Your car insurance can cover the cost of paint, but it may not always be worth filing a claim. Here’s what you need to know about how car insurance can cover paint damage.
When does your car insurance cover a paint job?
Depending on the circumstance, either your Collision or Comprehensive coverage will pay for paint damage. These are optional coverages that help pay for damage to your car.
Collision coverage pays for damage to your car if it hits another vehicle or stationary object or is hit by another vehicle. Comprehensive coverage pays for damages not related to a collision.
| Collision coverage may cover: | Comprehensive coverage may cover: |
| Hitting another vehicle | Natural disasters and storms |
| Damage caused by another vehicle | Vandalism |
| Hitting a stationary object | Damage caused by animals |
Collision and Comprehensive coverage are not typically required for insurance policies. However, if you owe money on your car you may be required to carry either or both as a term of your loan or lease. Check with your insurance company or agent to see if you have Collision or Comprehensive coverage on your vehicle.
Deductibles and paint damage
When it comes to Collision and Comprehensive coverage, you must pay your deductible before your insurance will start paying for damage expenses. A deductible is your share of the cost for a claim. It’s not the same as a premium, which is what you pay to maintain your policy.
For example, say your Collision deductible is $500, and the cost to repair damaged paint on your bumper is $1,000. In this case, you would pay your deductible of $500 and your insurance will pay the remaining $500.
However, if it’s only minor cosmetic damage, you may not meet your deductible and it may not be worth filing a claim.
Common situations for paint damage
Collision
It’s common for body panels or paint to be damaged in a collision. Replacement parts like bumpers and fenders are typically not painted from the factory. They will need to be painted by a body shop, which adds an additional cost to the repair.
If another person damages your paint as a result of a collision they’re at fault for, you may be able to recover expenses from their insurance company.
Vandalism
Vandalism is covered under comprehensive coverage. Your car insurance can help pay to repair cosmetic damage as a result of vandalism, but it may not be worth filing a claim if the damage is minor.
Natural disasters
Your comprehensive coverage will help pay for damage caused by natural disasters.
When does your car insurance NOT cover a new paint job?
Coverage for paint damage depends on your insurance policy and the circumstances surrounding the damage. While paint damage is covered by collision and comprehensive coverage, there are situations where your coverage may be limited or not applicable.
The most common situation for paint damage not being covered is if you don’t carry the right coverage. Your car insurance will not cover paint damage if you don’t already have the applicable coverage, whether that’s collision or comprehensive.
Your insurance will not cover pre-existing damage or manufacturing defects. For example, if you bought a used car and the body needs paint work, your new car insurance policy will not pay to fix it.
Insurance will also not cover paint damage as a result of normal use, age or wear and tear. For example, your insurance may not cover rock chips that will occur from daily driving.
Keep in mind that your insurance will only pay for necessary repairs. This means that your insurance company probably won’t pay to repaint your entire car when you only need a single panel.
Filing a claim for paint damage
If your car has suffered paint damage and you wish to file a claim, don’t delay. Call your insurance company as soon as possible and report the damage.
We know that filing any kind of car insurance claim, even a small one, can be stressful. Our unique claims services will simplify the process, getting you back on the road in no time.
- File your claim
Please have your policy number ready. You can file a claim online or by contacting us or your agent directly. - Assignment and tracking of the claim
After you report your claim, you’ll receive a claim number to help track its progress. We’ll also assign you a friendly representative to answer any questions you may have. - Damage evaluation
If your vehicle has damage and the applicable coverage applies, we offer these convenient options to get you back on the road as soon as possible:- CarPics® photo appraisals: Eliminate the need to schedule a claims inspection and receive your estimate within hours. You may even get paid that same day.*
- Crashbusters® mobile claim service: Have a representative meet you to appraise the damage at a time and place that’s convenient for you, often issuing you a check on the spot.
- Door to Door Valet Claim Service®: Let us pick up your car and handle the repair process from start to finish. If you have rental coverage, we’ll even coordinate a rental car.
- Receive your claim settlement
Based on your situation, Plymouth Rock may pay your claim to the repair shop or we may reimburse you directly. Your claim payment will be based on the terms and coverage in your car insurance policy.
FAQ
Manufacturing defects in your paint job will not be covered by car insurance. It may instead be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty if you bought your car new, or by a workmanship guarantee or warranty by the body shop.
If you accidentally scratch your car, the damage may not meet your deductible. Your insurance would not cover the damage if it’s minor.
If an uninsured driver damages your car’s paint, it’s unlikely you will be able to recover expenses from them. The best way to protect your vehicle in this case is to carry comprehensive and collision coverage.
Conclusion – Does car insurance cover paint damage?
Your car insurance can pay for paint damage if you carry collision and/or comprehensive coverage and the damage is the result of a covered claim. Contact your insurance company for details on what your policy covers.
Now let’s talk about you
Do you have the right coverage for your vehicle? We’d love to chat with you about it. Call us at 800-516-9242 or speak to a local agent.
If you’d rather not talk, you can get a quote quickly and easily online. Just enter your ZIP code to get started and see how much you could save!
*Certain restrictions apply.
