When I was driving on the freeway yesterday, a car in the left lane in front of me kicked up a big cylindrical metal thingy and it landed directly on my hood then bounced off to the side.

I got off the freeway and checked the damages. 1 big quarter size dent, 2 deep and pretty wide (~2mm) scratches and several other minor scratches. The deep scratches can see the actual metal of the hood. So I was wondering how much does it usually cost to replace the hood? or should I get it repaired instead? Contemplating whether or not I should file a claim with my insurance, my deductible is $500.

 

Not worth filing a claim because it will only cost about $500-$600 to fix. I would take it to a reputable body shop. keep in mind that as soft as the Lexus paint is, it will be even softer after you have it resprayed.

 

insurance probably one replace it since it doesnt look damaged enough to replace. I.E. not caved in... but it looks more then 500 in damages. Take it to a body shop and see how much it will cost. BTW lately it seems people are willing to discount it if you pay cash and i dont mean check.

 

i guess that would be considered a 'comprehensive' damage instead of collision. is your comprehensive deductible $500?

 

i say upgrade to a carbon fiber hood. nice blue city lights BTW!

 

Just called and checked, it is $500 for comprehensive. If I file a claim for this, can they raise my insurance premium?

 

That depends on your driving record, # of previous accidents, tickets, etc. How long have you been with your insurance co? If this is your first claim with them, they probably won't raise your rates (depending on your answerr to the statements above).

 

yup CARBON the hood !!!

 

i would say to get a carbon fiber replacement as well. a seibon CF hood would run about $600 MSRP. VIS also makes them and the quality is right in the neighborhood. repainting would run you 500-600$ as well considering they'll have do some prep work. you should just check out how much it will cost. if respray is $600, don't go to the insurance as it's only $100 difference. you'll have a better insurance record in the long run and lower premium rates.

 

LOL - that's exactly what I did!

 

Go to a good bodyshop (Lexus will charge you more and your car will be in the shop longer if you use them for repair), and get an estimate before you use your insurance. Hopefully it will be under $500.

 

to my understanding, filing a claim on comprehensive will not raise your premium..coz the accident is not your fault. but if you file a claim on collision that is your fault, then your premium will increase. maybe you should ask your agents to clarify it..

 

Not true, filing a any claim (your fault or not) at predetermine amount will increase your rate. I got this info from my agent. In my case, if they have pork out more than $800.00, my rate goes up.

 

yeah i had my hood and re painted the clear coat is allready showing wear.

 

Do not assume that your rate will or will not go up if you are not at fault. Not all insurance companies actuaries assess risk and assign value in the same way.

Different companies use different formulas as far as I know. Some will factor in extra things like credit score and other things you wouldn't expect.

Your credit score sux == your driving also probably sux. I think their thinking is along those lines. For some insurers it is their practice on their homeowners policies to automatically raise your premium if you just ask the question if you are covered for water damage, it counts the same as making the claim.