 PM ET
Stork
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02/11/26 03:18 PM ET
In my experience, the damage is already done by calling to inquire.
-- MP4VT2004
Feb 11, 2026 at 07:58 PM ET
MP4VT2004
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02/11/26 07:58 PM ET
love me my allstate, sorry for your experience ....
-- VaTechie
Feb 11, 2026 at 08:24 PM ET
VaTechie
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02/11/26 08:24 PM ET
It should be a UMPD claim and not impact their rates. Deductible might be
-- RhinoVT
Feb 11, 2026 at 04:41 PM ET
RhinoVT
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02/11/26 04:41 PM ET
Why even have insurance then?**
-- Brown Water
Feb 11, 2026 at 04:20 PM ET
Brown Water
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02/11/26 04:20 PM ET
For large losses that are beyond your capacity to pay. This type of loss
-- Stork
Feb 11, 2026 at 04:28 PM ET
Stork
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02/11/26 04:28 PM ET
I guess "small" is a relative term. $1500 is chump change to someone of
-- Brown Water
Feb 11, 2026 at 04:34 PM ET
Brown Water
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02/11/26 04:34 PM ET
Surround yourself with hookers 'n blow and you'll never have to worry about
-- VTHokie2000
Feb 11, 2026 at 05:15 PM ET
VTHokie2000
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02/11/26 05:15 PM ET