Truth or myth: uninsured motorists claims don't f-up your rates?

[UCLA02]

The common perception is that uninsured motorists claims aren't "supposed" to affect your rates, but does anybody have any insight as to that?

My car was recently hit on a hit-and-run while parked in front of my apartment. I have uninsured mototrist coverage and want to fix my car's $3300 damage, but don't know how badly my insurance (Farmers) will screw me in the long run.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. THANKS!



(and a bigger THANK YOU to my secret Valentine for the heart earlier in the week...)

edit: spell like a Freeper when I type quickly.

[ProfessorGAC]

1. It May Not Directly

If the policy says you are protected then you are. But, the overall rate structure gets changed when they have to pay out too much. So, based upon age, region, city locale, and everything else they use, they will eventually use the data to get their margins where they want them.

So, i'd report it and take my chances. Unless it starts happening a lot in your neighborhood, the rates shouldn't be hammered. And, only the surcharge for the UI coverage should take the hit.
The Professor

[UCLA02]

2. Thanks, I was thinking about it similarly...

...just needed some sort of affirmation. I can see if my claim makes the neighborhood statistically more shady, then it could indirectly affect me (as well as my neighbors), or, like you said, adding to my "uninsured motorist" coverage, which itself is nominal to begin with.

THANKS, Prof.

[kwassa]

3. I used to work for Farmers .....

and actually you can get screwed for anything. They don't need a reason to raise your rates. I've heard lots of stories.

yes, they redlined and everything else. This was 20 years ago.

[Throd]

4. I think they do...

Two months ago I moved from the barrio to yuppieville. The change in ZIP codes lowered by rates 40%

[UCLA02]

5. I just wonder if my personal claim will affect MY rates.

Screw my neighbors. They're the ones who made my rates what they are to begin with! ;-)

We'll see how it goes. I think I will claim it and get it fixed.

Thanks for the replies!

[Throd]

6. Any claim you make raises your rates

Its a tough call. $3300 sounds like a lot up front, but if they jack you up $300 a year or so, you will be paying for a car that you probably will no longer own ten years from now.

My sister had the same dilemma. Her car was a total beater to begin with, and she was paying higher rates long after hr car was junked.