Question
Handling a claim with a leased car
My leased car was parked and hit by another driver. My bumper is pretty scratched. It def. needs a replacement not just a paint job. The driver who hit me told me it was his dad's car & allowed me to take a pic of the insurance card. I called and confirmed it was valid. BUT my car is a lease #1. I don't know if i should given when i trade it in an "accident" will show as reported and the value will go down and 2. I don't know if this will cause my rates to go up. and 3. Would I have to pay my deductible?
Answer
Because you're the not-at-fault driver, you would be filling a claim through the other driver's insurance policy. I definitely would repair the damage before you contact your lease, as the damage is probably a violation of your lease agreement. If you're filing with the other driver's insurance company, you would not be paying your deductible. Moreover, this accident shouldn't affect your insurance premium going forward as you were not-at-fault at the time of the accident.