I have nine year of no claims - is it cheaper to claim on the insurance or pay for my own repairs?

My husband bumped my Land Rover into a bin. The side door is dented and has a large scrape on. What would be cheaper, to claim on the insurance (I have nine years protected NCD) or pay for the repair independently?

Asked on 21 March 2017 by chessyb123

Answered by Honest John
The best thing to do is take your vehicle to a local bodyshop and ask them to quote for the damage. If the repairs are less than your excess, or perhaps even a few hundred pound more then it may not be in your interest to claim, as you will loose 20 per cent of your no claims bonus if not protected. Maximum no claims is five years. If your no claims are protected, as in your case, then you are allowed to make two claims in any three year underwritten period before you loose your no claims bonus. But you need to bare in mind, though it may not affect your no claims, you HAVE claimed and it WILL affect your premium next year.
Similar questions
My wife reversed her Vauxhall Meriva into a stationary BMW in a supermarket car park in March 2017. Very minor rub marks were left on both cars (I polished ours out). She waited until the owner came out...
How much is my premium likely to go up following a minor at-fault bump?
Is it worth paying £17 to protect 14 years of no claims bonus when renewing my insurance?
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer