Yes, car insurance can cover minor damage such as scratches and dents, depending on the coverage you have. Collision and comprehensive are the two coverages that will help cover repairs like scratches and dents.
Whether it makes sense to file a claim depends on how the damage happened, what your deductible is, and how much the repair will cost.
What type of car insurance covers scratches and dents?
Depending on the circumstance, either your collision or comprehensive coverage will pay for scratches and dents. These are optional coverages that help pay for repairing your vehicle.
Collision coverage
Collision coverage helps you to pay for repairs or replace your car if it hits another vehicle or object, is hit by another car, or rolls over. When it comes to scratches and dents, collision coverage kicks in when the damage involves contact with another vehicle or a stationary object.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive coverage protects your car from damage not related to a collision. Damages from natural disasters, storms, vandalism and animal damage would be covered by comprehensive coverage.
Full coverage
Having collision and comprehensive coverage is known as having “full coverage” on a vehicle. Car insurance policies or state regulations do not typically require full coverage, but it may be a requirement as a term of your loan or lease if you owe money on the car.
Should I file an insurance claim for a scratch or dent?
Depending on the severity of the damage, it may not always be worth filing a claim. Filing a claim for minor damage like a scratch or dent depends on your car insurance deductible. A deductible is your share of the cost for a claim. A deductible is not the same as your premium, which is what you pay to maintain your policy.
For example, say someone hits your parked car with their door in a parking lot while you are shopping. If that ding costs $200 to repair and your deductible is $500, your insurance will not cover any of the costs. Since you have to meet your deductible before your car insurance kicks in, it may not be worth filing a claim in this case.
On the other hand, if your car suffered multiple dents from a hailstorm, the repair bill can quickly add up. If it costs $2,000 to repair the dents and your deductible is $500, you would pay $500 and your insurance would pick up the rest.
Regardless if you decided to file a claim or not, you should always notify your insurance if you get into an accident with another driver, even if the damage is minor.
Filing a claim for minor damage
If your car has suffered minor damage and you wish to file a claim, don’t delay. Call your insurance company as soon as possible and report the damage.
At Plymouth Rock, 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.
Call the police
If the damage to your car is a result of an accident, an act of vandalism or a hit-and-run, call the police and have them file a report.
Take pictures
Take detailed pictures of the damage to your car and its surroundings. These are helpful for the adjuster when they investigate your claim.
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 of your car insurance policy.
Filing a claim for multiple minor damages
If an insured driver is rear-ended, files an insurance claim, and brings their vehicle to a repair shop they may also ask the shop to repair a dent on the driver’s side door.
If that dent is unrelated to the rear-end accident, it would require a separate insurance claim because the damage is not consistent with the original loss. As a result, each claim would be subject to its own deductible.
When are scratches and dents not covered by auto insurance?
The two most common reasons why a scratch or dent would not be covered by insurance are if you do not have the proper coverage or if the damage is pre-existing. For example, if you bought a used car and the body has scratches or dents your new insurance policy will not pay to fix it.
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This page is for informational purposes only. Actual coverage may vary and is subject to the policy issued by your insurer. Restrictions and limitations may apply. Review your policy and consult a licensed insurance professional to learn more about your coverage.