Posted by If your car was involved in a collision, you may be wondering if you should file an insurance claim for bumper damage. Before you file an insurance claim for bumper damage, it is crucial to consider the consequences of any car-related incident.
Claim offers may lead to higher rates for a few years and may necessitate paying your deductible for car repairs. Moreover, it may be beneficial to contact your agent before you file an insurance claim for bumper damage.
Should I File an Insurance Claim for Bumper Damage
To file an insurance claim for bumper damage depends on a few factors. Minor bumper damage issues may be less expensive than your insurance deductible. Moreover, it’s crucial to consider the person who caused the incident.
If you were responsible for the collision, it is important to check your coverage to determine your choices. Moreover, the collision coverage will cover both your car and the other party’s vehicle. If you were not at fault, you can file an insurance claim for bumper damage repair or replacement charges by contacting the other driver’s provider.
What is Bumper Damage
A fender bender is a minor auto accident or collision resulting in bumper damage or other minor vehicle damage. Generally, this involves a collision involving another vehicle hitting from behind or colliding with another vehicle during parking. Moreover, this could refer to instances where your car sustains minor damage, like a dent from another car in a parking lot.
How Much Does Bumper Damage Repair Cost
Depending on how severe the damage is, bumper repair costs might vary significantly. For example, repairing minor bumper scuffs is generally cheaper than replacing a broken one. The price of your car will be influenced by factors such as the time needed to repair the damage, the required components, and the car’s model.
However, the cost of repairs will differ based on the specific vehicle and the required parts, among other factors. Also, popping back the bumper may be cheaper than a complete bumper replacement. Recycled and aftermarket parts are typically cheaper than original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. Furthermore, customized parts are more expensive to repair or replace.
When to Consider Not Filing an Insurance Claim for Bumper Damage
In some cases of minor collisions, reporting a claim might lead to additional issues with your insurance provider. You could decide against making a bumper damage claim if:
Damage to only your car
You can choose to fix your car out of your wallet if there is no other car involved, and you are not liable for any damages. If you don’t have full coverage insurance, it could make even more sense to not file a claim.
Recent claim
A subsequent claim filed within the previous three to five years may result in a significant rise in your premium rate. It could also identify you as a high-risk motorist.
If you’re at fault
If you can afford the repair costs and the damage was caused by your carelessness, it could be preferable to cover the cost of the damaged bumper yourself. Making a claim might raise doubts about your insurance.
But note that the purpose of your insurance is to protect your finances from strong out-of-pocket costs. Insurance can be a cost-effective solution for those unable to cover the costs of repairs caused by an accident, even if it requires a higher premium in the future.
Does Car Insurance Cover Bumper Damage
Only comprehensive or collision coverage will pay for bumper damage if you have it with your auto coverage. Since comprehensive insurance covers harm from non-crashes such as harsh climate, burglary, and vandalism, collision insurance will pay for harm resulting from collisions. Moreover, your liability insurance will pay for the other driver’s losses if you damage their bumper.
How to Get Collision and Comprehensive Coverage
It’s a good idea to get collision and comprehensive insurance coverage to prevent having to pay for any physical losses out of pocket. If you have online vehicle insurance, you may manually add this coverage to your policy by visiting the insurance company’s website or mobile app. Furthermore, you can speak with your insurance agent.
Final Thoughts
If you want to file an insurance claim for bumper damage, don’t forget to include pictures, thorough notes regarding the incident’s cause, and, in the event of an accident, a copy of the police record. The more proof you can provide, the better your chances are of receiving a settlement that can restore your dignity or compensate for all of your damages.