Should i claim insurance?

[caineroad]

I have a couple of 'injuries' on my car, but i am only going to keep the car for another 2 years then I will sell it. Is it wise to wait until the last month and fix all the injuries and claim insurance all at once?

I hit the side of a pole in a car park and scratched the side of the car, also the windshield is cracked but is small I think it can hold longer. The antenna broke off and has a slight dent on the roof where it attaches to the base of the antenna.

Last problem is theres one headlight(small) blown and the tech said if I am going to replace it might as well replace everything in the car as the labour would cost the same.

So all those problems could I claim them all at once before I sell it? I am currently in my 1st year of the policy

I think the total would cost
windshield $700
body work $1100
antenna $500
lights $180

so total around $2500, and im paying $1500/yr for insurance
thanks!

[41magmag41]

I'd make the claim, you're paying the insurance to take care of items like this why not use it. I believe that most insurance companies won't fix an item if it's past a 60 day mark on the claim. They will want to know why you waited so long. Do you have a high deductable on the policy and have you had a lot of claims in the past is also another issue.

Better to take care of them now then wait to the last minute, besides it you wait another year or two the cost might be more to repair the issues. Just my 2 cents worth.

[mazilla]

If you're going to do that, drop your deductible down to 0 or 50.00(like me) first. Give it a couple of months, then make your claim...a couple of months later increase your deductible if you want to save those couple of dollars again.

[caineroad]

If you're going to do that, drop your deductible down to 0 or 50.00(like me) first. Give it a couple of months, then make your claim...a couple of months later increase your deductible if you want to save those couple of dollars again.

wow haha nice trick! they wont suspect you are going to make a claim soon if you suddenly drop the deductible lol? besides I have paid the whole year already($1500)

[caineroad]

I'd make the claim, you're paying the insurance to take care of items like this why not use it. I believe that most insurance companies won't fix an item if it's past a 60 day mark on the claim. They will want to know why you waited so long. Do you have a high deductable on the policy and have you had a lot of claims in the past is also another issue.

Better to take care of them now then wait to the last minute, besides it you wait another year or two the cost might be more to repair the issues. Just my 2 cents worth.

I can just tell them I had all the injuries in one week?? like monday i got the crack, Wednesday i hit the pole and saturday the dent on the roof and antenna? no? cuz I am afraid if I make too much claims (this is 3 claims,right) they will increase my premium next year so if I wait until the last year I can avoid this.

I had no previous claims before and my deductible is $500

[WeeYari]

LMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Suck it up and pay for the repairs.

I've worked in IT for an insurance company for 19 years and am married to a licensed broker.

I just had her read this thread full of crap, and she is still on the floor laughing.

Do not take advice from an American. In Ontario, you cannot lower a deductible to less than $300.

Your door damage, which is an at fault will haunt you with rate increases. You cannot wait to file. Any adjuster will be able to tell whether or not something that has damaged body panels is recent, or prior unreported damage.

...the list of stupidity and miss-information be tossed about here goes on and on and on...

[auxmike]

Ins. won't cover a blown bulb and it would never cost $180.

$700 for the windshield?

$500 for the antenna fix? You can get a shorty honda S2000 unit for $20.

I think your projected estimates are way too high...

[SailDesign]

Bottom line is that if you HAVE insurance, why the fcuk would you NOT claim immediately? That's just throwing $$ at the insurance companies and expecting nothing in return...
Just my 0.02

[WeeYari]

^ His biggest problem is hitting that pillar. Other stuff are comp claims which pretty much equal his deductibles.

Hitting the pillar, where he lives, is considered an at fault claim. Sure he can file, but as I said, his subsequent rate increases will bite him in the a$$ for years to come.

Unfortunately the way the insurance industry has evolved, the only benefit to rate payers is the event of a not at fault collision.

[shima]

I just put an insurance claim in and got my passenger side repaired, was parked and it was really windy outside, passenger opened the door, and the wind ripped it out of their hands and into a light post. Had to argue w/ the insurance so they'd file it as no fault instead of at fault, but they did change it at the end of the day and I was good to go and it only cost me my deductible (500....but the repair work was 1,400 so that's a $900 savings for me)

[caineroad]

LMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Do not take advice from an American. In Ontario, you cannot lower a deductible to less than $300.



