When Should You File an Insurance Claim!?

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Insurance claims are very tricky. It all depends on what type of insurance company/agent you're with. Should you file a claim if it's $500 or $1800? More in depth advice... Thanks..
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Please comment below with any questions you may have.
Disclosure: Please consult your agent before making any changes you feel you are not knowledgeable with. Due that the laws being different in each state, I am not responsible for any changes or updates that may have occurred after the making of this video.

[@onetrueheart]

You are the best at explaining insurance scenarios

[@ThinkInsurance]

🙏🏼

[@cocotulle23]

Thank you for this! Any advice with my situation would be helpful! In February I slipped on ice and crashed through a sign and it split my bumper. It seemed mostly aesthetic and I didn’t want my rates to go up so I didn’t file a claim. The estimate ended up being $900 to fix it and I’m also noticing other issues with my car since it happened (can’t open the hood, a rattling sound under the car, etc.) I want to file a claim now but I’m worried they won’t help me because too much time has passed AND my rates will go up. Any insight into this? Thank you to anyone who knows about this! 🙏🏻

[@ThinkInsurance]

What state are you in and how much do you pay for insurance now?

[@greatagainmowing8296]

Everything you said is what I have been surmising to be the case-and it stuns me. It seems like a regular person just can’t win-or even stay afloat.

[@ThinkInsurance]

I know you how feel. There's lots of benefit when it's a life changing event but when it's not it feels like you're paying for nothing. Just remember, buy what you need out of necessity not out of fear.

[@greatagainmowing8296]

Mark Flockhart I hardly ever comment, but a guy just hit me sideways & ruined the bumper and took the grille off my truck, worth $4000 & on which I owe $2000. So it would probably be totaled. But in reality it’s worth $20,000 to me because it has tons of life left. I know how it’s been maintained. The truck is PRICELESS to me. Bottom line, don’t know to even file claim or not. Both headlights (!?), a/c, stereo, Bluetooth, tires, engine fine. Don’t know if grille is against law to drive without but I don’t care about it at all. People say they just wanna get from place to place-but I really mean it. It’s not even pulling to the side, may not even be out of alignment. Sorry for long post. And I really appreciate your time! Thoughts?

[@ThinkInsurance]

One coverage some states have is "buy back" where you can claim the vehicle and if they total it you can pay a fraction back and keep your vehicle. I would look into that first. Next I would get an estimate. If the accident wasn't your fault the odds of your price going up are slim unless you're in a state like TX that does charge for that reason or your company you are with now gives a claims free discount. Either way I would get an estimate to repair it and if it was me at $2,000 I would likely claim it. Hopefully you got a police report or something showing that the accident isn't your fault just to be safe. If they value the car less than what you can buy one like it you can give a defense/show proof that it's worth more. Don't just take the claims adjusters word for it unless you agree.

[@greatagainmowing8296]

Mark Flockhart Thanks so much! It’s a lot to take in and understand. Really appreciate the help!

[@ivonglez85]

@@ThinkInsurance these videos are priceless. Thank you for so much for sharing your knowledge and for explaining everything so clear.

[@secondgendan3158]

Can I total my vehicle without filing a claim

[@ThinkInsurance]

I don’t understand. You can total your car anyway. Whether you file a claim on it or not is up to the other party and you. If their insurance puts a claim in, it can involve yours automatically.

[@guneskahram]

Hey!! I like your videos . You help me to save a lot. I change my insurence and had full coverage in 5th of december . I paid my first month in 28th of December. Now because of rain i slide and hit hard to a barrier. Airbags exploded . But i could drove to home . Now i m planning to call insurance and clam it . Do u have any recommendations ?

[@ThinkInsurance]

Only thing I would do is just let their claims department lead you into what steps to take. If they are a good company, they should be able to have it all taken care as fast a possible. You will likely see a +/-15% increase in your rate but if it goes higher it might make sense to check other options.

[@faranmir5102]

While backing up , I hit my rear bumper with the fence behind , bumper was broken and also little paint came off , should I call agent first and what should I tell my agent ? What’s the first step should I take ?

