Can scratches and scrapes be claimed under vehicle damage insurance?
2 Answers
Scratches and scrapes cannot be claimed under vehicle damage insurance, as they are not covered by this type of insurance. Introduction to Vehicle Damage Insurance: Vehicle damage insurance refers to a type of commercial auto insurance where the insurer compensates within reasonable limits for damages to the insured vehicle caused by accidents occurring while the vehicle is being driven by the insured or an authorized driver. Introduction to Scratch Insurance: Scratch insurance is an additional coverage to vehicle damage insurance. It means that if you have already purchased motor vehicle damage insurance, you can also opt for scratch insurance. Scratch insurance is an add-on to vehicle damage insurance and cannot be purchased separately; it requires the primary vehicle damage insurance to be in place first.
As a regular car owner who drives frequently, I've had similar experiences. Whether car damage insurance covers scratches or scrapes depends on the specific policy terms and the cause of the incident. Generally, if the scratches result from a vehicle accident, such as a rear-end collision or crash, the car damage insurance usually covers repair costs, but you need to prove it was accidental rather than intentional. However, minor everyday scratches like parking scrapes or flying stone chips may not be covered by car damage insurance, in which case you should check if you have an additional scratch insurance rider. I recommend reviewing your policy details or contacting your insurance company's customer service immediately, as failing to report a claim might mean missing out, while misreporting could lead to higher premiums. Remember to take photos for evidence, including wide shots and close-ups of the damage. For minor repairs, handling them yourself is more economical, especially for original paint repairs on new cars; for major damage, prioritize filing a claim for safety. Regular maintenance, such as applying anti-rust coatings, can help reduce similar issues.
