My 16 year old son was at fault in a minor traffic collision. I did not contact my insurance company at the time because I thought the repair cost would be low enough we would pay for it out of pocket. Just found out the cost to repair the other party's car will be $2000 to $2500. The cost will rise if they find hidden damage. Luckily there was no damage to my son's truck.

Should I file a claim to have my insurance company pay it? Is there any way to find out how much our rates will go up if I file a claim? And will they ever come down or will we always be penalized by this minor accident? I am hesitant to call the insurance company directly and discuss this with them. Even if I say I want to pay it out of pocket, I feel they will document my son was at fault in a collision.

An unplanned $2500 out of pocket is a tough pill to swallow, but I'll pay it if the alternative is my rates go up $200 a month for the next three years.

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Behind every great man is a great woman. Behind every great woman is a great behind.

Insurance companies already charge a young driver until 30, I.I.R.C..

Now they have an excuse to raise rates for at least three years, if not more. I had a very minor accident, my rates were doubled for three years, and still high.

Yes, tough pill, but if you do the math, just bet will be significantly less than than what the increased rate be over the three years: $7,200 (based on your figure). I too had a small emergency fund, so have compassion on your plight.

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1971 Volkswagen Sunroof Squareback with F.I. - in need of full restoration.

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If the insurance company gets wind of the accident. If you pay it or not your rates may still rise. If there was a police accident report done and the insurance information was presented by your son?

I have no ideal of how the insurance companies are tied into the overall system if at all. I might ask someone in the insurance business other than your provider.

Remember not to procastinate too long though as there is a time frame to report the accident to your insurance company usually.

My son would be given the choice of a) working off my loan of the repair cost @ 10 bucks an hour or getting a part time job to pay back same or b) getting a part time job to pay his car insurance, forever.
I'm still paying my 23 YO's insurance until he's settled, but he knows that the above is the deal we made when he turned 16. He drives like an old lady. Never a moving violation or accident. Fingers crossed.

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You and I are of similar thought. The kid worked all summer and banked his money. He buys all of his gas and pays half of his insurance. He got the vehicle by spending a small inheritance (with my blessing). He is a good student and an overall great kid. He was not screwing around when he bumped the other person's car. (He was leaving a gas station and was motioned through the first lane and was shielded from seeing the other lane. Stuck his nose out, but made contact.)

My son gave the other party all of our contact info and I was on the phone with her while they were still on the scene. She called law enforcement and they came out to look at it. The officer did not create an accident report because the lady trusted we would pay for the damage. Which we absolutely will.

Just trying to figure out the lesser of two financially painful propositions.

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Behind every great man is a great woman. Behind every great woman is a great behind.

The insurance company likely already knows. If the other driver reported the accident to their insurance, it might already be old news for everyone. Especially if theres a police report.

Might as well call.

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But good point about the possibility of the lady contacting her insurance and it getting back to my insurance. I don't think she did, but only time will tell.

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Behind every great man is a great woman. Behind every great woman is a great behind.

What happens if your insurance company wants to know why you didn't call immediately?

Ummm. How about -- I would tell them the truth.

Not sure where you're going with that question. I am not required to contact them if I choose not to file a claim.

If circumstances changed dramatically and, for instance, the other party suddenly inexplicably discovered they are severely injured three weeks after the incident, I would immediately contact the insurance company.

A more plausible example might be discovery of significant hidden damage. I think the odds are tiny in this case. Two fist sized dents in a rear door and fender of a 7 year old Toyota. Don't think the damage estimate will change dramatically.

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Behind every great man is a great woman. Behind every great woman is a great behind.