Should You File That Auto Claim? A Claim-or-Pay-Cash Worksheet
A small covered loss creates a real decision: take the contractual claim benefit or absorb the repair yourself. This calculator makes your assumptions visible instead of pretending anyone can predict your renewal.
Claim-or-cash worksheet
Do not use a fake universal surcharge
There is no responsible single “a claim raises insurance by X%” number for every driver. Fault rules, accident forgiveness, claim type, state regulation, prior claims and carrier rules all matter. This worksheet therefore separates the known contract math from your uncertain future-premium assumption.
Reasons to report even when the spreadsheet is close
Injury, another party, hidden damage, lease/loan requirements, potential liability, or policy notice requirements can make prompt reporting important. A simple repair estimate is not the whole problem.
Reasons people self-pay small losses
For genuinely minor, single-vehicle property damage where no other obligations are implicated, some policyholders compare the net claim payment with their deductible and future-rating uncertainty. Read the contract and state requirements before treating silence as a strategy.
FAQ
Does calling the insurer always count as a claim?
Carrier practices vary. Ask how an inquiry is recorded before assuming.
Can I settle privately with another driver?
That creates legal and documentation risks. State accident-reporting rules and injuries can also matter. This calculator is not a substitute for legal advice.
Why does the calculator ask for annual premium increase in dollars?
Because that makes your assumption explicit and easy to challenge instead of hiding it behind a universal percentage.
Sources & methodology
We favor regulators, government agencies and primary insurance-industry data for factual rules and current limits. Calculators use the numbers you enter and clearly labeled illustrative assumptions rather than pretending a national average is your quote.