Guwahati, Oct. 20 -- Filing a claim feels like the natural step after any damage, but the math does not always favor it. A small repair claim can cost you the no claim bonus and raise your premium for years. Using an idv calculator and weighing repair costs against long-term premium changes can help you decide. This guide covers when a Car Insurance claim is worth filing and when paying the bill yourself may leave you better off.

Insured Declared Value (IDV) is the maximum amount an insurer pays if your car is stolen or declared a total loss. It is based on the manufacturer's listed price of the model, minus depreciation for the age of the car.

An Idv calculator estimates this value using the car model, variant, registration year, and c...