Auto insurance covers you in the event of injuries to your loved ones and damage or loss to your car that otherwise you may have to pay from your pocket. While buying your car insurance, you must know its coverage for different damages. Dents and scratches can be covered by auto insurance, but it depends on several factors. This blog provides the relevant information for the frequently-asked question,” Does car insurance cover dents and scratches”?
Not all auto insurance policies cover scratches and dents to your car. For example, your liability insurance won’t cover damage to your car. Here are the types of policies that can cover dents, door dings, and scratches to your car:
You can obtain comprehensive and collision coverage as a single package. However, these optional policies may also be available as two separate products. Both cover damage to the car itself.
Dings and dents mar your car’s appearance, and you may want to get them repaired at the earliest. However, you should consider the following factors to decide whether filing a claim to cover the repair costs is worth it:
Related Article: Common Scenarios When You Should Avoid Filing an Auto Insurance Claim
Sometimes, it is better to pay out of pocket to repair scratches than to file a claim, including when you have comprehensive and collision coverage. Keep in mind that you’ll usually have to pay a deductible before your coverage can kick in. If the cost of your deducible is higher than the cost of repairing the scratches, it may be cheaper to just pay for the repair yourself and avoid filing a claim.
You’ll also want to avoid increasing your auto insurance costs. When you file a claim for an accident you caused, your premiums might increase. For example, denting your car after backing into a telephone pole is an at-fault incident that could impact your rates. Consider paying out of pocket if there’s only a small difference between the repair costs and your deductible.
If the accident involves another driver or person, you should file an auto insurance claim. The other motorist’s insurance should pay for the scratch damage if they’re liable. If you don’t notify your insurance about the crash, the insurer might deny you coverage in case the other motorist or individual later files a claim against you for this particular damage.
To better understand when to file a claim, a comparison between the deductible and the repair cost is essential. For example, if your deductible is $500, you may file a claim for $800 and above repair costs. Similarly, for a deductible fixed at $ 1,000, filing a claim for $800 worth of repair costs is not recommended. The amount should preferably be over $2,500.
Car repair costs depend on the dent size. On average, while a 1-inch dent may cost you between $ 60- $ 110, you may have to pay $ 180-$ 360 for a 3.5-inch dent.
While estimated costs for car scratches and dents may range from $ 50 -$ 500, your comprehensive auto insurance may cost you between $ 300 to $ 500 annually.
A liability insurance policy aims to protect against claims for property damage and bodily injury caused to third parties. Your liability coverage can typically pay for the resulting damage in an auto accident where you are at fault and cause scratches to another vehicle.
Furthermore, if you happen to be driving someone else's car and it sustains scratches, you can still utilize your liability insurance to cover the damages. It is worth noting that the owner of the scratched vehicle also has the option to file a claim with their own insurance company to address the scratch damage.
Regarding scratches on your car, having collision and comprehensive coverage under your auto insurance policy can provide the necessary coverage. Additionally, an uninsured/underinsured policy can be beneficial when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient liability coverage to address the scratch damage.
If someone causes scratches to your car, you may cover the costs from:
Also Read: Does My Car Insurance Cover Cosmetic Damage?
For detailed information on our auto insurance coverages, we encourage you to contact us today. At John E. Peakes Insurance Agency Inc., our experienced team is ready to assist you in finding the right policy tailored to your specific needs while ensuring the best rates available. Contact us now to get started on securing your ideal car insurance coverage. You can also call us at 1-800-800-5199.
