Does Auto Insurance Cover Scratches and Dents?

It sure feels horrible to see scratches and dents on your car, doesn’t it? This minor damage totally ruins the aesthetic impression of your car. Fixing a scratch or dent surely adds some costs, although it’s a minor repair, but the question is does auto insurance cover scratches and dents?

Whether auto insurance covers scratches and dents depends on what caused the damage and what coverage you have. Collision coverage may cover damage caused by a collision, while comprehensive coverage may cover damage caused by certain non-collision events.

Now the question is, what are these conditions, and more importantly is it worth it to claim auto insurance for minor repairs like scratches and dents? To help you make an informed and confident decision, this article discusses these questions in depth, along with practical tips to avoid getting your car scratched.

Is it Worth It to Claim Auto Insurance for Scratches and Dents?

Well, the main factor that comes to consideration here is, how much will it cost to fix the scratches and dents on your car? Basically, that depends on the number of scratches and dents on your car.

The more important factor is how the estimated repair cost compares with your insurance deductible. According to the Insurance Information Institute, collision and comprehensive coverage generally pay for covered repairs after the applicable deductible is subtracted from the claim amount.

For example, if repairs cost $400 and your collision or comprehensive deductible is $500, your insurance generally would not pay because the repair cost is below your deductible. If repairs cost $2,000 and your deductible is $500, your insurer may pay the covered amount above the deductible, subject to your policy’s terms and coverage limits. 

So, before filing a claim, compare the estimated repair cost with your deductible and consider whether filing a claim makes financial sense. 

If you’re looking for auto insurance coverage in Michigan or want to better understand your coverage options, you can contact us for a free quote or visit a PLPD office in Flint, Saginaw and MT Pleasant, MI. where our team can help you with your insurance needs.

When Does Auto Insurance Cover Scratches and Dents?

Usually, you can claim your auto insurance policy to cover scratches and dents either of your own vehicle, or as a liability compensation to someone else. Here are some common situations where you may be eligible to file an auto insurance claim to cover scratches and dents.

It is crucial to have auto insurance coverage such as collision auto insurance, and comprehensive auto insurance that provides financial protection for scratches and dents. So, if you’re looking for an affordable insurance agency in Michigan consider checking our auto insurance coverage options.

Hitting an Animal

If you accidentally hit an animal at high speed, your car is likely to get a scratch or dent due to the impact of the collision. Here in Michigan, deer-vehicle crashes are the most common case of animal-related vehicle damage. Over the last 20 years, there have been 150 deer involved crashes.

While passing by forests nearby, you may accidentally encounter a deer crossing the road, and that’s how it leads to these accidental crashes. So, if your car gets hit by accidentally hitting an animal, especially a deer, then you’re eligible for auto insurance coverage to repair the scratches and dents.

If you want to learn more about coverage after hitting a deer in Michigan, read our guide on hitting a deer in Michigan to understand which type of coverage may apply.

Colliding with a Vehicle or Object

If your car accidentally collides with another vehicle or an object and gets scratched or dented, your collision coverage may cover the repair costs, subject to your deductible and policy terms. If another driver is at fault, their liability coverage may potentially pay for the damage to your vehicle, depending on the circumstances and applicable state law. In case the other driver claims their own insurance to cover scratches and dents on their car for an accident in which you’re at fault, it’ll be covered from your liability auto insurance, commonly known as PLPD insurance here in Michigan.

Collision coverage may cover your vehicle even if you were at fault for the accident, subject to your deductible and policy terms. But remember, you will first have to pay your deductibles out pocket, and then you will get the collision insurance coverage. So, if it’s within the deductible amount then you shouldn’t claim the insurance.

Vandalism or Keying Your Car

If your car gets scratches and dents due to acts of vandalism, whether it gets hit by hockey sticks, baseball bats or something as trivial as getting keyed, you can claim comprehensive auto insurance to cover the repairs.

One of the most common vandalism techniques is to scratch your car by keying it. Simply put, it is the act of using a key or sharp object to get your car scratched. Typically, these types of vandalism are done to exercise dominance or to take revenge.

