How picky are you when it comes to damage on your car and dealing with claims?

[Spud387]

Well my car has a nice new ding and scratch on the front of the driver door from someone else opening their door without due care.
This will be my 3rd claim on this car and it has only been 9 months.

How picky is everyone when they get minor damage to their car? Do you claim it and get it fixed immediately? Do you claim it and get it fixed once you have more damage?

I am just wondering as this is my first new car... (lets forget that black one) and I have never had one that was in perfect shape. I have a few minor rocks chips as I am sure everyone does that doesn't bother me as it will happen. Same as the windshield chip I had to get fixed.

But when it comes to significant scratches, minor dents (ie. from doors, people, etc) or significant rock chips, what does everyone do?

Thanks,

[Sleepy]

Depending on the damage and where it is located I either get it fixed ASAP or leave it knowing I am gonna get nailed in the same spot.

I backed into a parked car two weeks ago, had my car repaired 2 days later. I didn't file a claim as it was cheaper to pay out of my pocket then going to ICBC.

[lonelydriver]

My dad got his car keyed more than 2 years ago. Apparently, once reported, you have 1 year (I think but it has been too long) to claim it. My dad ended up not getting it fixed past the expiration date as he felt it was not worth it. The damage was minor but he would rather keep his $300 deductable.

[ianwells100]

Originally Posted by lonelydriver

My dad got his car keyed more than 2 years ago. Apparently, once reported, you have 1 year (I think but it has been too long) to claim it. My dad ended up not getting it fixed past the expiration date as he felt it was not worth it. The damage was minor but he would rather keep his $300 deductable.

same, what is now my mum's 98 accord (4 cyl, nothing special, run of the mill accord) was keyed, we just fixed it ourselves...

someone also hit and run it, in the end of the day, they're just cars, you could pay the $300, or wait a little longer and get hit even harder...

for me, i've got some damage (none my fault), i won't fix it... i drive the car too much.. next year, after i buy a place downtown (start working downtown in oct), i may be inclined to fix any aesthetic issues, as the car will be driven for pleasure only (walk to work for me and the mrs.)

[604_CSX]

well as everyone saw my 2 "back up sensors" at the meet. the very next night i got rear ended buy this lady at the stop light at the exact same spot on the bumper! no dmg to the back lip thank god. i claimed it the next day and had it all fixed up. now the bum looks brand new! i waited for almost 6 months...so if u can wait it out..waiting is not a bad option paid off for me.

[Pukuyo]

i'm picky, got lots of deep rock chips, but not picky enough to fork out $300 each time. but if it's a dent, then that's a different story...

[Spud387]

Originally Posted by lonelydriver

My dad got his car keyed more than 2 years ago. Apparently, once reported, you have 1 year (I think but it has been too long) to claim it. My dad ended up not getting it fixed past the expiration date as he felt it was not worth it. The damage was minor but he would rather keep his $300 deductable.

I actually called ICBC and you have 2 years from when you take it in to be looked at till when you can have it repaired. So I am taking it in next week, then will make my decision to wait to get it fixed or not.

[msqr]

I'd definitely be picky too; until I get woken up by my parents and friends who tell me it's "just" a Civic.

[GordonTse]

long story short, i got a dent on the hood from a ******* buddy that sat on it...(******* damn thin hoods) i pulled it out with a dent puller, but still a small dent size of dime maybe(hard to tell on white car) and indented a bit.. still choked.. it was the size of an ass..

[msqr]

I would never let anyone touch my car, let alone sit on it. Some buddy!

[GordonTse]

some kids don't know how to respect other peoples shit.. this kid thinks "it's just a civic"(brown guy).. one damn expensive civic.. and i'm still in highschool...

[msqr]

For sure man... I have the tendency to punch people each time they tell me "it's just a civic" (quite a few of my redneck friends from the interiors), but they themselves have crappy cars (or cars that they don't even have with them beause their parents need it)

Then they come around and beg for a ride somewhere, or help moving... I'm not scratching my interiors for that kind of attitude!

[Tracer]

I have to get my windshield replaced soon and I expect to have a big fight with IckyBicky. I want to insist on genuine Honda part as I have heard from several Honda owners at work that the aftermarket ones are generally lower in quality and usually have visual flaws ('waves' and distortions, etc) and with the steep slant of our windshields that could be an issue.

Honda charges $1200 and I have a $500 deductable.. and I have never made an insurance claim of any sort in 20 years I have been driving. So I expect to be made out to be the bad guy. Should be fun....

[chen123]

Originally Posted by Spud387

Well my car has a nice new ding and scratch on the front of the driver door from someone else opening their door without due care.
This will be my 3rd claim on this car and it has only been 9 months.

How picky is everyone when they get minor damage to their car? Do you claim it and get it fixed immediately? Do you claim it and get it fixed once you have more damage?

I am just wondering as this is my first new car... (lets forget that black one) and I have never had one that was in perfect shape. I have a few minor rocks chips as I am sure everyone does that doesn't bother me as it will happen. Same as the windshield chip I had to get fixed.

But when it comes to significant scratches, minor dents (ie. from doors, people, etc) or significant rock chips, what does everyone do?

Thanks,

Don't file a 3rd comp claim with ICBC unless the damage is significant.

ICBC can and will deny/restrict your option to purchase comprehensive insurance on any car that you are the RO or PO of. They typically use a three year window, if you have made more than 3 comp claims in three years....expect a letter.

In 2000 I had a 99 Civic SI-R. It was stolen and recovered 6 months later in Surrey by the RCMP. I used the ICBC settlement to buy a 2000 Integra Type-R. This car was the focus of way too much attention from theives. I caught 4 people attempting to steal it, they got away but caused $4000+ damage, 5-6 months later another a$$ tried to take my Type-R from my Univercity parking lot. That claims was for another $5000.

On my next renewal ICBC said I was unable to purchase comp...I had to sell the ITR. I've made no comp claims in 5 years, and they still won't offer me anything below a $5000 deductible at the $2500 price (and they know my current car is worth $4000).

BTW I now have my optional insurance with CNS from Coast Capital. They only care about at fault collision claims. I have a $200 deductible.

[Spud387]

Originally Posted by chen123

Don't file a 3rd comp claim with ICBC unless the damage is significant.

ICBC can and will deny/restrict your option to purchase comprehensive insurance on any car that you are the RO or PO of. They typically use a three year window, if you have made more than 3 comp claims in three years....expect a letter.

In 2000 I had a 99 Civic SI-R. It was stolen and recovered 6 months later in Surrey by the RCMP. I used the ICBC settlement to buy a 2000 Integra Type-R. This car was the focus of way too much attention from theives. I caught 4 people attempting to steal it, they got away but caused $4000+ damage, 5-6 months later another a$$ tried to take my Type-R from my Univercity parking lot. That claims was for another $5000.

On my next renewal ICBC said I was unable to purchase comp...I had to sell the ITR. I've made no comp claims in 5 years, and they still won't offer me anything below a $5000 deductible at the $2500 price (and they know my current car is worth $4000).

BTW I now have my optional insurance with CNS from Coast Capital. They only care about at fault collision claims. I have a $200 deductible.

Hmm interesting, anyone else aware of this? I know one of my claims only came out to $206 so I did not need to use my deductible. A claim was still filed for records as the RCMP had witnessed the incident and already had a police report.

Also, because it was a "hit and run" this is "criminal offense" and I am supposed to file it. I don't see how they can restrict me if I am supposed to file it? Hell, I am not allowed to wash my car because it can tamper evidence...

[msqr]

I've heard of something like this before.

Just took a look on the ICBC Website to satisfy curiousity

ICBC Autoplan Insurance: Multiple Crash Premium

The MCP is a way of penalizing drivers who cause lots of crashes. If you are found 50% or more at fault for 3 crashes within a 3-year period, you will have to pay an MCP of $1,000. For each additional at-fault crash within the 3 years, there is another fee of $500.

It appears its to do with crashes?

[Spud387]

Originally Posted by msqr

I've heard of something like this before.

Just took a look on the ICBC Website to satisfy curiousity

ICBC Autoplan Insurance: Multiple Crash Premium



It appears its to do with crashes?

Ok that makes sense for crashes where you are at least 50% at fault.

Thanks for looking that up msgr!

[chen123]

Originally Posted by msqr

I've heard of something like this before.

Just took a look on the ICBC Website to satisfy curiousity

ICBC Autoplan Insurance: Multiple Crash Premium



It appears its to do with crashes?

The MCP is for at fault crashes...To me this is justified. What I've experienced is reffered to by ICBC as "Escalating Deductibles"

I've had many conversations with ICBC underwritting and they've advised that there is no time frame for review, and there are no written policies available to the public. They can and will change the rules when ever they choose, they have told me this.

To be fair, the I only wrote about 3 claims, there were more. My front lip was stolen off the Civic, my mirror was struck off the ITR in front of my home and the ITR was also Hit and Run in front of my house (someone side swiped it after I folded the mirror in...I guess it's better to sacrifice a mirror than the side of the car.)

The worst part about all this was that the police knew who these people were (the guy dropped his cell when I chased him) they couldn't do anything about it and ICBC refused to sue him in civil court to recoup the cost.

It's simply cheaper for them to punish me rather that the real people at fault.

From my perspective the court system is poo...While I don't condone police violence I can understand why cops beat on these guys when they get the chance, they must have very frustrating jobs.

[msqr]

^ It happens a lot. remember how I was found at fault for $100 of "hub cap damage" because some guy claimed I made him curb his own rim? There was no contact between the cars, and my car didnt hit no one. But because he had photos of a damaged rim and I had nothing, no witnessses (I was stupid and didnt call the police), and I was younger, they went after me.

Lesson learned to call the police if someone chases after you randomly, catches you off guard, cuts in front of you and tries to make you slam into them, to call the police. I was lucky I went through ICBC - he kept demanding I pay him upfront. So in the end all he could get me for was a measly $100. $100 was not worth appealing and going to court (I am busy enough as it is). I was driving alone, and it was a big buff East Indian gang with a bunch of guys who all got out of the car. What am I to do?

Or real lesson learned, stay away from sketchy Surrey. I'm NEVER going there again, let alone live there.