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When is it okay to settle an accident privately and when is it better to file an insurance claim?

I was involved in a minor car accident and my sideview mirror was damaged. The other driver is at fault and they want to pay for the damage out of pocket. When is it okay to settle an accident privately and when is it better to file an insurance claim?

avatar
Savannah Grabek · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
If the damage is minor, you may be able to leave insurance out of the equation.
However, it’s best to get an estimate for damages from a body shop before you allow the other driver to give you money. Sometimes there may be damage that you don’t see and it could be more expensive to repair than you think.
I recommend letting your insurance company know of the accident. By going through them, you won’t have to haggle with the body shop to get the work done at the agreed upon estimate; that’s what insurance is for.
It’s important to make sure you’re always covered because if there’s more damage to your car, your insurance company won’t help out if you didn’t file a
claim
.
If you’re hesitating to go through insurance because you’re worried about cost, it might be time to upgrade to a new policy. With
Jerry
, you can find the best coverage for your vehicle and your budget. Jerry compares quotes from 50 top providers in minutes; best of all, it’s free!
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