Usually, fixing scratches due to keying wouldn’t cost you much, so it should be within your deductibles, however if it exceeds your deductibles then you can consider claiming your comprehensive auto insurance.

Road Debris

Road debris such as small rocks, and other objects can suddenly fly and hit your car, and that can easily get it scratched and dented. The coverage that applies depends on how the damage occurred. If your vehicle is damaged by hitting an object while driving, collision coverage may apply. If the damage results from a covered non-collision event, comprehensive coverage may apply. 

As with other claims, your deductible and policy terms will determine whether filing a claim makes financial sense. If the repair cost is lower than your deductible, you generally would not receive an insurance payment.

Fire Hazard or Damage Due to Natural Disasters

Accidents like fire outbreaks, and natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, and storms are beyond your control, and they can cause substantial damage to your vehicle. Apart from various other damages these accidents can ruin your car’s sleek outlook.

So, in case of any of these unprecedented incidents if you want to fix the scratches and dents on your car, you can always claim your comprehensive auto insurance. If your car has sustained additional damage other than scratches and dents you can have them fixed too with comprehensive insurance coverage.

For a broader explanation of when insurance may pay for vehicle repairs, read our guide on whether car insurance covers repairs.

When Does Auto Insurance Not Cover Scratches and Dents?

When it comes to claiming auto insurance even for covering scratches and dents there are certain terms and conditions that you need to abide by. If you have violated any of the following conditions, then you will not be eligible to claim auto insurance for fixing your car’s scratches and dents.

The Scratch or Dent is Older than a Year

Auto insurance generally covers losses that occur during the policy period and are caused by a covered event. A scratch or dent is not automatically excluded simply because it is more than one year old. 

However, if the damage occurred before your current policy began, or if you cannot establish when or how the damage occurred, your insurer may determine that the loss is not covered under the current policy. Policy terms and applicable state requirements can also affect when a claim must be reported.

Inadequate Collision or Comprehensive Auto Insurance

To have coverage for damage to your own vehicle, you generally need the applicable physical damage coverage. Collision coverage applies to covered collision-related damage, while comprehensive coverage applies to covered non-collision losses. Both typically have a deductible that you must pay before the insurer pays the covered amount. 

On the other hand, if you don’t have any collision or comprehensive auto insurance, then you can’t claim auto insurance to fix the scratches and dents on your car when the damage falls within those coverage categories.

Insufficient Liability Auto Insurance

If you get into an accident with another vehicle in which you’re at-fault, and if that vehicle gets scratched and dented then you will have to compensate the repair costs. Now, if you’ve inadequate liability auto insurance coverage, then you will have to compensate the remaining amount from out-of-pocket expenses.

Just to be clear, your liability auto insurance coverage, also known as PLPD insurance in Michigan, will not be rejected, if you have insufficient coverage your insurance will only cover that specific amount.

Learn More About: Temporary auto insurance Michigan 

Intentionally Damaging Your Car

If your insurer finds evidence that you have intentionally damaged your car and then you have claimed your auto insurance to cover the scratch and dent damage repair, your insurance claim will be considered void, and it will be rejected.

Intentionally damaging your car would be a direct violation of your auto insurance agreement, and based on that you would no longer be eligible to make any insurance claims. Furthermore, your auto insurance itself may even get cancelled by the insurance company due to the breach of conduct.

Negligent or Irresponsible Driving

Being at fault for an accident does not automatically mean your collision claim will be denied. Collision coverage may pay for covered damage to your vehicle even when you caused the accident, subject to your deductible and the terms of your policy. 

However, specific policy exclusions and circumstances can affect coverage. For example, intentionally causing damage or violating certain policy conditions may result in a claim being denied. If alcohol, drugs, or other serious violations are involved, the consequences can also depend on the circumstances, applicable law, and the policy’s exclusions.

Can Filing a Claim for Scratches Increase My Insurance Rates?

