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?

Well, the good news is yes it does. However, there are certain conditions that make it eligible for you to claim auto insurance to cover the expenses of fixing any scratch and dent.

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.

If there are small scratches and dents, then it should cost $50 to $200 to repair it. However, if there are large scratches and dents then the cost of fixing it can jump to $2,000 or more.

So, let’s say if you have auto insurance deductibles of $500, then it wouldn’t be worth claiming insurance as you need to pay up to $500 out of your own pocket before getting access to your collision, or comprehensive insurance coverage.

However, if it’s a significant amount of $2,000 or more with large scratches and dents, then you can consider claiming your auto insurance.

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.

Colliding with a Vehicle or Object

f your car accidentally collides with another vehicle, or an object and if it gets scratches and dents, you can claim your collision auto insurance to cover the repair costs. 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.

Regardless of whoever is at-fault, you can always claim your auto collision insurance to cover scratches and dents. 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. If your car gets scratched or dented by road debris while it’s parked, then you will have to claim comprehensive auto insurance to cover its repair costs.

If your car gets scratched and dented by hitting certain road debris while you’re driving, whether it’s a small rock, or a large boulder, you will have to claim your collision auto insurance to get it fixed.

However, just like the other cases, the scratches and dents due to getting hit by road debris can be a minor damage which would cost you much to fix. If it’s lower than your deductibles then it isn’t worth it to claim collision or comprehensive insurance as it’s requirement to first pay the deductibles out of pocket and then you get covered by insurance.

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.

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

Typically, an auto insurance policy is active for up to a year and then it has to be renewed, or you can purchase insurance coverage again either from your existing insurer, or by switching to a new one.

Regardless of the type of your auto insurance coverage, as the auto insurance policy itself stays valid for up to 1 year, any scratch or dent that’s older than a year will not be covered by your auto insurance policy. So, any auto insurance claim that’s older than 1 year will be considered invalid and your claim will be rejected.

Inadequate Collision or Comprehensive Auto Insurance

When it comes to claiming auto insurance you will be covered up to your coverage limit. So, let’s say you have a collision or comprehensive auto insurance coverage of $1,000 but the cost of repairing your scratch and dent is $2,000, so you will have to pay the additional $1,000 out of your own pocket.

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.

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.

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

Auto insurance is designed to protect you financially from accidental damage. But if you were involved in negligent, irresponsible and reckless driving then any auto insurance claim that you make is likely to get denied, including damage repair expenses such as scratches and dents.

Whether you were found driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other substance, or indulging in reckless driving activities like participating in illegal actives, unnecessary speeding and pulling off dangerous stunts, all these behaviors are considered irresponsible.

Based on your auto insurance agreement any negligent or irresponsible driving behavior would lead to instant denial of the insurance claim. So, any auto insurance claim to cover the costs of scratch and dent repair will be rejected as well.

Can Filing a Claim for Scratches Increase My Insurance Rates?

Yes, filing an auto insurance claim even for damages like scratches and dents can increase your insurance rates regardless of whether it’s a minor damage, or a severe one. Typically, insurance companies use the number of claims, particularly in the last 3 years to forecast how much and how frequently they have to cover you.

So, the more insurance claims you make, the more your auto insurance rate is likely to increase. That’s why it would be wise to only make insurance claims for scratches and dents if it crosses a significant amount that crosses the deductible amount and of course puts a financial strain on your budget.

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. Usually, it takes about 7 business days unless there’s some sort of complexity involved. So, wait till 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 remains the same, yes you can claim and get auto insurance coverage for scratches and dents. However, there are some situations where auto insurance claims to repair scratches and dents might get rejected.

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.

FAQ

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.