When should you file a minor car damage insurance claim? The answer to this question will depend on several factors. It is important to understand that any claim you file with your automobile insurance company does become a claim on your record with them. It may not be in your best interest to file a minor auto damage insurance claim such as dings, mall dents, and scratches. The damage to your vehicle might also be so minor to repair that it falls within your deductible. Under such circumstances, a claim would be declined.
However, you may not be the best judge of the cost of the repair even though it does appear to be minor. Take your vehicle to a local body shop and ask them what the cost would be. If your vehicle is deeply scratched or dented the cost might be higher than you previously expected. If your vehicle is a high-end luxury vehicle the cost to repair even a minor scratch can be quite high. It may require several coats of factory manufactured paint for that particular vehicle so that it will blend in with the car.
It makes sense to handle small repairs to your vehicle from your personal financial even if the damage is in excess of your deductible. Let’s assume your parked vehicle is scratched when another party opens their car door into your car door. If the damage is $700 and your deductible is $500 it would be better to pick up the difference on your own rather than to have a claim on your insurance record for $200.
The decision to file or not to file a minor car damage insurance claim depends on the amount of the damage, the deductible you have on your policy and your personal financial resources that can pay for the repairs.