Deductible or Cash?

[PMROCKMAN24]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Florida.

My 17 year old got caught up in a line of cars slamming on the brakes and she hit someone. The demand is only about $650 to the other driver's car and $300-$400 for ours. The other driver has agreed to let me pay the damages without filing a insurance claim. Wouldn't it be better for my insurance premiums to just pay for the damages out of my pocket rather than have an "at fault" accident on my insurance? There was unfortunately a crash report as my daughter called 911 at the drivers request before calling me (parent discussion completed). So I'm sure my premiums will go up for that. But, I thought I might avoid a further increase by paying out of pocket. Any advice or similar experience's from anyone would be helpful. Thank you.

 

[Zigner]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Florida.

My 17 year old got caught up in a line of cars slamming on the brakes and she hit someone. The demand is only about $650 to the other driver's car and $300-$400 for ours. The other driver has agreed to let me pay the damages without filing a insurance claim. Wouldn't it be better for my insurance premiums to just pay for the damages out of my pocket rather than have an "at fault" accident on my insurance? There was unfortunately a crash report as my daughter called 911 at the drivers request before calling me (parent discussion completed). So I'm sure my premiums will go up for that. But, I thought I might avoid a further increase by paying out of pocket. Any advice or similar experience's from anyone would be helpful. Thank you.

Did you really advise your 17 year old daughter to NOT report an accident that she caused?

 

[PMROCKMAN24]

Did you really advise your 17 year old daughter to NOT report an accident that she caused?

Really? That's all you have. Thanks a lot. Well, in the state of Florida, reporting a fender bender where there are no injuries is actually recommended. Exchange information and go about your business. Just to let you know. Not sure why you wasted my time with that answer, other than I see you have over 50,000 post and that most be your main job. I was looking for some HELPFUL advice.

 

[ecmst12]

They know about the accident, so it's going on your record. No reason not to use the coverage, that's what you pay your premiums for. And it's not necessary to call the police for a minor accident where both cars can be driven away and no apparent injuries, but you should still let your insurance company protect you regardless. Your parent discussion should have focused on safe following distance.

 

[PMROCKMAN24]

They know about the accident, so it's going on your record. No reason not to use the coverage, that's what you pay your premiums for. And it's not necessary to call the police for a minor accident where both cars can be driven away and no apparent injuries, but you should still let your insurance company protect you regardless. Your parent discussion should have focused on safe following distance.

Thank you. The parent discussion was more detailed, I was just trying to keep my post from being a novel. Thanks for the advice.

 

[PMROCKMAN24]

They know about the accident, so it's going on your record. No reason not to use the coverage, that's what you pay your premiums for. And it's not necessary to call the police for a minor accident where both cars can be driven away and no apparent injuries, but you should still let your insurance company protect you regardless. Your parent discussion should have focused on safe following distance.

One other thought. Yes, they know about the accident. But if they don't have to pay out any monies for the accident. I thought I might only get a hit for the ticket that she received. As far as protection you mention. What in particular might I be vulnerable for? She's already told the officer that no one was injured. Very nice older women.

 

[ecmst12]

Injuries are not always apparent until the next day or even a few days. Plus the shop might find more damage after they start the repairs so it could end up costing more than you thought. And she's entitled to a rental car for the time her car is in the shop if she needs it.

Your insurance only takes one "hit" per incident. So the accident, claim, and ticket together will all be one thing, you don't get separate dings for each one. And if the amount is small, the impact on your premium might not be as bad as you think.

 

[betachains]

I was in a multi-car accident some years ago, and it did take a few hours before the pain kicked in. It is real, and it is severe.

Everyone at work (a major medical center) told me to sue someone. I just wanted the pain to go away. It did after 2 weeks. I didn't see a lawyer, and every vehicle involved was just written off.