Originally Posted by wbrian63

Beware of alerting your insurance company to a potential claim, even if you decide not to file. These little "tidbits" of information are used in the calculation of your eligibility for renewal, as well as for your rates.

The way the insurance company sees it, if you're having a bunch of little problems that all fall under the radar for reimbursement (less than the deductible), or are not covered under the terms of the policy, they think you're eventually going to have something claimable.

For my money, the rule should be my potential risk as a policy holder should be based solely on previous pay-out experience and my active driving record - but these days, insurance companies are looking for any tool they can use to maximize their revenue and minimize their payouts.

Try getting a new insurance company to look at you with a low credit score... fat chance.

A lady where I work hit another driver that pulled smooth out in front of her on the highway. Cops came to the scene and ruled the other driver totally at fault. Totalled her car, fortunately no injuries to either party. She's eligible for reimbursement for wages lost (1 day total) while dealing with getting the car to a repair shop and obtaining a rental, etc. Geico wants her to provide her total accident history for the last 10 years - trips and falls at home / work, etc, plus any auto-related claims. I told her to stonewall them - (she does have a clean record in this area). Whether or not she should get paid for time lost due to their policy-holders fault has no relation to whether or not she ever tripped and skinned her knee or was involved in another accident. It's truly amazing what they'll ask you for.... But they'll keep on trying.