To claim or not...

[JoeNobody]

Recently I put the front of my car over a kerb in a car park which, when reversing out of the spot, pulled the bumper away from the rest of the car a bit, breaking it in several places. The bumber was due a respray as it was starting to flake, and I was considering just buying a new one, getting it sprayed and then fitting it myself. I reckoned about £200ish for the bumper, plus painting costs.

Looking more closely at the damage over the weekend, it appears that it's not just the bumper that's damaged - the arch liners will also need replacing. Given that there may be more damage than is visible, and that my excess is £350, should I just bit the bullet and claim on my insurance?

I know it would cost me in terms of no claims and a higher premium, but I am planning on selling the S3 and getting something cheaper to insure/run. There's also a chance I might be moving to the US in the next 12 months so I'd be cancelling the policy if that happens (renewal is August).

[Golfer]

Effect repairs yourself, look around for a reasonable quote.

[techieboy]

Don't bother claiming unless you are pretty sure your moving to the US in <12 months for a few years.

[gizze]

Arch liners are really cheap, cost me £16 for the one for the CSL, and you could get the whole bumper sprayed for around £150, so I would guess you are looking at £400 all in at the most. Don't claim.

The CSL bumper was £2900 plus arch liner and temp sensor and I was undecided whether to claim or not, even though I have protected claims they never ask you how many years no claims you have anymore they just ask if you have claimed in the last 5 years.

In the end I got teh bumper down to £1884 and decided to just pay it, for £400 with a £350 excess you would be mad to claim imho.