Claim on the insurance or pay for the repair? How to decide
The excess, the premium rise and the policy type change the answer. Clear numbers before you call.
After a knock the first instinct is to call the insurer. Sometimes that is right, and sometimes it costs more than paying for the repair yourself. The difference sits in three numbers worth having in front of you before you report the claim.
1. The excess
On a comprehensive policy with an excess, you pay that amount and the insurer covers the rest. With a €300 excess and a €350 repair, claiming makes no sense: you would pay nearly all of it anyway and still register a claim.
2. What the premium does next year
An at-fault claim usually affects your no-claims discount. The rise does not show on the day of the accident but at renewal, and it follows you for several years. Ask your broker exactly how much it would go up — they can work it out.
3. The real cost of the repair
This is where people go wrong: they picture a figure without having seen a quote. A long scratch on a door and a caved-in panel with the pillar affected are very different jobs. A photo is enough for a ballpark, and with the car in front of us, for a fixed quote.
When claiming usually pays off
- Third parties or injuries are involved: always report, no debate. - The damage affects the structure, the airbags or several panels. - The cost comfortably exceeds the excess plus the premium increase. - It is a no-fault claim with an identified other party: usually no penalty.
When paying yourself usually works out better
- A car park knock on a single panel, no third party. - The quote is close to the excess or only slightly above. - The car is old and you value keeping your discount. - You prefer choosing the workshop and materials yourself.
Two practical notes
In Spain there is a deadline to report a claim; if in doubt, check your policy before letting days pass. And remember you can choose the workshop: the insurer may recommend one, but the choice is yours.
If you want real numbers for your case, send us a photo of the damage on WhatsApp. We give you a reference the same day, and you can compare it against your excess before deciding.