Don't say you worked for 19 years, you are disgraced. Of course we can, my dad has his car with $0 deductible is a toyota matrix. I guess your insurance company doesn't do that, but mine does.

[caineroad]

Ins. won't cover a blown bulb and it would never cost $180.

$700 for the windshield?

$500 for the antenna fix? You can get a shorty honda S2000 unit for $20.

I think your projected estimates are way too high...

a blown bulb won't cost $180, is the labour that kills $106/hr at my toyota dealership, plus if I get one bulb replaced, might as well change other bulbs(interior) hence the extra cost

$599 + 13%tax is the windshield = $676 here

$500 for the antenna, yes please check the price of the base where it connects the antenna to, that's the most expensive part. That was the part that is broken off.

total seems right to me, I got all quotes from dealership

[DMZ]

If you're going to do that, drop your deductible down to 0 or 50.00(like me) first. Give it a couple of months, then make your claim...a couple of months later increase your deductible if you want to save those couple of dollars again.

Be careful. Adjusters aren't that stupid and you could be criminally charged with fraud for stuff like that.

[caineroad]

Bottom line is that if you HAVE insurance, why the fcuk would you NOT claim immediately? That's just throwing $$ at the insurance companies and expecting nothing in return...
Just my 0.02

Your bottom line might be different.... if you make a claim now your premium would go much higher next year especially with two at fault claims that we discussed here. That means you are still throwing $$ at the company with no return.

Insurance company will always make money, unless you cancel the policy after the claims you will always lose money otherwise they won't be in business.

[caineroad]

Guys

I never claim insurance before, so I am not sure how that works.

I was thinking I just report it to the insurance company, they acknowledge. Then bring in the repair receipt and maybe snap a few pictures of the damage then they will honour you whatever after your deductible. How would they know if it is a recent damage or a year back honestly?

Right now I think I can claim the windshield because it was not at-fault, i was on highway and a small rock hit my windshield. But the rest I am not sure hence I am asking on this forum to see what's the best thing to do, since insurance is insurance at the end of the day I can make claims on any damage to the car but how to do it right, that is the question:)

[DMZ]

Guys

I never claim insurance before, so I am not sure how that works.

I was thinking I just report it to the insurance company, they acknowledge. Then bring in the repair receipt and maybe snap a few pictures of the damage then they will honour you whatever after your deductible. How would they know if it is a recent damage or a year back honestly?

Right now I think I can claim the windshield because it was not at-fault, i was on highway and a small rock hit my windshield. But the rest I am not sure hence I am asking on this forum to see what's the best thing to do, since insurance is insurance at the end of the day I can make claims on any damage to the car but how to do it right, that is the question:)

The windshield they will usually pay, no questions asked.

Other damage will be assigned to a claim adjuster, who contracts his services to different insurance companies. He will come out and take a look at the damage and research the cost. If the damaged was cause by an accident, that meaning while the vehicle was moving, then he will need to have a accident report. Hopefully, you filed one with your company after the damage was incurred. If that was not done, I am not sure where it goes from there.

He needs that report so he can make a accurate assessment of the damage you are claiming. It helps prevent fraudulent claims. Good claim adjusters are good at spotting things that do not seem make sense. In other words, it is very hard to try and get over on them, after all they assess damaged autos for a living.

After the adjuster looks at the auto, he will contact you within a week or so with a settlement. If you do not agree with his offer, there is some room to negotiate, but not much.

[SAV912]

a blown bulb won't cost $180, is the labour that kills $106/hr at my toyota dealership, plus if I get one bulb replaced, might as well change other bulbs(interior) hence the extra cost


The insurance is not going to cover blown bulbs. Lightbulbs, like tires, belts and all other maintenance items are considered wear items. Buy the tiny parking light bulb (any 194 wedge will do), pop your hood, replace the bulb and you'll be done with that. Savings of $178 and your insurance won't be at as much risk of going up in the future for 'bogus' claims. :bs:

The dealership is, like most anything else, a business. They charge you for an hour of labor to do two minutes of work. Moreover, if this was an expensive car, I'd understand your concerns, but filing claims like this at the end of 'planned' ownership on a Yaris is not going to net you coming out ahead in the long run. A Yaris in good condition in two years might sticker for $6500 or so, vs one with some bumps and bruises for $5000. I guess in your case it would depend on the severity of the roof and door dents. Are they relatively minor or what? From what it sounds like, I wouldn't bother at all with claiming on insurance at the other end. It seems like an unnecessary risk. File as soon as they happen, if it's that big of a deal.

