I'm stuck between filing a claim for some minor damage to my car or just paying out of pocket. Worried about premiums going up, you know? Curious what others usually do in this kinda situation.
Yeah, I've been there before and totally get your hesitation. Last year, I had a similar situation—some scratches and a small dent from backing into a pole (embarrassing, I know...). Anyway, I decided to just pay out of pocket after checking with my insurance agent. Turns out, even minor claims can bump your premiums up for a couple of years, and in the long run, you might end up paying way more than the repair itself.
Plus, there's the deductible to think about. If your deductible is anywhere near the repair cost, it's usually not worth filing. I'd say get an estimate first and see how it compares to your deductible. If it's close or less, just bite the bullet and pay yourself. Keeps things simpler and cheaper down the road.
