Should I file a claim if my car was side-swiped?

My car was side-swiped at 3:00 a.m. I was unable to get the license plate number of the other vehicle. I estimate that the damage is probably between $3,000 to $4,000. Should I file a claim for the damages? I'm a 28-year-old male with a clean driving record.

Sorry to hear about your situation. There are several factors to consider before filing a claim. First, do you have collision coverage? In this case, you must have collision coverage for the damages to be covered. Second, is the cost of the damages worth filing a claim? If you file a claim, you will be responsible for your deductible and the accident will likely be listed as at-fault since you do not have the information for the other vehicle. At-fault accidents can greatly impact your rate for up to five years. This may end up costing you more in the long run. It's worth seriously considering whether or not you want to file or simply pay out of pocket for the damages. For more information, check out our claims calculator to help determine if filing a claim is a good idea. You might also find more information in our article on hit-and-run insurance.