Does Car Insurance Cover Scratches and Dents?

Your car encounters many threats daily, from minor scratches to major dents. These minor damages can happen through accidents or collisions with other vehicles, objects, or animals. And most importantly, any of these imperfections can diminish the beauty of your car and affect its resale value. So, many drivers frequently ask, “Does car insurance cover scratches and dents?” The answer is yes, your auto insurance can cover scratches, dings, and dents. The coverage for the damage depends on the type of insurance you have and the specific circumstances. That’s why we need to know a bit of detail about how your auto insurance policy protects against minor damage like dents, dings, or scratches. So, let’s begin. 

Does Car Insurance Cover Minor Damage?

Minor damages refer to small, often cosmetic, issues that affect mostly the appearance and rarely the functionality of your vehicle. These can include scratches, dings, dents, or marks in the paint, typically caused by everyday incidents like someone keying your car, small collisions, or debris from the road. For instance, if a rock flies up and leaves a dent in your car or someone scratches the paint, these would be considered minor damages. 

Your car insurance can cover all these minor damages. But it depends. The type of car insurance coverage and policy limits you have determine whether you will receive reimbursement or not. For instance, if you have comprehensive coverage, it protects you against non-collision incidents like vandalism, scratches from falling objects, or dents caused by hail. 

On the other side, having collision coverage on your car insurance policy means you’ll get compensation for repairing the minor damage of your car if they have resulted from a collision such as accidents, hitting another vehicle, or stationary objects like a pole. 

However, liability insurance or state-mandated minimum coverage, won’t cover repairs for your car’s minor damages. Because it only covers the damage you will incur to others. So, having the right coverage is the most vital factor that decides whether you’ll receive protection for minimal damages to your car or not. 

Also Learn: Does Auto Insurance Cover Drunk Driving Accidents? 

Does Car Insurance Cover Scratches and Dents?

Yes, car insurance can cover scratches, door dings, and dents, but the level of coverage varies depending on the type of insurance you have. As we previously stated, small damages including automobile scratches and dents are typically covered under comprehensive and collision coverage. These coverage options protect your car against a variety of risks that could result in cosmetic damage. 

However, whether these damages are caused by an accident, vandalism, or road debris, you must understand what sort of coverage applies in these scenarios. The following types of coverage protect your car against minor risks such as scratches and dents

1. Collision Coverage
2. Comprehensive Coverage
3. Uninsured Motorist Property Damage
4. Liability Coverage (If you’re not at fault)

Auto Collision Coverage

So, what does auto collision insurance cover? How does it cover minor damage like scratches or dents? This insurance coverage is crafted to pay for damages resulting from a collision with another vehicle or an object. This coverage can help you pay for repairs to your car if it gets scratched or dented in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. For instance, if you accidentally back into a pole or get into a fender and bender that leaves your car scratched or dented, collision coverage can cover the cost of repairs. 

Auto Comprehensive Coverage

If you have a comprehensive car insurance policy, it will safeguard your car from damages which isn’t caused by a collision. This includes incidents like vandalism, theft(e.g., covers your stolen car battery), natural disasters, or hitting an animal. If your car is scratched or dented due to any of these non-collision-related events, comprehensive insurance coverage will typically cover the cost of repair.

For instance, if someone keys your car in a parking lot, or if a tree branch falls on your car during a storm, comprehensive coverage would help cover the repair costs. It's important to know that if you want coverage for minor damages like scratches or dents, you should get full coverage auto insurance. In most states, full coverage typically includes both comprehensive and collision insurance. Plus, comprehensive coverage includes deductibles as well. If the cost of the repair is less than your deductibles, you won't be able to file a claim. This also applies to collision insurance policies.  
Here's what comprehensive car insurance covers:

• Theft
• Vandalism
• Fire
• Windshield damage
• Damage from a collision
• Falling objects
• Natural disasters
• Property stolen from your car
• Falling Trees/Limbs
• Hitting an Animal/Animal Damage (e.g., hitting a deer)
• Riot
• Hail
• Severe weather events (windstorms, hail, floods, Earthquake)
• Accidental damages
• Damaged glass
• Medical expenses after an accident
• Towing costs
• Consumables cover

Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD)

Uninsured Motorist Property Damage can help you if your car is damaged by a driver who is uninsured. If an uninsured driver hits your car and leaves it with scratches or dents, you Uninsured Motorists Property Damage (UMPD) can cover the repair costs. For instance, if your car gets sideswiped by an uninsured driver who then flees the scene. UMPD can help pay for the repairs. 

