Can I still claim insurance for car scratches after several months?

[SanSimon]

You can file a claim if you have scratch insurance coverage, as long as it's within the insurance period. Below is relevant information about scratch insurance: 1. Function: Scratch insurance, officially known as Body Scratch Loss Insurance, is available for family-owned and non-commercial vehicles. It covers the cost of repainting when the insured vehicle's surface paint is scratched without obvious collision marks during the insurance period, with compensation provided by the insurance company based on actual losses. 2. Notes: To claim scratch insurance, the vehicle owner needs to promptly report the incident to the insurance company on-site and follow the standard claims process. It's important to note that for minor scratches, it's advisable not to file a claim, as the number of scratch insurance claims can affect the insurance premium for the following year, making it not cost-effective.

[PresleyFitz]

I remember last year my car got scratched in the supermarket parking lot. At the time, I thought it was a minor issue and didn't pay much attention, planning to report it to the insurance when I had time. Three months later, when I went to the 4S shop to get it repaired, the staff reminded me that I needed to fill out a claim form first. I contacted the insurance company, and they said there's a time limit for reporting accidents—it must be done within seven days of the incident. If you exceed this time, your claim might be rejected. Mine was denied, and I had to pay a few hundred bucks out of pocket. Since then, I've learned that even minor scratches need to be dealt with promptly—no more procrastinating. I also make it a habit to regularly inspect my car to prevent small damages from turning into bigger problems. Getting into the routine of walking around the car before driving to check its condition can save a lot of trouble. After all, safety comes first.

[OSawyer]

As a new driver, I just bought my car when my neighbor backed into it and left a scratch on the side. I didn’t pay much attention to it until two months later when I heard I could file an insurance claim. Excited, I tried calling the customer service, but they said I needed to check the terms on my policy—there’s usually a 72-hour reporting window, otherwise the claim automatically expires. Mine had already passed the deadline, so I had to pay for the repairs myself. Now I’ve learned my lesson: every time something happens, take photos, document it, and report it immediately to avoid trouble. I suggest everyone check the fine print on their insurance policies—don’t be careless like me. Handling minor scratches promptly can also prevent rust and corrosion, extending your car’s lifespan.

[CatherineAnn]

I often hear my friends at the repair shop talk about such things. If you report a car scratch to the insurance company several months after it happens, most insurers will reject the claim. This is because the authenticity of the accident becomes harder to verify over time, raising suspicions of fraud. The normal claim window is within a week. It's best to take photos as evidence immediately after the accident and file the claim right away without delay. Otherwise, you might have to pay the repair costs out of pocket. When parking daily, choose a safe spot and avoid blind spots to reduce the risk of scratches. Regular maintenance of your car is also advisable.