someone damaged my fender - should I tell insurance?

[HJB417]

I don't know how my fender got damaged but it was by another car b/c there was white paint on the fender and the bumper. The fender has 2 or 3 3" in diameter dents. I don't know who did this, and the person didn't leave a not or anything. If I tell my insurance and pay the deductable to have it fixed, will my rates go up? This would be the 1st time making a claim where I'm not @ fault but can't find the person @ fault. I use geico.

Thx in advance.

 

[jadinolf]

Get a quote on the repair. If it's a lot over your deductible call Geico. If not pay out of your own pocket.

 

[zCypher]

No idea about your insurance company but mine didn't charge me a cent to fix my car when that happened, and my rates haven't changed. If you've never made a claim I don't think you'll have anything to worry about. Although, insurance companies may not work exactly the same there as they do over here in Montreal.

Chances are, if you fix it yourself it will cost you more than the deductable.... and I doubt your rates will double because someone hit your car and it's not your fault. I'd call.

 

[Ness]

The first thing you should do, in case you haven't, is file a police report. That way you have legal proof of the occurance for your own records... It's not really mandatory, but if they catch a white car on another hit and run, or getting pulled over for something else with marks that line up to your car it would be good. It's unlikely, but hey, why not?


Second, as someone said, get an estimate (multiple, if you want.) and give Geico a call if the deductable is less than the estimate. I don't believe that insurance companies hold hit and runs against you. (If you had an outstanding number they might begin to think that YOU are the person doing the hit and runs, but that's not what we are talking about.)

So basically, if you can get any money from insurance, you'd be dumb not to, because that's why you pay for insurance. Most people pay tens of thousands of dollars in their lives for insurance and never make a single claim. Pretty stupid if you ask me.