Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 2/9/2011

Question
Slid off road in icy conditions after I left work. Cars all over the place. Sideswiped a guardrail or some kind of post, not really sure exactly because visibility was limited and other cars from work were sliding towards me and I didn't want to get hit. I was able to get off the freeway and pulled over to see damage. It was snowing hard and my truck was still drivable so I drove it home. I became worried about the amount of damage and if they would total it because of its age and miles. The book value price wouldn't be enough to get anything similar. I have a small deductable and clean record and no prior claims and no experience about the claims process (People said my premium would go way up). I thought I was going to try and fix it myself and not claim it but it appears a little more than I want to deal with. Then reading some of the other Q&A's on your site It appears that if the damage exceeds a certain amount I was supposed to report it immediately. Its been about 4 weeks. Did I screw myself over? What are my options at this point?

Answer
Hi Dino,

If you intended to file a claim, you should have done so as soon as possible. However, you can still file. Just tell them you though the damage was less, but now realize you can't do it yourself. Keep in mind that if the cost of repairs is at or above about 75% of the value of the truck, the insurance company will likely total it out. You may want to get an estimate from a body shop before you file a claim. Then you will have an idea.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh