To claim or not to claim?

experiMental

I have a question regarding motor insurance. I got a dent on my car while I was trying to enter a narrow driveway in the evening. This driveway leads to my apartment's parking area. It was a difficult space to enter because I didn't have much room to turn my car. In theory, it is possible to enter this space with enough time, but I rushed it a bit and got a dent in the side panel.

My insurer has a "no claims bonus protection", which states that I can make two claims in a three year period and it won't affect my no claims bonus rights. I have never claimed before, so I'm not sure if I would get compensation in my case.

Given the nature of my error, should I claim for insurance or would I be better off paying for the repairs myself?

Thanks!

coylemj

It's an economic decision which depends on the numbers so nobody can give you the right answer but be aware that "no claims bonus protection" only applies to your own insurance company, it does not mean that you can get a quote from a different company and be treated as someone with a claim-free record.

If you submit a claim, it is the practice in the industry that nobody else will quote you for your next policy until the passage of time has 'cleansed' your record, this means that you will be at the mercy of your own company when it comes to renewal time.

In my case I have a very good record but my insurance company tries in on with every renewal so I have to use some serious threats to move to get them to reduce the quote. If I had had a claim during the year, I wouldn't be in such a strong position, with or with out "no claims bonus protection".

dobsdave

experiMental wrote: »

I have a question regarding motor insurance. I got a dent on my car while I was trying to enter a narrow driveway in the evening. This driveway leads to my apartment's parking area. It was a difficult space to enter because I didn't have much room to turn my car. In theory, it is possible to enter this space with enough time, but I rushed it a bit and got a dent in the side panel.

My insurer has a "no claims bonus protection", which states that I can make two claims in a three year period and it won't affect my no claims bonus rights. I have never claimed before, so I'm not sure if I would get compensation in my case.

Given the nature of my error, should I claim for insurance or would I be better off paying for the repairs myself?

Thanks!

How much is your excess? how much is the repair?

experiMental

The excess is 250 Euro, and repair costs about 400 Euro

dellas1979

Considering you have to pay e250 excess anyways-leaves e150 for insurance.

I would leave the no claims bonus protection alone in case of bigger claims, i.e., Id an accident a few years ago with e3000 damage (skidded on ice) and had to use it (excess was about e250 as well).

With the difference of e150, dont use one of the two claims for this.

dobsdave

experiMental wrote: »

The excess is 250 Euro, and repair costs about 400 Euro

If nothing else, that should make your mind up.

dellas1979

dellas1979 wrote: »

Considering you have to pay e250 excess anyways-leaves e150 for insurance.

I would leave the no claims bonus protection alone in case of bigger claims, i.e., Id an accident a few years ago with e3000 damage (skidded on ice) and had to use it (excess was about e250 as well).

With the difference of e150, dont use one of the two claims for this.

This

experiMental

I have resolved this situation by not claiming. Too much risk. Feel free to close this thread