Should I Claim Insurance for Bumper Replacement?
2 Answers
Whether to claim insurance for bumper replacement can be most easily determined by comparing the insurance discount with the repair cost. If there have been no claims for over 2-3 years (specific terms depend on the auto insurance policy), the discount is generally higher than the repair cost and increases annually. In such cases, it's more advisable not to file a claim. Conversely, if the insurance discount is lower than the repair cost, it's better to proceed with an insurance claim. Below are some details about insurance claims: 1. First scenario: If you file a claim for the bumper repair, your premium will remain unchanged with no discount for one claim. 2. Second scenario: If you repair the bumper yourself without filing a claim, you may receive a discount on next year's premium.
I just had my bumper repaired, and it really depends on the situation. For minor scratches and repainting, around 1,000 RMB can get it done, so there's no need to file an insurance claim. The main reason is that next year's premium will increase by at least 25%, and you'll lose the three-year renewal discount, which could cost you four to five thousand RMB in total. However, if the entire bumper is cracked and needs to be replaced with an original part, and the 4S shop quotes around four to five thousand RMB, then you must file an insurance claim, as the premium increase won't be as significant. Remember to have the insurance company inspect the scene before repairing the car. Don't believe some repair shops that say they can help you commit insurance fraud—big data checks are very strict these days.