My car suffered damages on the door and fender during the snow storm
several months ago. (late January 2013) The car slid on ice/snow and
scraped against a tree in the driveway. The tree was fine.
At the time, it looked to me that the damage would be less than $1000. Since
my deductible was $1000, I figured there was no point filing a claim under the
collision coverage of my Geico auto insurance policy. Even the dealership
service manager agreed with me that it was probably a $1000 damage at best.
(thought I should I have realized that he was not the bodyshop manager)
I have been very busy during the last several months and never got around to
fixing it. Last week, I finally took it to a bodyshop and I was shocked to learn
that the repair would cost $2300. Apparently they have to repair the door
and fender, paint them as well as the adjoining door, pillar, trunk, bumper to
match.
I decided to get estimates from two more shop from different bodyshops. The
other two estimates were within $150 of the first estimate. ($2100 and $2450)
One bodyshop suggested that I should go through insurance.
The three places said they would need 4 to 6 days for the repairs.
Is it too late to file a collision damage claim with my insurance company now?
I have a spotless driving record, not even parking tickets.... Have been with
Geico for 10+ years and only had one deer collision claim 9 years ago.
If it makes any difference, my home is located in Charlotte, NC.
Any advice appreciated!
several months ago. (late January 2013) The car slid on ice/snow and
scraped against a tree in the driveway. The tree was fine.
At the time, it looked to me that the damage would be less than $1000. Since
my deductible was $1000, I figured there was no point filing a claim under the
collision coverage of my Geico auto insurance policy. Even the dealership
service manager agreed with me that it was probably a $1000 damage at best.
(thought I should I have realized that he was not the bodyshop manager)
I have been very busy during the last several months and never got around to
fixing it. Last week, I finally took it to a bodyshop and I was shocked to learn
that the repair would cost $2300. Apparently they have to repair the door
and fender, paint them as well as the adjoining door, pillar, trunk, bumper to
match.
I decided to get estimates from two more shop from different bodyshops. The
other two estimates were within $150 of the first estimate. ($2100 and $2450)
One bodyshop suggested that I should go through insurance.
The three places said they would need 4 to 6 days for the repairs.
Is it too late to file a collision damage claim with my insurance company now?
I have a spotless driving record, not even parking tickets.... Have been with
Geico for 10+ years and only had one deer collision claim 9 years ago.
If it makes any difference, my home is located in Charlotte, NC.
Any advice appreciated!
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