<prompt> Human: In case state law matters for any of this, we live in Texas.My wife was rear-ended at a red light on Friday. Were both covered drivers on our Geico insurance policy. Theres a noticeable imprint from the other cars bumper but the damage appears to just be cosmetic well be getting it looked at this week to make sure theres no functional damage. The other driver stopped, they swapped contact and insurance information, and my wife called the police so they could do an on-scene report. The other driver was very apologetic and pretty much admitted fault in front of the police. Shes also been in contact with us a little bit via phone and has been pretty nice shes pretty young and I think shes terrified and hoping that we dont file a claim.Im not sure exactly how to best approach this incident from a claims perspective. Heres my main questions.1. My Geico deductible is 750 and Ive been reading that Geico tends to increase premiums after a claim even if youre found to not be at fault. Is there any truth to this? If I did file a claim, is it possible to get my deductible back since my wife wasnt at fault? If so, that process could take multiple weeksmonths, correct? I cant really afford to be out 750 right now, so if the damage is just cosmetic then Id rather just live with it. If Geico pays out something for repairs then Id honestly rather use that money for billsdebt, but Im not sure exactly how the process works and Im wondering if theyll only pay directly to a contracted body shop or something or the sort. Of course, if I dont have to pay the deductible then Im fine with getting it fixed. Id just rather not get it fixed than to have to be on the hook for my deductible even temporarily since Im doing pretty poor financially.2. Since theres a police report associated with the accident, do we HAVE to file a claim no matter what now even though were pretty much irrefutably the victim here? Can Geico find out about the report and give us an ultimatum to file the claim or get our coverage dropped?3. If the other driver wants to file a claim to repair the damage to their own vehicle, does this force us to have to get involved in the claim and therefore possibly pay our deductible even if they admit 100 fault to their insurance company?  <response>: 1. File a claim against the other drivers insurance, not yours. That way you pay no deductible and there is no claim against your policy. 2. Even with a police report, you do not have to file a claim against your insurance. 3. Regardless of whether she files a claim to repair her own damage, you need to file against her insurance policy. Nothing should be paid off of your policy unless you are injured.Bottom line: No one can force you to file a claim. But you need to have the car inspected. There is likely damage behind the bumper cover that you cannot see. 