Should I file a claim?
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Should I file a claim?
One of my contractors was driving my box truck when the brakes locked up
on him. He ran into a tree and severely damaged the truck. The night before
I just got the brakes repaired. A couple of weeks prior we got in a minor
fender bender when the brakes locked up again. I filed a claim and the
insurance company repaired the other car that was hit. My truck didn’t need
any repairs. Should I file a claim on the recent accident? I’m scared my rates
are going to go to the roof especially since we just got out of a accident a
couple of weeks ago. Please advise
Asked on April 16, 2016 under Accident Law, Georgia
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
There is no law requiring insurers to raise rates for accidents, but they always do--they are allowed to factor your claim history and accidents into their rates, and since they can raise your rates based on this, they inevitably do. I had my rates, go up, for example, by $1,000 for putting in a claim for $1,200 in damage caused when I skidded on a poorly plowed/sanded road and hit a snow bank, damaging the left front quarter panel and bumper. I learned my lesson--for anything less than major structural or engine damage or a total loss, I will pay for the damage myself and not report it.
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