Does car insurance cover scratches and dents?
Auto insurance covers scratches and dents if you're not at fault in an accident. You can use comprehensive coverage to pay for scratches and dents that don't involve a collision, such as acts of vandalism, but car insurance won't cover scratches and dents from normal wear and tear. Scratch and dent repair can cost up to $3,500. Shop around and compare car insurance quotes that cover scratches and dents from multiple companies to get the best rates.
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Diego Anderson
Licensed Real Estate Agent
Diego Anderson is a Real Estate Agent based in the Bay Area of California. Having received his Real Estate License at the age of 18, he wasted no time learning the ins and outs of the industry. With a focus on residential dual agency, he has a passion for supporting and educating families on their home buying and selling decisions. He is no stranger to new builds and new developments. He also r...
Licensed Real Estate Agent
UPDATED: Nov 27, 2023
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.
UPDATED: Nov 27, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Car insurance companies cover scratches and dents if the other driver is at fault
- Scratch and dent repair can cost between $50 to $3,500
- Dents and scratches you get before getting car insurance aren’t covered
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.
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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.
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does car insurance cover scratches and dents?
Auto insurance covers scratches and dents if you’re not at fault in an accident. You can use comprehensive coverage to pay for scratches and dents that don’t involve a collision, such as acts of vandalism, but car insurance won’t cover scratches and dents from normal wear and tear. Scratch and dent repair can cost up to $3,500. Shop around and compare car insurance quotes that cover scratches and dents from multiple companies to get the best rates.
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, 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.
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.
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 any vandalism to your vehicle. Vehicle theft can be covered by uninsured motorist coverage.
Are you looking for free insurance quotes?
Your one-stop online insurance guide. Get free quotes now!
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Diego Anderson
Licensed Real Estate Agent
Diego Anderson is a Real Estate Agent based in the Bay Area of California. Having received his Real Estate License at the age of 18, he wasted no time learning the ins and outs of the industry. With a focus on residential dual agency, he has a passion for supporting and educating families on their home buying and selling decisions. He is no stranger to new builds and new developments. He also r...
Licensed Real Estate Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.