How many days does it take for a car scratch claim to expire?
2 Answers
Car scratch claims expire after three days. When a car is scratched, it is necessary to report the incident to the traffic management department of the public security authorities. If the parties involved fail to report the incident at the scene of the traffic accident and later approach the traffic management department of the public security authorities for handling, the department must decide within three days whether to accept the case and verify whether the accident actually occurred. If the accident is confirmed: After verification, if the accident is indeed confirmed to have occurred, the traffic management department of the public security authorities shall accept the case and inform the parties involved. If the accident is not confirmed: If verification cannot prove that the accident indeed occurred, or if the case does not fall under the jurisdiction of the traffic management department of the public security authorities, the parties involved must be notified in writing, along with an explanation of the reasons.
I've been driving for almost ten years, and when it comes to minor collisions, the key isn't how many days it takes to become invalid, but rather handling it immediately saves more trouble. Don't delay after a scrape—it's best to contact the other driver or report to the police on the spot. Delaying too long can lead to lost evidence, as surveillance footage might be overwritten, making it harder to determine responsibility and adding unnecessary complications. There's usually no strict time limit for reporting to the police, but settling it within a day or two is safest. Waiting over a week might mean you can't locate the other party or they might not have records, making it much harder to file an insurance claim later. Insurance claims do have a two-year validity period, but handling it too late can increase repair costs and potentially raise your premiums. In short, don't wait days to act—take photos immediately, exchange contact details, and handle it politely to avoid future hassles.
