Yes, standard car insurance can cover scratches, but it almost always depends on the specific circumstances of how the damage occurred and the type of coverage you have. Filing a claim for minor scratches often isn't financially wise due to potential premium increases. The key is understanding the difference between your policy's coverages.
Comprehensive coverage is what typically applies here. It handles damage to your vehicle from events other than a collision. This includes scratches from:
- A falling tree branch or hail.
- Vandalism, such as someone keying your car.
- Contact with an animal.
- A hit-and-run where another car scratches yours and flees.
Collision coverage, on the other hand, would cover scratches if you were the one who scraped against a stationary object like a guardrail, parking lot pole, or your own garage door.
The major factor to consider is your deductible. This is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in. If the repair cost for the scratch is only $600 and your deductible is $500, you'd only receive $100 from the insurance company. After that, you risk your premium increasing at renewal time, potentially costing you more in the long run. For very minor scratches, paying out-of-pocket is often the more economical choice.
| Scenario | Likely Coverage | Key Consideration |
|---|
| Scratch from a shopping cart | Comprehensive | Deductible likely exceeds cost; out-of-pocket pay is cheaper. |
| Keying by a vandal | Comprehensive | File a police report for documentation. |
| You scrape a concrete pillar | Collision | At-fault claim will likely increase your premium. |
| Another car scratches yours and drives off | Uninsured Motorist/Comprehensive | Coverage varies by state; a police report is crucial. |
| Scratch from a fallen branch | Comprehensive | Typically a not-at-fault claim, may not affect premium. |
