How Much Does Car Insurance Cover Scratches and Dents?

 

Driving around with a dented car may not look fabulous. With the rising premium costs, filing insurance claims may seem unreasonable for most people. However, people place a significant premium on their car’s appearance, especially if they intend to sell their car at one point. This article will discuss the basic insurance coverages commonly available for you and the steps you will need to take to ensure that you get the most value out of your insurance premiums. 

Which Types of Car Insurance Cover Which Types of Damage

Different types of car insurance (click here) coverage can suit your specific needs. You can max out on your options if you can afford it. However, with the rising costs of premiums, being prudent with your insurance options and knowing exactly what to do in case of accidents is critical in getting the best value from your insurance policy.

Auto-collision coverage:

These car insurance cover damage repair caused by another vehicle or in single-car accidents. For instance, this type of insurance covers a rear-ender or a head-on vehicle collision. In the case of single-car accidents, these count as self-inflicted situations. For example, auto-collision coverage can protect your dent repair expenses when you drive onto a guardrail or drive into a fence.

Comprehensive Coverage:

These types of car insurance cover damage caused by factors beyond your control such as a falling tree branch or running over a wild animal. There are unfortunate situations where a rock might fly out and shatter your windscreen or do substantial damage to your bodywork. Damaged caused by cases of vandalism or someone key-ing your bodywork is also protected by comprehensive coverage. Some insurance companies also classify being hit by another vehicle while parked under comprehensive coverage.

Will My Car Insurance Cover Dents Caused By Wear and Tear?

No. Your car insurance won’t cover damage caused by wear and tear. These include the tiny dents, dings, and scratches that you accumulate over the time you own the car. Moreover, your insurance will not honor claims made after a substantial amount of time elapsed. If the damage was made a year previously, your insurance company wouldn’t pay for it.

Who Will Pay If I Damage Someone’s Car?

Your insurance includes liability coverage. Your liability coverage will cover the cost of damage to the other car. If the damage is substantial, you will have to take money out of your pocket to make up for the required amount. However, there are limits in coverage depending on the premium you paid.

Who Will Pay for the Damage on My Car That Another Driver caused?

If the damage was the other driver’s fault, then they will have to shoulder the repair for the damage. If they have insurance, then their insurance company will have to cover the cost of damage repair for your car.

When Is It Worth Making Claims to Cover The Cost of Dent Repair for My Car?

If the repair cost is substantially greater than your insurance deductibles, then it makes more sense to file an insurance claim for the damage repair for your car. For instance, if the damage is five or more times greater than your deductibles, making your damage claim is reasonable. However, if the cost of damage is around the cost of deductibles, or costs much less than your deductibles, then paying out of your pocket is a smarter course of action.

Please note that having a dependable auto body repair shop near you who can work with your insurance company can come in handy. Moreover, they may have more affordable repair options to repair your dent and door dings. Repair methods such as paintless dent repair are an affordable alternative to traditional repair, which you may consider for repairing minor dents and dings.

Takeaways: Being Informed and Prudent Can Maximize Your Insurance

Accidents are unavoidable. The possibility of getting dents, door dings, and scratches will always be a part of owning a vehicle. Getting the right insurance is essential if you want peace of mind. However, with the rising insurance premium costs, it pays to know the inclusions in your insurance policy and be aware of what could happen. Having a dependable auto body repair shop near you that can both present affordable dent repair options and work with your insurance company will be very helpful in maximizing the value of your car insurance.