Hi,
I got a minor cosmetic dent on the rear bumper of my car while reversing (hit a stobie pole).
The dent is not significant and I don't mind driving around with this dent.
If I ever want to fix it, the repair cost would be less than the excess.
Do I have to inform my insurance company under duty of disclosure even if I don't want to make a repairs claim?
If I inform them but don't make a claim, will they increase my premium on next renewal?
Please help with your valuable inputs.
Minor Dent on Bumper - Duty of Disclosure?
Lgumtree5042 on 24/04/2016 - 22:35
Comments
I'd advise you to read your policy to determine what you are obliged to do. I don't think it's as simple as the-mal suggests.
For example, RACV insurance says this:
If you do not tell us the following we may refuse or reduce a claim, or cancel your Policy:
your vehicle is not in good order and repair, free from rust, mechanical, hail or unrepaired damage, or any other damage that would make it unsafe.So, if you don't tell them about unrepaired damage, they can refuse or reduce a future claim. This is most likely to happen, in my opinion, if you have an accident that affects the same or an adjacent part of the car, and the other driver says they didn't cause all of the damage.
Still, even if your policy has a similar statement, it's up to you whether to take that chance or not. Many people do seem to take that chance.
So to 'insure' yourself against this issue, take some photos and get a quote from a panel beater to get it sorted. That way if there is another accident you have some information at hand as to what damage was already there.
I wouldnt bother, if is minor who cares. Doesn't make you car dangerous to drive, it won't have causation to a future crash.
if your car had a scratch would you tell them.
Say nothing and hope they don't read ob
Plenty of beat up wrecks driving around - insured or not.
Everyones premiums would go up to cover the additional paperwork if everybody reported their each and every dent to their insurers.Most people get their smaller dents fixed when preparing a major dent, usually when hit by or to another vehicle, and pay for the additional repair separately to any claim.
No.
Duty of disclosure requires you to answer all questions asked by the insurance company in full detail. It doesn't require you to volunteer information when not asked.
Yes. Any information you give your insurance company will be used to determine your risk factor and thus your premiums.
If you don't intend to claim the damage and it's minor, don't tell your insurance company.