Upset my hellcat needs to go to body shop

hellinnj said:

Last week, driving home from work through a construction zone had something kick up from the car in front of me. It was spinning, and I had no room to move. Thought I got around but got my passenger side. Nice dent and scratch down to the metal.

At least insurance (Farmer's) has been easy to deal with. I carry a $zero comp so it'll cover everything. Just frustrating.

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How much was the repair bill? The only reason I ask is I had a similar incident happen. When I called it in the insurance explained what happened and how it was unavoidable, they said no problem, $0.00 deductible. My bill was total was $1500 and some change for a scratched fender and a new spring and strut(I ran over a 4x4 post that fell off a truck on the hwy in brand new car with 300miles on it at the time). My next insurance bill came around and I had a massive rate increase. When I called to question it I was told because I made a claim over $1000 it now shows I have a claim history. I explained I was told it wouldn't count against me, they said only for the deductible, however my claim history would take a hit. Needless to say they said it would drop after 3yrs. I spent WAY more in rate hikes over the 3yrs than it would have just to pay the $1500 out of pocket. And this was coming from some with ZERO claims EVER on my insurance, home or auto. I talked to my agent and he explained each insurance company has a set price for when they ding you, most hover right around the $1000 mark. Anything under wont trigger the rate increase, anything above gets you dinged

2ndAmend said:

This is why I have $1k deductible. Any benefit you get for small claims they quickly get back. Any excuse to raise your rate is just business.

This includes paying cash to someone you bump. In a blinding downpour I backed a rental into a taxi in Chi a while back. Paid the driver $200 cash and made him sign a hand written waiver witnessed by the desk clerk at the hotel. (Yes Turd, you don’t need to lecture me on this, thanks…) Turned the rental in, made a claim on the credit card to cover the rental, no insurance, done!

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Don't even get me started on credit card rental insurance....Years ago I rented a Volvo in Belgium through Hertz. Needless you say driving down the road the windshield broke. Upon return they demanded $600 for the windshield, no problem American Express will cover it (Reserve Card Member). Truth be told, they did cover it minus a few problems as European Rental Companies don't have to provide paperwork American Credit Card Companies require. However after a few months I was able to get what I need to get the claim covered.

Fast forward to two years ago. I'm in Denver and rent a Ford Transit Van. Someone backed into it in Breckenridge. I don't know about it or find the damage until I return it. Payed for with my American Express. I go to make the claim as I had don't before with the windshield. Now they require YOUR auto insurance, and the credit card insurance is now secondary. The bill was $950...I just paid out of pocket.

My point is credit card coverage is not what it used to be. That reserve card I carry is not your average credit card, It is a travel card, but still has a lot of perks you do not received with standard cards. They will still tell you they cover everything, however read the fine print and you'll find most have gone to secondary or supplemental coverage.

From now on I just pay for the rental companies insurance...its not expensive anyway, and WAY less hassle