Does car insurance cover scratches and dents?

Did someone scratch or dent your car recently? Scratches and dents can impact your vehicle’s cosmetics, but some damage can affect critical parts of your car.

Regardless of the nature of the damage, it could cost hundreds of dollars to fix, and may not have the money to fix it right away. Does auto insurance cover scratches and dents? Our guide explains everything you need to know about getting coverage for scratches and dents and how to compare car insurance.

Continue reading to learn more about car insurance coverage for scratches and dents. Enter your ZIP code in the free comparison tool above to compare multiple companies and secure the most affordable car insurance rates.

Does car insurance cover scratches and dents?

It depends. Car insurance companies only cover scratches and dents caused by other drivers. However, comprehensive car insurance can cover scratches and dents that don’t involve a collision.

A person who scratches or dents your car can cover expenses with their liability car insurance coverage. If you have collision car insurance, you can use your own car insurance policy to pay for the damages.

Comprehensive car insurance pays for damages that don’t involve a collision, such as damage caused by a storm or falling object. So, if you’re wondering, “does my car insurance cover damage caused by a falling object?” rest assured that such incidents are covered by your comprehensive coverage policy.

Collision and comprehensive coverages have deductibles. Most deductibles are around $500, and you’re required to pay this before the auto insurance company pays for any damages.

Should I choose the insurance company‘s preferred auto body shop?

Once you file a claim with your insurance provider, they will allow you to select from one of their preferred auto body shops. While they can suggest one shop in particular, but you are not obliged to use that option. You can pick any auto body shop of your choice.

Does car insurance cover dent repair?

Auto insurance companies only cover dent repair if your vehicle has been in an accident. If you don’t have collision auto insurance coverage, you won’t get coverage if you were at fault in the accident.

If the other person is at fault, their liability coverage will pay for dent repairs. However, your liability insurance coverage won’t pay for your own dent repairs.

Read more: Can I choose where to get my vehicle repaired after an accident?

Does car insurance cover parking lot dents?

Even if you’re not driving, car insurance companies cover dents you get in a parking lot. Law enforcement will establish fault, and both parties will report it to their auto insurance companies.

Does car insurance cover minor damages?

Auto insurance companies could cover minor damages from an accident. However, some repairs are smaller than your deductible. So it may not be necessary to file a claim under $100.

What constitutes minor damage?

So it would likely be considered minor damage if someone keyed your car or road debris flew up and left a mark or dent on the finish, for example.

Does car insurance cover scratches and dents from vandalism?

Liability and collision won’t cover damage from vandalism. However, comprehensive coverage can cover damage from vandalism. This includes:

• Someone who keys your car
• Damage from vehicle theft
• Damage caused by a thrown object

Any vandalism to your vehicle is covered by comprehensive coverage. Vehicle theft can be covered by uninsured motorist coverage.

According to the Office of Justice Programs, vandalism made up about 1.79% of all crimes in 2019. That’s around 180,500 cases where people were arrested for committing vandalism to property.

Why won’t my car insurance company cover scratches and dents?

There are certain situations where your car insurance company won’t cover scratches and dents. Here’s a list of examples where auto insurance companies won’t cover damage:

• You’re at fault and you only have liability
• Normal wear and tear
• Damage you intentionally caused
• Delaying car insurance claims

If you get a dent or scratch on your vehicle, report it to your car insurance company right away. An adjuster will determine if the damage is worth making a claim.

When should I make a car insurance claim for scratches and dents?

If the cost of the damage is over $500, you may want to consider making an auto insurance claim.

Dent repairs are about $50 to $125, which makes filing an insurance claim superfluous. If repair costs are lower than your deductible, it may not be worth making a car insurance claim.

Meanwhile, a scratch repair can cost $150 to upwards of $3,500.

Case Studies Illustrating Car Insurance Coverage for Scratches and Dents

Case Study 1: John’s Vandalism Experience

John parked his car in a public parking lot overnight and woke up to find deep scratches and dents on his vehicle. He immediately filed a police report and contacted his insurance company. Since John had comprehensive coverage, his insurance company covered the repairs, and he only had to pay his deductible of $500. The total cost of the repair was $1,200.

Case Study 2: Sarah’s Collision Incident

Sarah was driving on the highway when another driver suddenly merged into her lane, causing a collision. The collision resulted in scratches and dents on Sarah’s car. Since the other driver was at fault, Sarah’s insurance company covered the damages under her collision coverage. She had to pay her deductible of $500, and the total repair cost was $1,000.

Case Study 3: Mark’s Minor Parking Lot Damage

While parked in a crowded parking lot, Mark’s car was accidentally dented by another car’s door. The damage was minor, with a small dent and a few scratches. Mark decided not to file an insurance claim because the repair cost was estimated to be around $200, which was lower than his deductible of $500. He paid for the repairs out of pocket.

Case Study 4: Emily’s Wear and Tear Issue

Emily noticed several scratches and small dents on her car’s body that were a result of normal wear and tear over time. She contacted her insurance company to inquire about coverage, but she learned that car insurance doesn’t cover damages from normal wear and tear. Emily decided to pay for the cosmetic repairs herself, which amounted to $300.

Case Study 5: Mike’s Vandalism and Theft Incident

One morning, Mike discovered that his car had been vandalized with extensive scratches and dents. Additionally, some valuable items were stolen from inside his vehicle. Fortunately, Mike had comprehensive coverage that included protection against vandalism and theft.

His insurance company covered the repairs for the damages, which cost $2,500 and also reimbursed him for the stolen items up to the policy limit.

Read more: Does my car insurance cover a stolen car?

The Bottom Line: Does auto insurance cover scratches and dents?

Car insurance companies provide coverage for scratches and dents in specific situations, such as a no-fault accident, collision coverage claim, or comprehensive coverage claim.

There are chances that your premium will rise after an at-fault accident that leads to the damages mentioned above.

Collision coverage includes damages related to accidents and collisions, if your vehicle was scratched by another vehicle, your collision coverage will typically apply.

Scratches and dents as a result of aging and intentional damage are not covered. Any damage you’re liable for won’t be covered.

You should get quotes on the cost of repairs and compare the estimated cost to your deductible.

Driving around town in a dented, scratched, or dinged vehicle may not be glamorous, but to avoid higher auto insurance rates , it pays to be smart about claims.

Before you buy car insurance to cover scratches and dents, use our free comparison tool below to compare car insurance quotes from the best insurance companies near you.