[@redciroc1211]

Rates go up even on great drivers with 850 credit score

[@briandaley5529]

From your experience, do comprehensive or glass claims raise your rates at renewal? Or even towing? Also any disadvantage for filing a claim through your own Carrier for a not at fault accident vs filing with at fault Carrier?

[@ThinkInsurance]

Brian Daley most states and companies the answer is no. Some states have regulations where if you have 2 or more claims or not at fault accidents they can. Other states like TX of MI they can. If you have a handful (usually 5 or more) of them they could deny you in general in most states.

[@patrickmoloney310]

Interesting video. Keep up the good work! Could I get your opinion on this situation - our 2006 Prius had the catalytic converter cut out while parked on the street in Milwaukee WI. I have $1000 comp deductible through Progressive. There are 4 drivers on our policy and we have had a few minor at fault accidents and a couple of tickets in the last 5 years (is there a higher allowed number of instances with a multi driver policy?). Original part dealership repairs $3,000 or more and after market non dealer repair around $1,400. Due to vehicle age it is kind of a third string vehicle but still in reasonable condition and working order. Thanks in advance!

[@ThinkInsurance]

I’m happy to help! I’m not 100% certain on the question you are asking but it sounds like you’re debating if you should file a claim. If so, comprehensive won’t cover your car breaking down. It’s only for theft, vandalism, “acts of god” and if you hit an animal etc.. If you need your insurance lower you should look at insuring your youngest driver with the most tickets on a separate policy if they are a registered owner of one of the vehicles. If not you may want to do that too. Most companies don’t want to insure households that have that many claims because its not profitable and raises their overall premium average.

[@patrickmoloney310]

@@ThinkInsurance Thanks for the quick reply. My query was if you would recommend for me to get the full dealer repair for $3,000+ paying the $1,000 deductible myself or just to forget about insurance and pay the cheaper $1,500 after market repair fully out of pocket and just forget about the insurance. I did call them the day after the theft just to see what coverage I had but didn't file a claim. Thanks for the younger driver tip.

[@boomvas1754]

My deductible is $0 comp and $50 collision. I hit a pothole and they have me $600 -I'm thinking about switching insurance company and got quotes and they are offering a better deal then what I'm paying right now. I don't know if I should switch or stay because I filed a claim

[@ThinkInsurance]

Filing the claim in most states won't affect much as long as when it's filed they don't claim it as an at fault accident (sometimes they do) or your in a state that counts not at fault accidents against you. Either way if it affects your policy, the new and the old one will change accordingly. During the claim it shouldn't make a difference since you were insured/covered during the time of the accident.

[@boomvas1754]

@@ThinkInsurance thank you 👍

[@karlaerickson5115]

Mark Do you have to file a claim if your vehicle break down along the road

[@ThinkInsurance]

You will file a claim anytime you use your insurance. If it’s for towing or road service it is a claim. No car insurance company I know if covers mechanical breakdown so they won’t fix your car if it breaks down. You need a warranty or extended warranty for that

[@Crazystuff192]

Hey, great video! I have a question for you. I recently was involved in a hit and run and i didnt know what to do and i just immediately called the police and insurance . I think they started a claim for me but after i looked at the damage it really wasnt bad at all. So i dont know if its worth it, and i dont think its worth trying to track this person down or take them to court. Is there a way to cancel the claim? i havent gotten any estimates or sent any photos in or anything like that yet. I dont think they have any extra bumpers right now anyway because of shortages.

[@ThinkInsurance]

You can call the claims adjuster and cancel the claim.

[@Crazystuff192]

@@ThinkInsurance okay cool, thank you

[@mariaugalde4367]

Hello I had a accident early this morning I took it to the shop and the estimate to fix it is about $5,000 it’s really bad ... I don’t know if to file the claim because the insurance is under my parents and I don’t want it to go up but I don’t have that much money to fix my car

[@ThinkInsurance]

I don't think you have much of a choice if you want the car fixed. You may want to talk to your parents. If you decide to file the claim, make sure you're listed as a driver on the policy and call the 800# on the ID card they gave you. Ask or select claims and you'll get a live rep who will ask your side of how it happened.