-C

[caineroad]

The dealership is, like most anything else, a business. They charge you for an hour of labor to do two minutes of work. Moreover, if this was an expensive car, I'd understand your concerns, but filing claims like this at the end of 'planned' ownership on a Yaris is not going to net you coming out ahead in the long run. A Yaris in good condition in two years might sticker for $6500 or so, vs one with some bumps and bruises for $5000. I guess in your case it would depend on the severity of the roof and door dents. Are they relatively minor or what? From what it sounds like, I wouldn't bother at all with claiming on insurance at the other end. It seems like an unnecessary risk. File as soon as they happen, if it's that big of a deal.

-C

Got you! Only thing I wont replace the lightbulb is that the yaris HB has a really hard to get place to change the small bulb, i did this before and took me an hr and help from a friend. that's why they have to charge me an hr to do cuz it is not easy as the sedan.

the roof is not very bad, but like every dent it is obvious when I tell you there is a dent on the roof otherwise the next owner might not even spot it. As for the side of the car, there are at least like 40-50 light scratches, my car is silver and the scratches appears white, some have gone deeper so i got a touch up pen and fix every scratch to prevent rusting at the moment.

[caineroad]

The windshield they will usually pay, no questions asked.

Other damage will be assigned to a claim adjuster, who contracts his services to different insurance companies. He will come out and take a look at the damage and research the cost. If the damaged was cause by an accident, that meaning while the vehicle was moving, then he will need to have a accident report. Hopefully, you filed one with your company after the damage was incurred. If that was not done, I am not sure where it goes from there.

He needs that report so he can make a accurate assessment of the damage you are claiming. It helps prevent fraudulent claims. Good claim adjusters are good at spotting things that do not seem make sense. In other words, it is very hard to try and get over on them, after all they assess damaged autos for a living.

After the adjuster looks at the auto, he will contact you within a week or so with a settlement. If you do not agree with his offer, there is some room to negotiate, but not much.

i see, that's good to know I didn't know the adjustor would actually come out and inspect the car lol. but yea thanks I will claim for the windshield!

[saltwt]

LMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Suck it up and pay for the repairs.

I've worked in IT for an insurance company for 19 years and am married to a licensed broker.

I just had her read this thread full of crap, and she is still on the floor laughing.

Do not take advice from an American. In Ontario, you cannot lower a deductible to less than $300.

Your door damage, which is an at fault will haunt you with rate increases. You cannot wait to file. Any adjuster will be able to tell whether or not something that has damaged body panels is recent, or prior unreported damage.

...the list of stupidity and miss-information be tossed about here goes on and on and on...

So why do you continue to hang around? Must be a Canadian? :respekt:

[mazilla]

Be careful. Adjusters aren't that stupid and you could be criminally charged with fraud for stuff like that.


I've been insured with the same company for about 10 years, I currently have 5 vehicles, a boat, and a camper insured with them, and not a single at fault accident. I've earned enough credit with them for a claim here and there. I'm not stupid, they are the ones who have to be careful.... ;)

[caineroad]

I've been insured with the same company for about 10 years, I currently have 5 vehicles, a boat, and a camper insured with them, and not a single at fault accident. I've earned enough credit with them for a claim here and there. I'm not stupid, they are the ones who have to be careful.... ;)

Still you paid a lot for 5 vehicles and a boat, why would you have so many cars?? that really hurts your pocket for gas and insurance, not forgetting the carbon emission:thumbdown:

[DebbyM46227]

Who cares about carbon emission? I certainly don't. This thread is just too strange.

[Blue Y job]

Alright, I'll throw my two cents in. As for the Mazilla having 5 vehicles, he/she can only pilot one at a time anyway, and if he can afford gas and insurance, why should it bother you? He is supporting the world economy. Plus, he was trying to shed some light on your initial question, caineroad.

[carnageehw]

One addition thing that I am not sure about, but is worth thinking about.

