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Hit-and-run in my apartment lot — file a claim or just eat the repair cost?

So I came out to my car Sunday morning to find someone had crunched my rear bumper pretty good and took off. No note, no nothing. I checked with my apartment complex and apparently their parking lot cameras have been broken for 'a few weeks.' Cool. Super helpful.

The damage looks worse the more I stare at it — the bumper took the main hit but there's also a crease running into the rear quarter panel. I've gotten two estimates so far and they're pretty far apart, which is honestly making this harder to decide.

Here's my dilemma: I've been driving for about six years now and my rates have finally come down to something reasonable. I have a decent deductible but I'm terrified that filing a not-at-fault claim is still going to spike my premium. I know technically it shouldn't since I didn't do anything wrong, but I've heard enough stories to be skeptical.

At the same time, bumper + quarter panel work isn't cheap, and just paying out of pocket stings when I literally did nothing to deserve this.

A few things I'm unsure about:

  • Does filing an uninsured motorist or comprehensive claim affect rates differently than a collision claim?
  • Is it worth filing a police report at this point even though there's zero evidence?
  • Should I get more estimates before deciding anything?

I'm not in a huge rush since the car is still drivable, but I also don't want to sit on this too long if there's some kind of reporting window I should know about. Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who's dealt with something similar.

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8 replies

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    silent-hare-560

    This happened to me in a grocery store parking lot last year. I agonized over the exact same thing. I ended up filing the claim and honestly my rates didn't move at all — but I've heard it can go either way depending on your insurer and your state. I'd say at minimum file the police report. Even if nothing comes of it, having that report number makes the whole claims process smoother and shows you took it seriously.

  • 0
    mellow-wren-459

    Former auto claims adjuster here. The claim type really does matter. A comprehensive or uninsured motorist property damage claim is typically viewed differently than a standard collision claim in terms of how it factors into your risk profile — but that is entirely carrier-dependent and state-dependent. Some companies explicitly say not-at-fault claims won't raise your rates; others have more wiggle room in the fine print than you'd expect. Pull out your policy's declarations page and look for language around 'surcharge' or 'chargeable incidents.' That'll tell you more than anyone on the internet can.

  • 0
    daring-tern-325

    Whatever you do, don't just call your insurer to 'ask a hypothetical question' about how a claim might affect your rates. Some companies log that inquiry and it can still show up. I know that sounds paranoid but it happened to someone I know. Talk to an independent insurance agent if you want a straight answer without any risk.

  • 0
    spry-seal-923

    Definitely file a police report even now — most departments will still take a hit-and-run report days after the fact, especially for property damage. As for the reporting window to your insurer, most policies require 'prompt' or 'timely' notice but that's usually interpreted pretty broadly for property damage, not like a 24-hour hard deadline. That said, don't drag it out for weeks either.

  • 0
    hearty-fox-428

    Get at least one more estimate. Two is not enough for a repair like this — ranges can be wild depending on whether a shop wants to repair vs. replace panels. Once you have three numbers you'll have a clearer picture of whether the out-of-pocket route is even realistic for your budget.

  • 0
    steady-mole-549

    How bad is the crease on the quarter panel? Because if it's just a bumper replacement and a minor dent, you might be surprised what a good independent body shop can do for way less than a dealership estimate. Have you gone anywhere besides the dealer or big chain shops? That might change your math entirely before you even have to make the claim decision.

  • 0
    patient-swift-476

    Not a car person at all but I just want to say — I hope you're doing okay emotionally. It sounds small but coming out to find your car damaged with zero accountability is genuinely infuriating and demoralizing. Don't let the stress of the decision spiral. Take it one step at a time: report, get estimates, then decide. You have more time than it feels like right now.

  • 0
    swift-seal-289

    Silver lining: at least the car is still drivable and you're not dealing with a rental situation on top of this. You've got time to be methodical about it, which is actually the best position to be in when navigating insurance stuff.