Does my auto insurance cover scratches?

It’s happened to all of us—you come back to your parked car and notice a new scratch or dent that definitely wasn’t there before. Maybe it’s the result of a runaway shopping cart, a careless driver, or even a run-in with a rogue tree branch. Whatever the cause, the big question pops up: Does car insurance cover scratches and dents?

The answer depends on a few factors, including your insurance coverage, how the damage occurred, and who’s responsible. Let’s dive into the details to help you figure out when your policy has your back and when you might be footing the bill yourself.

What Type of Insurance Covers Scratches and Dents?

The key to knowing if your car insurance covers scratches and dents lies in understanding your coverage. There are a few main types of insurance coverage that can come into play:

1. Comprehensive Coverage: Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car that’s not caused by a collision. This includes things like vandalism, falling objects (think tree branches or debris), and even natural disasters. If a stray shopping cart leaves a dent or a tree branch scratches your car during a storm, comprehensive coverage will likely cover the repairs.

   
   

   According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), about 79% of U.S. drivers carry comprehensive coverage as part of their auto insurance policies. It’s a smart investment, especially if you live in an area prone to harsh weather or vandalism.

   
   

2. Collision Coverage: If the scratch or dent was caused by a fender-bender, collision coverage is what you’ll need. Collision coverage pays for damage to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. So, if you accidentally bump into a pole or another vehicle, collision insurance will cover the repair costs for your scratches and dents.

   
   

3. Liability Coverage: Liability insurance, on the other hand, does not cover damage to your own vehicle. It only covers damage that you cause to other drivers’ vehicles or property. If someone else is responsible for the scratches and dents on your car, their liability insurance should cover your repair costs. However, if the at-fault party is unknown—say, if they hit your car in a parking lot and took off without leaving a note—you’re left to rely on your own coverage.

   
   

Common Scenarios: Are You Covered?

Now that you know which types of insurance might cover scratches and dents, let’s look at some common scenarios to see whether you’re likely covered:

• Scenario 1 - A Shopping Cart Hits Your Car in a Parking Lot: In this case, you’re looking at damage caused by an outside factor (the cart), which falls under comprehensive coverage. If you have comprehensive insurance, you’re likely covered, minus your deductible. Without comprehensive coverage, you’ll have to cover the repair costs out of pocket.

  
  

• Scenario 2 - You Accidentally Back Into a Pole: Backing into a stationary object like a pole or a wall is considered an at-fault accident, so collision coverage would apply. If you have collision coverage, it will pay for the damage to your car, minus your deductible.

  
  

• Scenario 3 - Someone Scratches Your Car in a Hit-and-Run: If someone damages your car and leaves the scene without leaving their insurance details, you’ll have to rely on comprehensive coverage if it was a non-collision event (like keying or scraping). If it was a collision (like a hit-and-run while your car was parked), uninsured motorist property damage coverage may help if you have it. Otherwise, you’d need to file a claim under your own collision coverage.

  
  

• Scenario 4 - You Get Caught in a Hailstorm: Hailstorms are one of the most common causes of vehicle dents, particularly in regions prone to extreme weather. This would fall under comprehensive coverage, which protects against natural disasters. If you have this type of coverage, your insurance should cover the cost of repairing hail damage.

  
  

When Are You Not Covered?

There are certain situations where your car insurance likely won’t cover scratches or dents. Here are some instances where coverage may be limited:

• You Have Only Liability Insurance: Liability coverage is required by law in most states, but it only covers damage to other people’s vehicles and property if you’re at fault. It won’t help with any damage to your own car, including scratches and dents. If you only have liability insurance, you’ll need to pay out of pocket for repairs.

  
  

• The Damage Is Cosmetic: Some insurers may consider scratches and dents to be cosmetic damage, especially if they don’t affect the car’s functionality or safety. In these cases, even if you have collision or comprehensive coverage, your claim might be denied or not deemed serious enough to warrant coverage.

  
  

The Role of Deductibles

Even if your insurance does cover the scratches or dents, keep in mind that you’ll need to pay your deductible before the insurance kicks in. If the cost of repairs is lower than or close to your deductible amount, you may decide not to file a claim and cover the costs yourself.

For example, if the repair costs for a small dent are $400 and your deductible is $500, it doesn’t make financial sense to file a claim. However, for more expensive repairs, it’s worth submitting a claim.

Will Filing a Claim for Scratches and Dents Increase My Premiums?

It’s natural to worry that filing a claim—even for minor damage like scratches and dents—could lead to an increase in your insurance premiums. In general, filing claims can increase your rates, especially if you file multiple claims within a short period. However, the impact on your premium depends on factors such as your driving history, the type of claim, and the insurer’s policies.

At Roadelo, we strive to offer competitive rates and tailor coverage to meet your needs. We work with our customers to help them understand when it makes sense to file a claim and when paying out of pocket might be the better option.