If you go through insurance, and need an accident report, there might be a report on your Carfax, or other similar history checking service.

If your car is reported to have an accident on it, it might hurt resale value, and you might just consider fixing it yourself.

But I also agree with the poster that said you shouldn't claim it due to it being your fault. I would never try to claim damage to my car that I caused. It's gonna cost you too much in the long run.

[caineroad]

One addition thing that I am not sure about, but is worth thinking about.

If you go through insurance, and need an accident report, there might be a report on your Carfax, or other similar history checking service.

If your car is reported to have an accident on it, it might hurt resale value, and you might just consider fixing it yourself.

But I also agree with the poster that said you shouldn't claim it due to it being your fault. I would never try to claim damage to my car that I caused. It's gonna cost you too much in the long run.

Oh yea you are right, I didn't realize this! great info!

[caineroad]

Who cares about carbon emission? I certainly don't. This thread is just too strange.

Americans can't speak for emission themselves, you guys are still producing more CO2 than China, is perfectly normal that you don't care as your government is never willing to comply with meeting lower emission targets.
Don't worry about it, and don't be shame of yourself, not your fault!:thumbup:

[caineroad]

Alright, I'll throw my two cents in. As for the Mazilla having 5 vehicles, he/she can only pilot one at a time anyway, and if he can afford gas and insurance, why should it bother you? He is supporting the world economy. Plus, he was trying to shed some light on your initial question, caineroad.

Lol look at american economy now, in this recession.. how is he going to contribute to support 'world' economy? I certainly appreciate his response, and I think he is really smart on that I would have done the same if I could no questions asked. It just shocked me when I heard he has 5 cars, of course he can only pilot one at a time, the rest are probably his family so that makes each person has a car and that is pretty sad. :cry: But I think it is quite common in the US. Sorry don't blame me, but blame my profession I work for a company as environmental consultant to meet environmental regulations and have a degree in environmental science.

[mazilla]

Lol look at american economy now, in this recession.. how is he going to contribute to support 'world' economy? I certainly appreciate his response, and I think he is really smart on that I would have done the same if I could no questions asked. It just shocked me when I heard he has 5 cars, of course he can only pilot one at a time, the rest are probably his family so that makes each person has a car and that is pretty sad. :cry: But I think it is quite common in the US. Sorry don't blame me, but blame my profession I work for a company as environmental consultant to meet environmental regulations and have a degree in environmental science.

It's just my wife and I....and our 4 month old son.

[SAV912]

Got you! Only thing I wont replace the lightbulb is that the yaris HB has a really hard to get place to change the small bulb, i did this before and took me an hr and help from a friend. that's why they have to charge me an hr to do cuz it is not easy as the sedan.


The small parking bulbs, correct? They are inboard and closer to the center of the nose of the car and take two seconds to pop out. Twist, pull, replace, done.

The headlamps themselves are much harder if you don't pull the front bumper off, but the small parking lamps are a cinch.

[WeeYari]

Don't say you worked for 19 years, you are disgraced.

Yeah, whatever. At least I don't stoop to personal attacks.

I will attack a thread, especially one that appears to be geared toward creating Opportunistic Fraud, but not the poster.

Of course we can, my dad has his car with $0 deductible is a toyota matrix. I guess your insurance company doesn't do that, but mine does.

I'm sure he does. He has been 'rewarded' by what some companies have introduced. It is known as the disappearing deductible. It needs to be earned through years of claims free driving. You cannot just call up and say "Re-write my policy with a zero$ deductible please".

[mazilla]

I'm sure he does. He has been 'rewarded' by what some companies have introduced. It is known as the disappearing deductible. It needs to be earned through years of claims free driving. You cannot just call up and say "Re-write my policy with a zero$ deductible please".


"Rewarded" huh....is that what your country has let you believe is a "reward"? I can call my insurance co tomorrow and change my deductible up and down from zero to whatever number I decide. Sucks to be Canadian, I guess.

[SailDesign]

"Rewarded" huh....is that what your country has let you believe is a "reward"? I can call my insurance co tomorrow and change my deductible up and down from zero to whatever number I decide. Sucks to be Canadian, I guess.

Yubbut, Mazilla, if you call up and adjust your deductible to zero, your rates go up.
In the UK, where I grew up, they had what they called a No-Claims Bonus, and after 10 years or so, it could drop your payments to about 50% of the original.

