I went the cheaper route only because of a horrible experience I had with National, where they tried to get me for over $700 after finding a small scratch underneath the bumper that they couldn't even prove was caused by me or didn't exist beforehand. After Amex argued with them about the cost of the repair, the ridiculous 'out of service' charges and other items, National responded by saying I better pay up or the collection agency they used for billing these claims will just charge it off. Amex told me they would cover my deductible, but the rest was up to me or my insurance and they recommended I pay up.

Since I figured a crack in the windshield would nail me for at least that amount, if not more - and since Amex only covers up to my $500 deductible, I might be on the hook for the difference out of my own pocket or risk higher premiums by doing a claim with my insurance company.

I guess it's possible things could still go that route, but scratch is repaired now and invisible unless you know exactly where to look.