Is it worth reporting a dent to insurance?
Asked by: Reta Ankunding | Last update: June 4, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (29 votes)
Is it worth filing a claim for a small dent?
Even if the cost to repair a minor problem is only slightly higher than your deductible, many insurance companies will raise your rates after making a claim. So, even if it'll cost, say, $1500 to fix a dent from a shopping cart crashing into your car door, it's not usually wise to make a claim.
Should I file an insurance claim if I am not at fault?
Always File a Claim, Regardless of Who Was At-Fault
One of the primary questions we receive from clients who have been in an accident is whether they should report the accident to their own auto insurance carrier, particularly when the accident was not their fault. And the answer to that question is: always.
Do you have to tell insurance about a dent?
If it costs $2,000 to repair the dents and your deductible is $500, you would pay $500 and your insurance will pick up the rest. However, you should always notify your insurance if you get into an accident with another driver, even if the damage is minor.
Is it worth going through insurance for minor damage?
For vehicle damage: Yes. If your vehicle received minor damage, it might be worth filing a collision claim with your insurance if the damage costs more than your deductible. If the other driver caused the accident, then you could file a claim with their insurance company instead.
How to make a scratch and dent insurance claim (2020) UK
Is it better to pay out of pocket or use insurance?
Firstly, if the cost of repairs or services falls below your insurance deductible, opting out of pocket may prove more cost-effective. Additionally, choosing to pay out of pocket can help prevent potential increases in insurance premiums, especially if filing a claim would only marginally exceed your deductible.
What happens if you don't tell your insurance about an accident?
There is no California law per se about notifying your insurance company after a collision, but your auto insurance policy is a contract. When you signed it, you agreed to the stipulations in the contract, which will almost certainly include the requirement to notify the insurance company promptly after an accident.
How much does it cost to fix a dent in a car with insurance?
The dent repair cost may range from $50 to $2,500. Although that's a broad range, most small dents that are roughly an inch in size may cost around $50 to $125. Small indentations may come from a flying rock or piece of hail. Dents stemming from a collision are typically larger and cost $150 or more.
How do I report a dent in my car?
To start, you can file a police report to make sure there is a record of the accident. Also, if you're in a public parking lot, there is a chance that the accident was caught on a security camera. You can ask the store for a copy of the footage and try to identify who hit you.
How much value does a car lose with a dent?
The simplest gauge of reference is, if the dent is clearly visible from 10 or so feet away, it's probably worth at least having it assessed by a repair shop. Consider also if any body paint has been affected. If either is an issue, it's likely the dent devalues the vehicle by 5 to 10% of its worth.
Is it better to use your insurance or theirs?
After a car accident, you should notify your insurance company and file a claim, and not deal with the other driver's insurer. Except in rare circumstances, it is not wise to contact them. Your insurance company represents you, and the other driver's insurance company represents them.
Should I let my insurance know if it wasn't my fault?
Yes, it is generally advisable to notify your insurance company even if the accident wasn't your fault. Most insurance policies require policyholders to promptly report any accidents or incidents, regardless of fault.
When someone hits you, do you call your insurance or theirs?
You should call both, regardless of who you think is at fault. If it turns out the other driver is at fault, their insurance will pay, but it's helpful to have your insurance company involved.
Does a dent count as damage?
Car body damage can go from small scratches to a state of total disrepair and those unsightly dings and dents are somewhere in between, but they still are unappealing and can be damaging to a vehicle.
How much does it cost to bump out a dent?
Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)
The cost of paintless dent repair will depend on where you live, where the dent is located, and how large it is. Here's a general overview of PDR pricing: Small, light dents: $50-$100. Medium dents: $75-$300.
How much should I spend on dent?
So, how much should you spend on rent? Generally, experts recommend spending no more than 30% of monthly pre-tax income on housing. However, it's not always that simple. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, between 2017 and 2021, over 40% of renter households (19 million) spent more than 30% of their income on rent.
Can you file an insurance claim for a dent?
In terms of insurance coverage, California is a fault state, which means that the driver who is found to be at fault for the accident is responsible for paying for the damages.
What to do if you ding someone's car?
- Don't drive away from the scene of the accident, no matter how minor. If another customer or a surveillance camera spots you, you could be punished with hit-and-run charges.
- Track down the other car's owner. ...
- Leave a note. ...
- Call the police (if necessary).
How much is a car with dent worth?
An average accident can decrease a car's value instantly (and permanently) by 10 – 25% annually, whereas an accident that only creates light damage (such as light scratches or small dents that don't impact the paint) will only decrease its value by 5-15%.
Does insurance cover if you hit your own car?
Your liability insurance won't cover damage to your own property or vehicle. To be covered for damage you cause to your own car, you'll need to add collision and comprehensive to your auto insurance coverages.
Do car dealerships fix dents?
Dealerships have service departments that deal with collision repair work, but often the repair work is done outside of the dealership and that's because of time and cost limitations.
Will my insurance go up if I hit a curb?
When you make a vehicle insurance claim due to hitting a curb, the rates may go up. This is because it is typically considered an at-fault accident.
Do you have to report an accident if it is not your fault?
You must inform the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if you were hit by another vehicle and the damage or bodily injury exceeds $1,000. According to state law, you must submit a Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California form SR 1 demonstrating that you have proper insurance.
What not to say when filing a claim?
- “I'm sorry.”
- “It was all/partly my fault.”
- “I did not see the other person/driver.”
Should I pay for a car accident out of pocket or let insurance pay?
If the repair costs are less than your deductible (or even slightly more) you should pay for the repairs out of pocket. For example, if the damage to your car costs $300 to fix, and your deductible is $200, you would save $100 by filing a claim.