Should I put a claim in for a small ding in my door?

Minor dents and scratches don't qualify as pre-existing damage. These repairs are affordable to fix, and still qualify for comprehensive insurance.

If there’s minimal damage, you already have claims on your record, or you can settle privately with the other driver, an insurance claim might be unnecessary.

Don’t be afraid to negotiate when you first receive a claim settlement offer from your car insurance company. If you have proof of any medical bills and costs of repair from an accident, you can use it to get a better payout.