Expert: Mark Haben - 11/13/2006

Question
I got into an accident 3 months ago that totaled my car and I bought a new one.  Last week I got into another accident and am afraid my insurance company will drop my policy if I file another claim, so I am going to have to pay for the repairs out of pocket and I am trying to find out if body shops do payment plans.

Answer
Samantha-

I am sorry to hear about your bad luck. I wish I could see the damage to the car, then I may be able to give better advice. In the market area where I live I have never heard of a shop offering any sort of financing for repairs. You may however find a shop that is willing to do that- all you can do is call around and see. My best advice to you is this- Was another vehicle involved? If so, did it sustain damage that they will file a claim against your insurance company for their repairs? If a claim is started for them to have repairs done under the liability portion of your policy the damage to your rates is already done. If you are lucky and no other vehicle was involved then you still are required by law in most states to notify your insurer, but that doesn't mean you have to make a claim. My take has always been, use your policy, you pay a lot of money to insure your car get it fixed. Talk to an agent of the same insurer you are with, not your own! Ask them what would happen to your rates if you made another claim so soon. You may be surprised. They can't penalize you as long as you don't make a claim. Good Luck, Mark