Is It Necessary to Buy Scratch Insurance?
2 Answers
Whether to purchase car scratch insurance depends on individual circumstances. Scratch insurance, officially known as Body Scratch Loss Insurance, is available for family-owned vehicles and non-commercial vehicles. It covers the cost of repainting the vehicle's surface when there are scratches without obvious collision marks during the insurance period. The insurance company will compensate for the actual loss, which includes scratches caused by malicious acts of others. Scratch insurance is an additional coverage to the Vehicle Loss Insurance, meaning it can only be purchased if the Vehicle Loss Insurance is already in place and cannot be bought separately. For insurance companies, vehicle scratches are high-probability events, and a single claim often exceeds 3,000 yuan, which is why some insurers may impose restrictions on the purchase of scratch insurance.
Whether to purchase scratch insurance depends on your daily car usage. For someone like me who often drives in the city where parking spaces are tight, scratches from roadside incidents are a common occurrence. Repairing car paint costs at least a few hundred yuan, while deeper scratches can run into thousands. With an annual premium of a few hundred yuan, it's cost-effective if you encounter multiple minor scrapes and file claims. It's especially worth considering for new or high-value cars to protect their appearance and resale value. If you frequently park in crowded residential areas or parking lots with risks of falling branches, scratch insurance acts like a safety net. I've seen a friend who didn't have it spend 600 yuan to fix a scratch from a bicycle hitting their trunk. Do the math—insurance might save you more than scattered repair costs. In short, assess your parking environment and driving frequency; if you're in a high-risk area, it's advisable to buy for peace of mind and convenience.
