Does Insurance Cover Reversing Scratches?

[DeArianna]

Insurance can cover scratches caused by careless reversing, provided that the vehicle damage insurance is purchased. Extended content: In motor vehicle damage insurance, the cost is generally determined in three ways: 1. Based on the new vehicle purchase price of the insured vehicle at the time of insurance: The new vehicle purchase price of the insured vehicle refers to the price of purchasing a new vehicle of the same type (including vehicle purchase tax) at the place where the insurance contract is signed. 2. Based on the actual value of the insured vehicle at the time of insurance: The actual value of the insured vehicle refers to the price of a new vehicle of the same type minus the depreciation amount. The actual value of the insured vehicle at the time of insurance is determined based on the new vehicle purchase price at the time of insurance minus the depreciation amount. If the depreciation period is less than one month, no depreciation is calculated. The maximum depreciation amount shall not exceed 80% of the new vehicle purchase price of the insured vehicle at the time of insurance. 3. Negotiated based on the new vehicle purchase price of the insured vehicle at the time of insurance: For additional equipment beyond the standard configuration of the insured vehicle, the equipment name and price list should be specified in the insurance contract, and the insurance amount can be increased accordingly based on the actual value of the equipment. Additional equipment is depreciated together with the insured vehicle.

[Easton]

As a veteran car owner who has purchased three vehicles, whether you can claim insurance for reversing into something depends on the coverage you have. If you only have compulsory traffic insurance, the compensation is very limited—only covering repair costs up to 2,000 RMB for damage to another vehicle, with no coverage for your own car's damage. However, if you have comprehensive insurance (including vehicle damage coverage), the repair costs for your own car can be reimbursed. Remember to take photos to preserve evidence of the scene and call your insurance company to report the incident within 48 hours. Last year, I accidentally scraped a utility pole while reversing, denting the left door, and claimed over 2,000 RMB under vehicle damage insurance. My premium only increased by a few hundred RMB, making it more cost-effective than paying out of pocket. Note that if third-party property damage occurs, such as crashing into a neighbor's gate, third-party liability insurance must be used for compensation.

[RonanMarie]

I work in auto insurance claims. A reversing scratch is considered a single-party accident, and whether it can be compensated depends on the actual situation. First, confirm if you have purchased collision insurance. If not, you can only pay for the repairs yourself. Secondly, check if there is an on-site record. For example, if you scrape a wall in a residential area and move the car, the insurance company may deny the claim. Therefore, take photos immediately after the incident: the scratched area, the overall scene, and surrounding reference points should all be captured. Last time, I handled a case where a driver reversed into a tree but didn’t take photos of the scene, and ultimately only received 70% compensation. I’d like to remind everyone that after the insurance reform, collision insurance now includes zero deductible, so there’s no need to purchase it separately. Just file a claim directly for scratches. However, for minor scratches, consider the potential increase in next year’s premium before filing a claim. If the repair cost is below 600, it’s better to handle it yourself.

[VonKaden]

New drivers who just got their license are most afraid of accidents while reversing. My personal experience: I scraped against a fire hydrant in an underground parking lot and panicked at the time. I called my insurance company, and the customer service representative asked me to take photos of the scene and then directed me to their partnered repair shop for damage assessment. Actually, reversing accidents fall under the coverage of vehicle damage insurance. After the auto insurance reform, additional protections like glass insurance and water damage insurance have been bundled into the vehicle damage insurance, covering basic scratches and dents. However, pay special attention to aftermarket reverse cameras or radar accessories—these require additional coverage under new equipment insurance to be eligible for claims. For beginners, I suggest carefully checking the rearview mirrors when reversing in narrow residential roads. If unsure, it’s better to step out and take a look. Repair costs from hitting a bollard are minor, but the claim record affecting your premium for the next three years is what really stings.

[OJayla]

As a repair technician who deals with accident vehicles daily, let me give you some practical advice about whether reversing scratches can be claimed through insurance. First, it depends on your insurance coverage - nowadays, auto damage insurance generally covers reversing accidents. But note that scratch insurance is purchased separately. For instance, those long thin scratches on bumpers caused by tree branches might not be covered without scratch insurance. Second, consider the extent of damage - it's definitely not cost-effective to claim insurance for minor plastic bumper scratches, as the premium increase could cover two repairs. Last week, a customer slightly scraped his car while reversing, with just palm-sized paint damage. I advised him to pay 300 yuan for touch-up paint rather than making a claim, as the insurance record would affect premiums for three years. If you must file a claim, preserve the scene - take a 360-degree video with your phone before moving the car, focusing on the impact point, otherwise the claim might be denied.

[AveryFitz]

Having worked in 4S shop after-sales service for ten years, I've handled countless reversing scratch claims. Two key points: Does the car have collision insurance? Was the scene preserved? After a scratch, I recommend doing three things immediately: hazard lights on, place warning triangle, and record 360-degree video. Last year, a customer reversed into neighbor's car but didn't record the license plate - ended up bearing full liability plus additional depreciation compensation. New regulations are stricter now - even minor accidents require traffic police report. For single-vehicle accidents like scraping walls, you must call 122 to get accident certificate for claim. For paint/body repairs exceeding 800 RMB, better file insurance claim as premium increase is limited. Special reminder for modified bumper owners: OEM part scratches are covered, but aftermarket body kits require additional equipment insurance.