Can I claim insurance for a bumper collision?
3 Answers
Within 24 hours, call the insurance company to report the vehicle damage. After inspection, the insurance company will arrange for free repairs. More information about bumpers is as follows: 1. Overview: The car bumper is a safety device that absorbs and mitigates external impacts, protecting the front and rear of the vehicle body. Many years ago, front and rear bumpers were made of steel plates pressed into channel steel, riveted or welded to the frame longitudinal beams, leaving a significant gap from the vehicle body, which looked very unattractive. With the development of the automotive industry and the extensive use of engineering plastics, car bumpers, as an important safety device, have also undergone innovation. Today, front and rear bumpers not only maintain their original protective functions but also strive for harmony and unity with the vehicle's styling and pursue lightweight design. The front and rear bumpers of cars are made of plastic, known as plastic bumpers. Typically, a car's plastic bumper consists of three parts: the outer panel, cushioning material, and crossbeam. The outer panel and cushioning material are made of plastic, while the crossbeam is formed by cold-rolled sheet metal pressed into a U-shaped channel; the outer panel and cushioning material are attached to the crossbeam. 2. Other Information: One claim is free, two claims result in a 25% premium increase, three claims lead to a 50% premium increase, four claims result in a 75% premium increase, and five or more claims double the premium. New cars that have not made any claims in the previous year enjoy a 15% discount on premiums. Two consecutive years without claims result in a 30% discount, and three consecutive years without claims lead to a 40% discount.
I've driven for many years, and if the bumper is damaged, you can definitely file an insurance claim, but it depends on the specific situation. If the accident involves only yourself with no injuries, and only your own car is affected with minor bumper damage—like a scratch or a slight dent—I recommend getting it repaired yourself to save time and money. However, if the damage is significant, such as a cracked or misaligned bumper, or if another vehicle is involved, you must report it to the insurance immediately. Before filing, take full photos of the scene with your phone without moving the car, then call the insurance company to report the incident—they will send someone to assess the damage. Once, after hitting a tree, I filed a claim and the repair costs were covered, but my premium increased by 10% the following year, so minor repairs are often more cost-effective to handle out of pocket. In short, deal with it promptly and don’t delay.
When I first started driving, I accidentally reversed into a pole and dented the bumper. I was flustered and didn't know if I could file an insurance claim. Later, a friend told me it's possible, but it depends on the type of insurance and fault in the accident. If you have compulsory traffic insurance and vehicle damage insurance, the claim process is simple: take photos of the scene including the license plate number, report it to the company, and wait for processing. For minor damage costing a few hundred to repair yourself, filing a claim might not be worth it as premiums could increase; for major repairs costing over two or three thousand, filing a claim is safer and more convenient. As a beginner, I recommend staying calm in such situations and doing more research or consulting others.
