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Insurance - small claim, should I?
MR930 - December 14th, 2014 at 05:23 AM

My wife hit a kangaroo in one of our beetles last night. The car needs a bonnet and bumper. Just wondering if its worth claiming on my insurance? Will my premiums increase? I'm able to repair the car myself.
I've never had a claim but I do have 7 cars on my policy so don't really need an increase in premiums.
I'm insured with shannons.


landfall - December 14th, 2014 at 07:20 AM

Obvious answer is to ring Shannon's and ask them?


Sunset Garage - December 14th, 2014 at 09:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by landfall
Obvious answer is to ring Shannon's and ask them?


Not necessarily. Just reporting damage to your insurers can increase your premiums regardless of whether they repair it or not. Yes they are that f#@ked up. Read their contract, they require you to report any damage, and witholding any information can give them the right to terminate your insurance and even sue you. If its not too bad and you can repair it yourself or get someone else to do it, I'd be doing that.


pfillery - December 14th, 2014 at 09:02 PM

I hit a roo once and they consider that to be a "not at fault" claim even though you have to pay an excess. Didn't effect my premiums or change m no claims discount. Depends on your excess. A good repair professionally could be $2000, your excess is probably $350 to $400.


helbus - December 14th, 2014 at 09:30 PM

Bumper, bonnet, paint, labour. Around $2000 to do right. If you have a repairer you can trust get them to do it. If not, you can get it assessed and paid directly to you, and you can do the repairs yourself. The car will be noted as damaged and on laid up cover until the repairs have been notified to Shannons as complete. If you get a repairer to fix the car for you, you get the Shannons lifetime warranty. If you get paid out, the claim is paid out and finalised with no warranty, however you can do the repair yourself.


pfillery - December 15th, 2014 at 06:55 AM

I did that once. Not through Shannon's but was living in a remote area with one repairer, no loan car and a 4-6month waiting period to get repairs done. Car was not drivable due to headlight and radiator support damage. Paid out around $3500 and the repair cost me $100 to do myself.


MR930 - December 15th, 2014 at 07:00 AM

Thanks for the replies, I think I will just repair it myself.


vw54 - December 15th, 2014 at 07:21 AM

if its insurance it will be over 3K


ian.mezz - December 15th, 2014 at 08:04 PM

Insurance , why pay for it if you don't use it.
Had a few claims with Shannon's never noticed a price increase