How to File an Insurance Claim for a Scratch on the Car?
4 Answers
First, the policyholder needs to call the insurance company's claim hotline to obtain a claim number. Then, take the claim number to the damage assessment center for evaluation. Next, the policyholder should take the damage assessment report to a repair shop. If the repair shop is a partner of the insurance company, the policyholder can leave after the repairs are completed. Then, the policyholder must personally visit the insurance company to provide the necessary documents, including the claim application, damage assessment report, repair invoice, repair list, and a copy of their ID card. Finally, the policyholder just needs to wait for the case to be settled.
When I noticed a scratch on my car, I didn’t panic immediately. I parked the car in a safe spot and took photos of the damage from different angles, including both wide shots and close-ups, noting the time and location of the incident. Then, I checked my insurance policy to see if I had purchased the scratch add-on coverage—I once forgot to buy it and ended up paying nearly 2,000 RMB out of pocket for repairs. I quickly called the insurance company’s customer service, provided my policy number, and followed their remote guidance to file a claim, sending the photos via email. Within two days, an assessor came to evaluate the damage, confirmed liability, and informed me that I’d need to cover the 800 RMB deductible before proceeding with the repair at an authorized shop. The entire process took about a week. My advice: don’t rush to file a claim—first calculate whether the deductible is worth it. For minor scratches, waxing it yourself might be more cost-effective. Also, try parking in areas with surveillance to reduce risks.
If the car gets scratched, the handling process is quite simple. From my experience, immediately check the depth of the scratch: superficial ones can be ignored, while deep ones require insurance reporting. Take photos or videos as evidence with sufficient lighting. Contact the insurance company's customer service, providing vehicle details such as the license plate number, policy specifics, and the incident details; in my previous work, I've seen cases where they would log it into the system and assign a specialist to investigate. If there are witnesses or surveillance footage, it's best to provide that evidence as well. After reporting, the insurance company may arrange for a designated repair shop or allow you to repair it yourself for reimbursement. Note that commercial insurance usually has a scratch add-on option; if not purchased, the deductible is higher. Decide whether to report to the police based on the situation, but minor scratches are often resolved privately for quicker resolution and to avoid affecting the premium.
Ugh, getting my car scratched is so annoying! Like that time I parked at the mall and it happened, I immediately took out my phone to snap photos and filed a claim on the insurance company's app—super convenient, don’t delay. Remember to capture all angles of the damage details and fill out the form clearly with the location and time. After their review, they’ll propose a solution, and I just need to go to the 4S shop for assessment and repairs—easy and hassle-free. But check if your insurance covers scratch damage, or you’ll pay out of pocket; for minor scratches, skip the claim to save time and use scratch wax for a cheaper DIY fix. Always park in well-lit spots to prevent vandalism.