Auto Liability Coverage (If You’re Not at Fault)

Liability coverage is generally for the other party’s damages when you’re at fault. However, If the other driver is at fault and they carry a state law-required liability coverage, their insurance should cover the repairs to your car, including fixing any scratches or dents. Keep in mind that in the case of liability insurance coverage, there are two types: bodily injury liability and property damage liability. When the other driver is responsible for the accident and if the accident results in severe scratches or dents, particularly their liability property damage (PD) will pay for the damages. For instance, if someone rear-ends you and leaves a dent in your bumper, their liability property damage insurance would cover the repair costs. 

If the other driver is at fault and runs the spot after damaging your car. You can find out whether he/she has auto insurance or not and file your claim.  

Different Scenarios When Your Car Insurance Covers Scratches and Dents 

Here's a table that discusses different scenarios when your car insurance covers scratches and dents: 

Situations When Car Insurance Doesn’t Cover Scratches and Dents

Car insurance can greatly help when dealing with unexpected minor damages but it doesn’t cover every situation. You have learned when and how car insurance covers dents and scratches. Similarly, you should be aware of situations when your car insurance policy might not compensate for scratches or dents. This way you can avoid any misunderstanding with your car insurance provider and potential out-of-pocket expenses. Below are some common scenarios where your car insurance may not cover these types of damage. 

Normal Wear and Tear

Your car insurance generally doesn't cover damage that results from normal wear and tear. Scratches, dents, or door dings that naturally occur over time, such as those from parking lot dings, minor abrasions from road debris, or fading paint, are not considered sudden or accidental. These damages are expected as part of your vehicle ownership and maintenance. So, they fall outside the scope of insurance coverage. It's typically the owner's responsibility to repair any damage resulting from regular wear and tear, which is considered a normal part of owning a car. 

Lack of Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

If you have liability insurance only, unfortunately, you won’t be covered when it comes to scratches and dents. Because your liability coverage is designed to pay for damage you cause to other people’s property or injuries you cause in an accident. It doesn’t pay for damage to your own car. Therefore, for protection against scratches/dents, you need to have the right coverage, particularly comprehensive and collision insurance. Lack of these coverages means insurers won’t pay for the damage to your car from incidents like minor collisions, road debris, falling trees, or vandalism won’t be covered. 

Damage Below the Deductible

Even if you have comprehensive or collision coverage, your policy may not pay for minor scratches or dents if the repair cost is less than your deductible. For example, if your deductible is $500 and the cost to fix the scratch is $300, you’ll have to pay out of your pocket. In this case, your insurance company won’t cover the repair because the damage is too minor. 

Negligent Behavior 

If your own negligent behavior causes a scratch or dent, your insurance company may not cover it. Negligence might include situations where you carelessly back into an object, drive too close to another vehicle, allow items in your garage to fall onto your car, or you might get angry about getting a ticket and kick your vehicle. If it’s determined that the damage resulted from your reckless or careless action, your insurer might deny the claim. 

Unknown or Unreported Damage

If you don’t know when and how the damage occurred, your insurer may be hesitant to cover it. Like any insurance policy, car insurance also usually covers specific incidents with a clear cause and timeline. So, if you discover a scratch or dent all of a sudden and can’t explain when it happened, or if you didn’t report it immediately, your claim could be denied. 

Lapse in Filing a Claim

It’s always the best decision when you report to your insurer immediately about an accident whether it’s minor or severe. Many insurance companies have a specific timeframe within which you must file a claim after the damage occurs. If you fail to meet this deadline, your claim might get denied. Conversely, filing a claim instantly ensures that the insurer can investigate and determine the extent of coverage. 

Violation of Policy Terms

If you’re found to be in violation of your insurance policy, your claim for scratches or dents could be denied. Failing to report an accident within the requested timeframe, providing false information to your insurer, or using your car in a manner not covered by your policy (e.g., using a personal car for commercial purposes without the proper coverage). Besides, if you drive on another country’s border and get into a crash there, you might not be covered for the damages. Unless you purchase a country-specific policy. 

Damage Is Too Old

Insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing damage or scratches and dents that are too old. If the damage was already present before you purchased your insurance policy, or if it’s been left unrepaired for a long time, your insurer may not cover the costs to fix it. Note that insurance companies are responsible for damage that happens after your policy starts.

Can You Claim on Car Insurance for Scratches and Dents?

Yes, absolutely. You can claim for scratches or dents if you have a specific policy to cover these types of costs. As we previously stated, comprehensive and collision coverage can cover most incidents related to scratches or dents. Anyway, before filing a claim you must consider a few factors. For instance, you should consider the deductible and whether the repair cost justifies it. 

