Need Advice / Help with Hit and Run

[BigFrank]

Looking for a little advice from the brothers here.

Make a long story short, I went out to my car to go to the gym tonight and noticed the driver's side rear bumper had been smashed in. It's a JEEP Liberty so it has those rubber like bumpers so the damage is only on that section of the bumper.
I park alongside much traveled road in the city to get to work everyday, no on-site parking. And it's the City...
I am almost 100% positive it happened while I was at work, because I checked my tail-lights this morning before going to work to make sure they were working, thought one was out.

So as of right now I havent done anything. My insurance deductable is 250$ and I am not sure what it will cost me out of pocket to fix if I avoid my insurance company.

So I guess my question is, What should I do?

[replicant_argent]

contact the gym and see if they have surveillance video.

[BigFrank]

Originally Posted by replicant_argent

contact the gym and see if they have surveillance video.

happened before the gym.

[MajorCaptSilly]

Since you were parked, it should be covered under comprehensive which shouldn't raise your rates. A bumper will be more than $250 I imagine.


MCS

[St. Lou Stu]

Originally Posted by MajorCaptSilly

Since you were parked, it should be covered under comprehensive which shouldn't raise your rates. A bumper will be more than $250 I imagine.


MCS

Bingo... Scott be smart.

The cost will be more than $250 and if it is filed as you have stated they will not hold a hit and run against you.

Coincedntally, I had this discussion today with my insurance company while I was filing a claim in order to expedite the repairs to my vehicle after my recent rear-end circus.

[Blueface]

Originally Posted by MajorCaptSilly

Since you were parked, it should be covered under comprehensive which shouldn't raise your rates. A bumper will be more than $250 I imagine.


MCS

Unfortunately, Collision damage is not covered under Comp.
Comp is for vandalism/falling objects, etc. Vandalism meaning if someone keys your car, etc. Comp also covers theft/fire.
If the damage was caused by what appears to be something having collided with your car, specifically a moving vehicle or object (even a grocery car would be considered collision by most carriers), you won't be afforded coverage under comp.
Since you were parked and unoccupied, liability will not be assessed and as such, most carriers will not consider this a surchargable accident. If you happened to be in it and moving, then I would be concerned with rate surcharges.

I would follow Pete's advice and see if any video to see who did it as will make it easier for your insurance company, should you happen to carry collision coverage. By identifying the culprit, you can get your deductible back or have them pay it directly via their carrier. If you don't have collision coverage, you are unfortunately on your own.

BTW, the aforementioned does not come as result of sleeping at a Holiday Inn.
28 years of Claims Manager experience.