To Claim or not to Claim, that is the question

[kaswardy]

I scratched my car a year back and decided to use the mazda paint markers to clear it up. I was offered to get it sorted for $550 if I pay myself. Or through a claim it came around $1700.

Now I want to sell my car and get it in tip top shape. I wanted to know whether getting it done through a claim will affect my insurance in any way (the first one is free).

I am paying through my teeth at the moment $364 for a 2008 Mazda3 and 4 years of Canadian driving experience without any accidents.

I am not sure how to go on, I don't really want to get an increase on my auto insurance. (I do plan to cancel my autoinsurance for a year and a half as I will be out of country).

Thanks for any suggestions

[MPS]

claims stay on for 10 years
so don't do it

[Toby]

If you put in a claim it will decrease the value of your car when it comes time to sell it, assuming that you don't have any previous claims. If the accident is not covered by someone else's policy, i.e. it was their fault, you still have to pay your deductible. If the deductible is $500, your going to have to pay it anyhow.

[aris]

Don't claim

[Noisy Crow]

Depends on whether this is a comprehensive or collision claim. Comprehensive shouldn't affect your rate.

[vinnierap]

like others said.... dont claim!!!! it shows up on the cars vehicle history as a claim, therefore decreasing the value of the car.

[boyracer]

my :.02 don't claim.

[greaves82]

The would all depend on what type of claim and what your deductable is. If your deductable is $500, then it would be pointless

[p-o-g-i]

I vote don't bother claiming it.
It's only worth claiming if you're going to claim big.

[ElectroJay]

+1 don't claim.

[kaswardy]

thanks guys... that was a unanimous "don't claim"
going forward with that decision