Here's when you should consider filing a claim:

1. If the scratch is too deep
2. If the repair costs are high
3. If another driver caused the damage or another driver is at fault
4. If the deductibles and repair costs justify

Of note, acting quickly is important. So, report the damage to your insurer within a few days to ensure a smooth process. Reporting promptly allows the insurance company to assess the damage accurately.  

How to File a Claim for Scratches and Dents? 

If your car has suffered from minor damages such as scratches, dents, door dings, and so on, here is how you can file a claim:

Step 1: Call the police first if accidents occur due to vandalism, hit-and-run cases, or accidents. 
Step 2: Document the damages like taking clear photos of the scratches and dents from multiple angles. Note the date and time of the incident. 
Step 3: Visit a repair shop to get an estimate for the repair costs 
Step 4: Have your car insurance policy number ready and contact your insurance agent or insurance company directly. 
Step 5: After you submit your claim, you’ll receive a claim number through which you can track the progress of your claim report. 
Step 6: Receive your claim settlement after completing the process. 

Is Filing a Car Insurance Claim for Scratches, Dings, or Dents Worth It?

Whether it’s worth filing your car insurance claim for minor damage or not depends on a few factors. First, evaluate the repair costs. If the damage is minor and the repair cost is lower than your deductible, it might be better to pay out of your pocket. A deductible is the amount you pay before your insurance starts covering a claim. 

So, for instance, if fixing a small dent cost $200, but your deductible is $500, filing a claim wouldn’t make sense because your insurer won’t cover the cost until you meet your deductible. 

On the flip side, if the damage is severe and the repair costs are significantly higher than your deductible, filing a claim might be worth it. For instance, if your car gets keyed and the repairs amount to $3000, and your deductible is $500, it makes financial sense to claim. However, keep in mind that filing a claim can affect your insurance rates. If the damage is your fault, it could lead to an increase in your premiums. You can learn more about how much does car insurance go up after an accident. 

Does Car Insurance Cover Dents and Scratches: The Bottom Line 

So the bottom line is that car insurance can cover dents and scratches, but it depends on the type of coverage you carry and how the damage occurred. Collision and comprehensive coverage usually cover these damages, but not if they result from normal wear and tear, negligence, or old damage. You should always consider your deductibles and whether the cost of repairs is worth filing a claim. Also, to keep your premium low even after your claim, consult the most affordable insurance agency. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

When Should I File a Claim for Scratches or Dents? 

You should consider filing a claim if the damage is extensive, costly to repair, or caused by another driver. If the repair costs exceed your deductible, it might be worth filing a claim. 

What Types of Car Insurance Cover Scratches and Dents? 

Collision and comprehensive insurance are the primary types that cover scratches and dents. Collision coverage applies if you hit another vehicle or object, while comprehensive covers non-collision events like vandalism or hails. 

How Much Will My Insurance Go Up After Scratching Someone's Car?

If you scratch someone’s car and file an insurance claim, your car insurance premiums may increase about 10% to 20%. However, the amount may vary depending on your car insurance company, coverage limit, claim history, driving history, and so on. Typically, this increased rate could last for three years.

Are Scratches Expensive to Fix? 

Yes, if the scratch is deep or extensive, it can be quite expensive. However, the cost depends on factors such as repair shop, vehicle type, the type of paint used, and labor involved. For instance, a simple touch-up might cost around $150 to $300, but more severe scratches that require bodywork and full panel repainting can exceed $1000. 

Does Your Car Insurance Cover Damage by Bugs or Pests?

No, car insurance typically does not cover damage caused by bugs or pests. Damage from these sources is considered preventable and falls under maintenance issues. Since these incidents aren’t covered by collision or comprehensive insurance, you’ll need to pay out of your pocket. 

Does Auto Insurance Cover Damage from Road Debris?

Yes, auto insurance can cover damage from road debris if you have comprehensive coverage. This type of insurance particularly covers non-collision-related damage. Think of a situation, when a rock hits your windshield or debris damages your vehicle’s body. In this case, you’ll get reimbursement as long as you have glass coverage. However, you’ll need to pay the deductible before the insurance covers the remaining costs. 

Does Auto Insurance Cover Your Car Being Keyed?

Yes, if your car is keyed, comprehensive auto insurance is usually activated. With this coverage, you will be safeguarded against vandalism including keying. After paying the deductible, your insurance should cover the cost of repairs.