Expert: Richard L Carranza - 6/4/2005

Question
Thanks in advance, you do a great job in helping all of us!  A week ago I discovered that someone did a hit and run on my car in a parking lot.  I went to a shop and the estimate is about $2K.  I am not sure if I should pay this myself of have my insurance handle it.  Of course the main reason being that I do not want my rates to go up.  I recently had an at fault accident about 1 year ago which did not increase my rates because i was 5 year accident free. My insurance is Progressive.  What do you suggest?  My hit and run deductible is $300.  Thank you again!

Answer
Most, if not all companies, will NOT penalize you for a not-at-fault accident especially when the vehicle was parked and unattended.

Check with your agent and/or the company to confirm what I am saying.

Even if there was a surcharge, it would be spread over 3 years or so and would pale in comparison to the $1,700 or so NET dollars you are taking about to repair the car.

Report the loss and avail yourself of the benefits you paid for.

Trust and hope that thew above answers your question and provides some direction.

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Thanks