I was looking for the NAM'er that I know is a insurance claims rep, but I couldn't find his exact user name to PM him.

I know some people can get out of paying the insurance deductible if a deer hits their car claiming that it was "an act of God," or something, and I want to know if I can do the same with my situation. Last week there was a huge hail storm and now there are 40-50 small dents on my car. Insurance company wants 500 bucks for the deductible at a time where I really don't have any money. I can't seem find it anywhere on Google, so if someone can help me out with an answer I'd appreciate it.

 

I know he will chime in soon, but when you ht a deer it falls under your comp insurance. It depends what you have this deductible set to as to what you pay. The only thing that I hear insurance companys wave the deductible for is glass breakage.

 

I think you're referring to CR&PW&JB .

 

I don't think you can ever get out of paying your deductible, aside from being hit by another driver. The point of a deductible is to keep people from making claims on everything, and to offset the cost of the repair for the insurance company. If you can't pay the $500 deductible, it might be worth dropping it a bit in the future, assuming you can afford the slightly higher premiums. I'm sure Chris (CR&PW&JB) will chime in when he sees this thread.

 

Yes lowering the comprehensive it really cheap normally even for a $0 deductible on comp is around $15-30 more every 6 months.

 

Hail damage should fall under your comp.

 

I think they are filing it under the comp but she has a high deductible on it if I am not mistaken.

 

Maybe drew can drop the comp down to $0, wait a month or so then put in the claim?

Hmm, that may be dishonest, you didn't hear that from me

 

Get a few estimates and see if any body shops are willing to "absorb" the deductable. That has worked for me in the past. It was a long time ago. Ever since I owned a Jeep about 10 years ago I have carried 0 deductable on comp. It saved my butt twice when theifs broke into my Jeep and didnt know how to velcro or zippers on the soft top and used a box cutter to open it up.

 

Go to the best body shop in town, get their estimate, which should be higher than most. See how much the insurance company is willing to pay.

Then, shop around and find who can do the work for less... check their work out. If it works for you, and is around $500 less, than you are golden.

Who are you insured with?

 

This is why i reduced my comprehensive deductible to $50 (lowest from Geico). Only cost me about $30 per renewal. Came in handy when i got keyed. Would of cost $800 to get 2 panels painted, instead it cost me $50.

 

Doesn't the insurance company pay the body shop directly?

 

Thanks guys, I guess I'll just have to deal.

I already put in the claim, I did it the day after it happened. I have Hartford insurance. Wasn't really my choice. It's through my Mom's retirement, but I pay the monthly payments. It was just the cheapest we could find for me. Comp deductible is $500.

They told me I have to go to a Carstar around here to get an estimate, but I could get the work done anywhere I want. If I go somewhere other than Carstar and it's more expensive, from what I understand I just have to pay the difference.

 

In my experience, you are sent to one of "their" body shops and then given to choice where to get the work done. When i was keyed i had the dealership do the work. They were more money than the Geico shop, but they worked with Geico to justify the costs and met half way. Either way the $800 of work cost me $50 and it looked perfect.

 

Make sure if body panels need replacement, you use OEM Mini parts, not third party duplicates. Can sometimes make a difference in the fit and finish.