Filing an auto insurance claim for scratches or dents may affect your future insurance costs, but it does not automatically mean your premium will increase. Insurers may consider your claims history along with other rating factors when underwriting or renewing a policy. 

So, before filing a claim for minor damage, consider the estimated repair cost, your deductible, and the potential impact of adding another claim to your insurance history. If the repair cost is only slightly higher than your deductible, paying for the repair yourself may make more financial sense.

Steps to File Auto Insurance Claim for Scratches and Dents

If you want to file auto insurance claim for scratches and dents, whether it’s collision auto insurance or comprehensive auto insurance, there are some simple steps that you should follow, especially to maximize your chances of getting insurance claim approved.

Step 1: If there’s been an accident whether it’s a car crash, or a fire outbreak that has scratched and dented your car, call the police and report the incident immediately.

Step 2: Document the scratch and dent immediately or as soon as possible by taking pictures or videos.

Step 3: Make sure you have essential information available upfront such as your car’s VIN (vehicle identification), your driver’s license, and state ID. 

Step 4: Call your insurer and describe how your car got scratched and dented and then claim your auto insurance to cover the repair costs. 

Step 5: Your auto insurance claim will go through a verification process which can take a few hours, days or even several weeks. The time required can vary depending on the insurer, the type of damage, the documentation provided, and whether further investigation is needed. So, wait until the verification process is complete.

Step 6: Pay your deductibles if you’re due to pay any and redeem the rest from your collision or comprehensive auto insurance coverage.  

Step 7 (Optional): Incase if there are any concerning issues with your auto insurance claim, make sure to stay in touch with your insurer and comply with them to smoothen the claims process.

Is it Possible to Cancel an Auto Insurance Claim for Scratches and Dents?

Yes, it is possible to cancel any auto insurance claim for scratches and dents as long as it hasn’t been approved, and you haven’t received any compensation yet. If you’re on the verge of canceling the auto insurance claim, or if you have already decided that you will then it’s highly recommended that you contact your auto insurance company and inform them immediately.

The longer you delay, the lesser the chances of cancellation, especially if it has already been approved. While you’re at it, it is also important to clearly specify the reason why you would like to withdraw the insurance claim.

Bottomline: Yes, Auto Insurance Does Cover Scratches and Dents

The straightforward answer is that it depends on what caused the scratches or dents and what coverage you have. Collision coverage may cover damage caused by a collision, while comprehensive coverage may cover certain non-collision damage. Your deductible, policy terms, and exclusions also affect whether a claim will be covered.

Additionally, if you violate any of the terms and conditions specified in your agreement, it can make your claim void and even lead to the cancellation of your auto insurance policy.

So, make sure to drive responsibly and only make an auto insurance claim to cover scratches and dents if it exceeds your deductibles, and especially if you haven’t breached the auto insurance agreement.

If you would like to learn more about auto insurance coverage that covers scotches and dents, or if you want to purchase one, contact us today for a free quote, and consultation with one of our auto insurance experts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will insurance cover scratches on a car?

Yes, collision auto insurance and comprehensive auto insurance covers scratches and even dents on a car. However, if you have deductibles remaining, you will first have to pay that from out-of-pocket expenses, and the remaining will be covered by your auto insurance policy.

Does comprehensive auto insurance cover scratches and dents?

Yes, comprehensive auto insurance does cover scratches and dents but only if it’s due to non-collision damages such as fire outbreak, vandalism, theft, weather calamities like floods, storms, earthquake etc.

Will my insurance go up if I report a scratch?

Yes, your car insurance rate will increase in the following year if you claim auto insurance for a scratch. The more insurance claims you make the higher your premiums are likely to be unless your insurer applies their accident forgiveness policy. But that’s mainly used for first time claims or incidents.

What type of auto insurance covers scratches and dents?

If you want to claim auto insurance to cover scratches and dents for your own vehicle then you will need optional coverages such as collision auto insurance, and comprehensive auto insurance. To compensate another driver for an accident in which you’re at fault, you will need to have mandatory liability auto insurance. Make sure to get adequate coverage for any auto insurance policy that you purchase.