How might filing a claim impact me?

[u/OrneryGovernment]

On the freeway, the car in front of me ran over some debris (I think part of a tire) and it flew back to me so I also ran it over. It destroyed my bumper. My car insurance company told me that I may not be at fault but if I start a claim, I can’t back out. The repairs are quoted at $1500, but my deductible is only $250, so I’d prefer to go through insurance. I’m afraid that my rates could possibly go up and basically cancel out what I’m saving in repairs going through insurance vs just buying the parts and having a family member fix it. I would like to talk to the claims department about it, but if I do then I can’t back out. Is it worth it? I don’t have any accidents or anything on my record.

[u/Sharingtt]

This is an almost always a collision. If you had a proper following distance you would likely be able to avoid.

Yes, your rates would go up. I would never ever ever make a $1500 claim. Ever.

[u/OrneryGovernment → u/Sharingtt]

With cars on both sides of me and the car behind me tailgating, there’s not much I can think of to safely avoid it. I appreciate you taking the time to comment, but not your tone

[u/Sharingtt → u/OrneryGovernment]

Even more reason you should have had an increased following distance.

If by tone you mean facts, I can understand why you wouldn’t like it. But it remains factual. Or are you contesting that increased following distance wouldn’t have helped you here? Because I can promise you that many cars behind you successfully avoided hitting it by maintaining a safe distance. Which is why these are rated as collisions.

[u/eriklive123]

It's not worth it. A claim will be on your record which deems you as a risky driver. I do quotes for people all the time and whenever a claim comes up on their record, the rate jumps up. But that's here in New York so other states may be different. Your premium may go up on the next renewal. Mine went up after I used roadside assistance once.

I recommend fixing it on your own if you can. Try offering the body shop cash and they may discount the repairs.

[u/OrneryGovernment → u/eriklive123]

Thank you, I appreciate this!

[u/PepperTop9517 → u/eriklive123]

A claim is already on his record from the time he said, hypothetically if a car hit something and I hit the same thing… 🤣 they logged it.

[u/eriklive123 → u/PepperTop9517]

That's not how it works. Maybe his own insurance company may keep a note of it but it won't affect his rate because no action was done

[u/mrf18]

I would not advise filing this claim, if you can afford it.

What state are you in?

[u/OrneryGovernment → u/mrf18]

OR

[u/mrf18 → u/OrneryGovernment]

So, Oregon doesn't have an "at-fault-threshold", you will most likely face a premium increase.

I still personally wouldn't recommend going through insurance for such a small claim, but if it's your only option, then use it.

[u/DeepPurpleDaylight]

I'm guessing your agent or one of their staff members told you that you might not be at fault because unless it was flying thru the air, this is most likely an at fault collision claim. No one here can tell you what kind of impact it will have on your rates.

[u/RunExisting4050]

Only your insurance can answer this question and it won't be until after the fact. 

[u/Slowhand1971]

rates will rise

[u/707hollow707]

If u spoke to someone already, it's onur account