What should I do now? The automatic car wash broke this panel—it’s a new lease I got 2 months ago. They gave me an accident report, but the manager is off until Friday, and it’s the holidays. Any advice? Has this happened to anyone else before?
You should report this to your insurance. I always use touchless car washes to avoid such issues.
Oak said:
You should report this to your insurance. I always use touchless car washes to avoid such issues.
I’ve never had issues with car washes before. Should I contact the car wash first? And what exactly is a touchless car wash?
@Zhi
Your insurance should handle everything and deal with the car wash on your behalf.
Oak said:
@Zhi
Your insurance should handle everything and deal with the car wash on your behalf.
Will that work even if I have a high deductible?
Oak said:
@Zhi
Your insurance should handle everything and deal with the car wash on your behalf.
Will that work even if I have a high deductible?
Yes, your insurance should take care of the repairs and then reclaim the costs from the car wash.
@Haven
But be aware, claiming might increase your future premiums, so it’s worth considering if the car wash might deal with it directly.
Kellan said:
@Haven
But be aware, claiming might increase your future premiums, so it’s worth considering if the car wash might deal with it directly.
That might not always result in a rate increase, especially if this is categorized under comprehensive coverage, depending on your policy specifics.
@Bryn
Still, any claim can potentially affect your insurance costs; it’s worth a shot to avoid claims if possible.
Kellan said:
@Haven
But be aware, claiming might increase your future premiums, so it’s worth considering if the car wash might deal with it directly.
Do rates always go up, even if it wasn’t your fault?
Oak said:
@Zhi
Your insurance should handle everything and deal with the car wash on your behalf.
Will that work even if I have a high deductible?
They should waive your deductible if it’s clearly the car wash’s fault, similar to when another driver is at fault in an accident.
@Jaden
Usually, you do have to pay the deductible upfront, but you might get reimbursed later. Personally, I’d go directly through the car wash first to avoid potential claims on my policy.
@Jaden
Okay, I’ll give them a call right now.
Actually, don’t call your insurance just yet. Look up whether just contacting them about damage can affect your premiums. Sometimes, it can have unintended consequences.
@Casey
What kind of consequences? Could you explain a bit more?
Zhi said:
@Casey
What kind of consequences? Could you explain a bit more?
Even if you decide to pay out of pocket, your insurance records every inquiry, which could impact your rates if you make frequent inquiries or claims.
@Casey
I’m not an insurance expert, but take care with advice from those who aren’t sure.
@Casey
I haven’t made any claims for over two decades.