Had a little bump yesterday, nothing major, just a dent and some scratches. The other driver was chill about it, and we exchanged info. Now I'm debating whether it's better to go through insurance or just settle it privately. Heard insurance can jack up your rates even for minor stuff, but then again, private agreements can get messy if someone changes their mind later... um, anyone been through this? Which route did you take and how'd it turn out?
"Heard insurance can jack up your rates even for minor stuff"
True, but settling privately can bite you later if the other driver suddenly claims injuries or extra damages. Been there, done that... I'd at least file a police report to cover yourself.
Good point about the police report—it's a smart way to protect yourself. While insurance rates can indeed rise after minor claims, it's often temporary and manageable if you're careful. I've seen plenty of cases where folks tried to save money upfront by handling privately, only to face unexpected headaches later. It's usually best to weigh the immediate savings against potential long-term risks... peace of mind counts for a lot in these situations.
Yeah, police reports definitely save headaches later. But honestly, as someone new to insurance, I'm still skeptical about the "temporary" rate hikes... seen friends stuck paying higher premiums longer than expected. Seems like a gamble either way, doesn't it?
The point about rate hikes isn't wrong—claims can definitely affect your premiums, sometimes for a couple years depending on your insurer and driving history. But also consider the potential downsides of settling privately: if the repairs end up costing more than expected or the other party suddenly claims injuries later, you could be stuck footing a bigger bill. Did either of you take photos at the scene? Having clear documentation might help if you do decide to handle it privately.
