Insurance claim for hitting a deer

Penelopa.Pitstop

molotovdog said:

Do you know if just the act of reporting it will affect my premiums or will they only be affected if i actually make a claim?

As soon as you report it, it will be classed as incident and will go to insurance database, even if you don't claim. So gather all data an get cost of repair before calling your insurance.

molotovdog

daveyjp said:

It will affect your next renewal premium.  Hastings may test your loyalty by doubling the premium (that's what LV did to me after a no fault claim!), but insurance is a huge market so if this happens you shop around.

However be aware if you start a claim you will be in the hands of Hastings and their approved repairer.  Damaged bumper, wheel liner etc is probably already a claim into the thousands,  if the car isn't worth much you could therefore end up with your vehicle being written off and all the hassle that brings.

If this is a possibility before contacting Hastings I'd be looking for a local bodyshop to give you a quote for a cheap and cheerful repair, they may be happy for the work.

I was at an insurance approved bodyshop about 6 weeks ago and the lockdown saw their turnover drop by 65%.  They had just four cars in for repair, the unit can hold about 20 and it is usually full.

I don't actually think i've ever stayed with the same insurer for more than one year due to them always increasing the price when it comes to renewal time, even though i've never made any claims, circumstances the same etc... etc...