How to File an Insurance Claim for a Scratch on the Car?
2 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.
