Can minor scratches and dents be claimed under auto damage insurance?
2 Answers
Minor scratches and dents can be claimed under auto damage insurance. Here are the specific details about auto damage insurance: Definition of auto damage insurance: Auto damage insurance refers to the compensation provided by the insurance company within a reasonable range when the insured or the permitted driver causes damage to the insured vehicle during an accident while driving. Coverage scope: This insurance does not cover theft, robbery, separate glass breakage, or separate wheel damage of the vehicle. Therefore, not all vehicle damages can be compensated by the insurance company after an accident. Vehicle age limit: It is not recommended to purchase auto damage insurance for vehicles older than 10 years, and many insurance companies will not underwrite auto damage insurance for such vehicles.
I understand your concern. In theory, minor scratches and dents can be claimed under auto damage insurance, but it depends on the specific situation. For example, the deductible is particularly crucial. Suppose your deductible is 500 yuan; if the repair cost is only two or three hundred yuan, filing a claim would be pointless—you won’t get compensated and will waste your effort. More importantly, once you file a claim, the insurance company will keep a record, and your premium may increase by about 10% when renewing next year. In the long run, it’s often more cost-effective to pay for minor repairs out of pocket. That’s why I often advise friends to first take photos and assess the extent of the damage. If it’s below the deductible, skip the claim and either go to a repair shop or buy touch-up paint to fix it yourself—this approach saves a lot of hassle. Additionally, auto damage insurance is designed to cover major accidents. Frequently filing claims for minor issues can affect your credibility and may slow down the claims process when you really need it for a serious incident.
