Should I File an Insurance Claim for Vehicle Scratches?
3 Answers
If the insurance premium discount is greater than the repair cost for the vehicle scratches, do not file an insurance claim. If the insurance premium discount is less than the repair cost for the vehicle scratches, then you should file an insurance claim. Below is relevant information: 1. Determine the extent of damage and decide on a repair plan: After a vehicle is scratched, you can first visually assess the extent of the damage. For minor scratches that do not require bodywork, a simple polish will suffice. If the damage has caused deformation, then it is necessary to take the vehicle to a repair shop. 2. Damage assessment: After a vehicle is scratched, you need to call your insurance company, specifically the company that provides your vehicle insurance. An insurance assessor will then conduct an on-site inspection and take photos of the exterior. It is important to note that you must protect the scene of the incident.
I've been driving for many years and have encountered countless scratches. If it's just a minor scrape, like a small scratch on the door, I usually don't file an insurance claim. Because if you report it to the insurance company, your premium might increase by a few hundred dollars the next year, and if you file claims continuously, the increase could be even more. For minor repairs, I just find a local repair shop to do the paint job, which costs a few hundred dollars—saving both money and hassle. But if the scratch is severe, exposing the primer or causing deformation, and the repair costs several thousand dollars, then it's time to file a claim. The key is to assess the damage yourself—for example, take a photo with your phone, ask a mechanic for a quote, and consider the deductible in your insurance policy. In short, don’t panic and file a claim for every little scratch. You need to balance the cost and time. From my experience, paying out of pocket for minor issues is more cost-effective.
As a busy professional, I prioritize time and effort efficiency when dealing with car scratches. For minor scratches, I avoid insurance claims—it's too troublesome with reporting, waiting for damage assessment, and paperwork that can drag on for days, disrupting work. Last time my car got scratched by tree branches while parked roadside, a local repair shop fixed it with a ¥200 touch-up paint job in just half an hour. Filing an insurance claim would've taken half a day and potentially raised my premium. My advice: assess the scratch severity first—if minor, opt for quick fixes at small shops or DIY with touch-up pens for peace of mind. Of course, for significant dents or accidents involving other vehicles, insurance is necessary to avoid disputes, but most minor scratches aren't worth the hassle.
