Damaged own car: to claim or pay for myself?

Mark74

My pregnant wife scraped and dented my car's 2 left side doors at the doctor's car park 2 days ago.



It's my policy we'd have to claim on. But I am looking for advice as to whether it is worth putting in a claim.

I have had quotes today for repairing it without claiming - ranging as follows -all incl. VAT

1) £2,300. (of this, £1,100 is parts&paint! Rest is labour/misc.)

2) £866. - the guy thinks he can reshape and repaint it without replacing as many parts, but says it will look good as new.

3) £750 -quote is from same guy as in 2) but would be for a 'green' repair- sourcing and fitting 2good doors from a specialist write-off recycling company.

Our insurance excess with Hastings is £250 voluntary excess plus £95 accidental damage excess =£345 excess in total. (they get you with the acc. damage bit).

We have no claims protection.

Rang Hastings to check if a claim would mean an increase on premiums at time of renewal (7months' time ).

They said it 'could' increase premium but they 'couldn't say for certain'!!!

But it would stay on record for 5years.


most unhelpful When trying to weigh up the figures.

Anyone know any way I can get at the real figures?

So frustrating.

Thanks.

Mr_K

I'd claim and get the job done properly. Now you've told them about it they'll probably load your premium anyway regardless whether you claim or not, or whether your no claims is protected.

You could try getting insurance quotes on comparison sites to see what effect claiming or not would have.

Main think is the Mrs is ok. You're going to need the money in future anyway without wasting it on garage repairs which your insurance should pay out on. Good luck.

rs65

Mark74 wrote: »

Anyone know any way I can get at the real figures?

Put some dummy quotes through an aggregator site with and without a claim and see what the difference is.

It won't be guaranteed figures come renewal time but will give you an idea.

chanz4

The other garages are as good, when my mrs did it to our golf we bought to replacement doors for £160 off tbay