Whether car insurance covers scratches depends entirely on the type of coverage you have and how the scratch occurred. In short, if you only carry the minimum liability insurance required by law, scratches are not covered. To have scratches repaired, you typically need comprehensive coverage (for non-collision events) or collision coverage (if you hit something).
Here’s a breakdown of the common scenarios:
- Comprehensive Coverage: This is your best bet for many types of scratches. It covers damage from events that are out of your control, like a keying by a vandal, scratches from a shopping cart blown by the wind, or damage from falling tree branches or hail.
- Collision Coverage: If you scratch your car by swiping a guardrail, scraping against a pole in a parking lot, or in any accident where you hit an object, collision coverage would apply.
- Liability-Only Policy: This basic coverage only pays for damage and injuries you cause to others. It does not cover any damage to your own vehicle, including scratches.
A critical factor to consider is your deductible—the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in. If the cost to repair the scratch is lower than your deductible, it doesn't make financial sense to file a claim. For example, a $500 repair with a $1,000 deductible means you'd pay for it entirely yourself.
| Scenario | Coverage Type Needed | Typical Deductible Range | Is it Covered? |
|---|
| Vandalism (keying) | Comprehensive | $100 - $2,000 | Yes |
| Hit-and-run (parking lot scratch) | Uninsured Motorist/Comprehensive* | Varies by state/policy | Sometimes |
| Scraping a garage wall | Collision | $250 - $1,500 | Yes |
| Scratch from a fallen branch | Comprehensive | $100 - $2,000 | Yes |
| Minor scratch (costs less than deductible) | Any | Any | No (out-of-pocket) |
| *Note: Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) coverage may apply in some states if the at-fault driver is identified but uninsured. | | | |
Filing a claim for a minor scratch can be tempting, but it may lead to a premium increase at renewal. Weigh the repair cost against your deductible and potential long-term rate hikes. For small, isolated scratches, paying out-of-pocket is often the more economical choice.
