After you’re in a car accident, many thoughts will go through your head. Is everyone okay? Is the car okay? What do I do now? How am I going to pay for this?
When you’re figuring out your next move, you may start to debate whether you should file an insurance claim or pay for the damage out of pocket. So, what’s the best option for you?
Andy Mohr Collision Center looks at some tips for paying for a car accident out of pocket to help drivers in Indianapolis, Bloomington, and Fishers.
Why You Might Want to Pay Out of Pocket
It’s understandable why you might want to pay for repairs if you can afford it. For one, it’s easier. There’s no paperwork with the insurance company. All you have to do is schedule an appointment, pay the service center, and you’re done.
It’s also a good way to prevent your insurance rates from going up. While every plan is different, filing many claims or an expensive one can cause your rates to go up.
In some cases, paying out of pocket and getting the repairs taken care of quickly is the best option. Other times, you may have to file a claim.
When It’s Okay to Pay Out of Pocket
Fortunately, not every accident is major. Sometimes, you can quickly get your car repaired and cover the cost without having to involve your insurance company. If repairs are in your budget, some of the situations when it’s okay to pay out of pocket are:
- One-Car Accidents – If you back into a pole or suffer some damage from a deep pothole, you usually won’t have to report the incident.
- Minor Scrapes & Dents – There’s no need to file a claim when a shopping cart scratches your door or an off-target baseball dents your hood.
- Fender-Benders – When you’re in a collision with another car but it’s very minor and no one is hurt.
When To File a Claim
There are some times when it’s absolutely necessary for you to file an insurance claim. Here are four examples of when it’s in your best interest not to pay out of pocket:
- Someone Is Injured – You should always file an insurance claim when someone is injured in an accident.
- It’s Too Expensive – Insurance exists to help you out when the cost of repairs is bigger than your budget.
- Required by Law – In some states, reporting an accident to your insurance company is required by law.
- Accident Forgiveness – If your insurance has accident forgiveness, feel free to file a claim without worrying about your rates going up.
Accident Repair near Indianapolis
When your vehicle needs repairs, visit Andy Mohr Collision Center to get your vehicle looking and driving like new again. We have a network of body shops all over Indianapolis, Fishers, Plainfield, and Bloomington.
Each one offers a highly trained team of technicians who can get your vehicle fixed, whether you need to have a dent taken care of or major collision repairs.
If you’ve been in an accident or you had a minor fender-bender, you can schedule an appointment with the closest service center online.