[@mariaugalde4367]

@@ThinkInsurance yes I’m listed as a driver on the policy I’m just concerned if our insure is going to go way up, we pay it every 6 months. What happen is that a deer came out of nowhere and I tried to stop but the road was really icy and my car slipped so bad due to the icy road , I ended up hitting a stop sign ... so that would be consider a comprehensive claim right ?

[@ThinkInsurance]

Unfortunately, it would be considered an at-fault accident since you hit a stop sign (similar to, failure to have vehicle under control). If you hit the deer it would have been a comprehensive claim.

[@mariaugalde4367]

@@ThinkInsurance ok thank you so much for the information .

[@CasketParade]

So my car was parked on the street and while I was in the house someone hit it. They said the estimate would be about $1460 and I have a $1500 deductible. Is it better to wait for the at fault drivers insurance to cover that or to just pay the deductible and hope to get my money back? Also does that seem like they are trying to cut corners to keep the cost below the deductible or just coincidence that it came so close to the deductible cost?

[@ThinkInsurance]

What state are you in?

[@CasketParade]

@@ThinkInsurance Minnesota

[@ThinkInsurance]

Yes it would make sense to talk with the at fault party to see if they will pay your repairs. If they pay your deductible that will slightly help but then you can see a rate increase on your next renewal. Most claims adjusters don’t care much about nit picking but it could happen. It’s always good to verify their estimate. If you have to pay a deductible it wouldn’t make sense to file the claim for the same close to the same price as your claim.

[@CasketParade]

@@ThinkInsurance If the cost after getting the repair done does come to a cost just under the deductible, would it be better to pay the deductible rather than waiting if I already filed a claim? Or does the claim not actually go into effect untill I do the repairs and all that?

[@ThinkInsurance]

It won’t matter either way. Do they have any idea on time frame? Personally I wouldn’t pay it but if it’s a time issue you may have to. Whatever the insurance decides will be the result whether you pay it now and possibly get reimbursed vs waiting for them to pay it.

[@jannettemora]

Can you help me to get my auto insurance here Washington State?

[@ThinkInsurance]

I can refer you to a company that can if you would like. Do you have insurance now or are you starting new?

[@jannettemora]

@@ThinkInsurance yes I have foremost for last 6 months. But I'm looking for something less expensive

[@ThinkInsurance]

If you want to message me directly you can here: www.compass-insurance-agency.com/tips-advice/mark-flockhart-insurance-agent-grand-rapids-mi/

[@AAhmad3449]

Is there a way I can ask u serious questions in private I can provide pictures of my accident

[@ThinkInsurance]

You can email me. Go to my about page

[@diamondmcmillan3123]

Hey there Mark Flockhart, I were watching your video and had a question. To clarify, I had insurance (Progressive) through Acceptance for a year, lost it for lack of payments - so I reinstated, pointing out that I wanted the same insurance and same coverage (Progressive) thru Acceptance. I however were given Acceptance , but with only PIP coverage than Full coverage: I've cracked my windshield and wish to make a claim , but I can't! How should I handle this?

[@diamondmcmillan3123]

This agent in Deland Fl pretends like she doesn't remember the Progressive day at all ; the trick is, with this Acceptance coverage ( only PIP ) I were able to make a claim through some Express Glass agents walking around , of course there were some issues but somehow I eventually were able to get the claim and have my window shield fixed. Months later I get another crack , same insurance (Acceptance), same coverage (PIP), but now I can't get the claim! What's the deal?

[@ThinkInsurance]

Dia'mond McMillan I would call the standard line and speak with the supervisor. Ask if the calls are all recorded and see if they can pull the call to verify. If not you can take them to small claims court. You should have had to re-sign paperwork with all your new or same coverage. See if they can send you that copy of you don’t still have it. I’m sorry, either way you go it’s tough to prove. You have to hope they messed up and are honest about it

[@diamondmcmillan3123]

@@ThinkInsurance Thank you for the info Mark Flockhart, I'll see what I can do.

[@redciroc1211]

Dude this a pointless video, if you got insurance use it!!!!! When you don't use insurance is when the damage the same as your deductible simple damn

[@twatts1523]

It’s clearly made for low IQ individuals.