Should I file a claim after hitting a deer with an old vehicle?

Heavy front end damage to 12yr old vehicle w/ 153k miles worth 4-5k, w/ Comp 1k deductible, make sense to file ins claim? I was unable to get the hood open to look at the internal damage. I think if we were to file a claim or take it in, it would be totaled. Not sure what to do at this point.

It really depends. In Arizona, a totaled vehicle is determined via a total loss formula. Meaning, your car insurance company (through their adjuster) will determine the total cost of repairs and the scrap value of the vehicle. If this value is greater than or equal to the actual cash value of your vehicle, it will be totaled.

If you do submit the claim, you will get compensated for the damages but as you stated, it will not be a huge payout. The claim will be considered a comprehensive claim, which will impact your rates for up to three years. You have to consider if the payment you will receive from the damages is worth having a claim on your driving record. Check out our guide to filing claims to learn more about what to expect from the process as well as when it might be best to not file a claim. Good luck and if you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.