[caineroad]

Yeah, whatever. At least I don't stoop to personal attacks.

I will attack a thread, especially one that appears to be geared toward creating Opportunistic Fraud, but not the poster.



I'm sure he does. He has been 'rewarded' by what some companies have introduced. It is known as the disappearing deductible. It needs to be earned through years of claims free driving. You cannot just call up and say "Re-write my policy with a zero$ deductible please".

Oh now you say he can! Few hours ago you were saying in Ontario we cannot lower the deductible below $300, huh? Lol, god do yourself a favour. Go to desjardins insurance and get a new quote right now I guarantee you can get $0 deductible. Stop living in this ignorance, it might be the way you think 19 years ago but not anymore now. I did not person attack, whereas when you are attacking a thread is no difference than attacking the OP who started it.

[caineroad]

The small parking bulbs, correct? They are inboard and closer to the center of the nose of the car and take two seconds to pop out. Twist, pull, replace, done.

The headlamps themselves are much harder if you don't pull the front bumper off, but the small parking lamps are a cinch.

ah! I will give a try later thanks for the heads up! Last time when i changed the headlight bulb it was a mess!

[caineroad]

"Rewarded" huh....is that what your country has let you believe is a "reward"? I can call my insurance co tomorrow and change my deductible up and down from zero to whatever number I decide. Sucks to be Canadian, I guess.

Its the same in Canada, don't listen to that guy he knows nothing. I just called my insurance and got a quote if I change to $0 deductible, the price would increase from $1500 to $2480. Easy easy.

[mazilla]

Yubbut, Mazilla, if you call up and adjust your deductible to zero, your rates go up.
In the UK, where I grew up, they had what they called a No-Claims Bonus, and after 10 years or so, it could drop your payments to about 50% of the original.

True, but the increase is insignificant if you have a claim...I think mine went up about 12 dollars a month to have a 50.00(comprehensive) deductible. I keep my collision deductible @ 500 because it seems to make a bigger difference. Occasionally somebody will do something to my car(steal something, scratch it, etc) and since it's not my fault, and not an accident, it's does not increase my rates.

[DMZ]

So, I wonder how this scenario would play out?

A person has the deductible lowered to $0.00, knowing that the premium will increase. Two months later submits a claim for various damages that obviously have been accumulated over a period of time.

[mazilla]

Its the same in Canada, don't listen to that guy he knows nothing. I just called my insurance and got a quote if I change to $0 deductible, the price would increase from $1500 to $2480. Easy easy.


I was wondering why it would be like that, thanks for clearing that up. Ask your agent what the price would be to keep your collision deductible higher and take your comprehensive down to 50.00 or so...you might be surprised. Of course I get my rates lower because of all the insurance I carry, and my perfect driving record so it may not be the same for everybody. I pay about 150.00 per month for all those vehicles, full coverage(except the 70 cougar, cause they won't do it) with a 500.00 collision and a 50.00 comprehensive.

[mazilla]

So, I wonder how this scenario would play out?

A person has the deductible lowered to $0.00, knowing that the premium will increase. Two months later submits a claim for various damages that obviously have been accumulated over a period of time.

Person X(if they're smart) ends up with a check in their hands, and some shiny new bodywork. Some people may consider that "fraud", some people might consider the fact that they're forced to buy a product from a private company (by their government) the real fraud.

[DMZ]

Person X(if they're smart) ends up with a check in their hands, and some shiny new bodywork. Some people may consider that "fraud", some people might consider the fact that they're forced to buy a product from a private company (by their government) the real fraud.

That is known as "soft" fraud or "opportunistic" fraud. It is one of the reasons that premiums can be very high in certain areas. Honest people have to pay for dishonest behavior of others. It is considered a crime in all 50 states and 41 states have fraud bureaus.

[mazilla]

That is known as "soft" fraud or "opportunistic" fraud. It is one of the reasons that premiums can be very high in certain areas. Honest people have to pay for dishonest behavior of others. It is considered a crime in all 50 states and 41 states have fraud bureaus.


Correct, fraud is the reason premiums are higher...but it's fraud on the part of the insurance companies and the government. You won't catch me weeping for those bastards, ever.