Should I repair the car scratch myself or report it to the insurance?
3 Answers
Since the more claims you make, the higher your car insurance rate will be, it is recommended to repair minor scratches yourself. Vehicle Insurance: Also known as motor vehicle insurance or simply car insurance, it refers to a type of commercial insurance that covers liability for personal injury or property damage caused by natural disasters or accidents involving motor vehicles. Car insurance is a form of property insurance and is relatively new in the field of property insurance, as it emerged and developed alongside the advent and popularization of automobiles. Types of Vehicle Insurance: Vehicle insurance can be divided into commercial insurance and compulsory traffic insurance. Commercial insurance further includes two parts: main vehicle insurance and additional insurance.
I think when the car gets scratched, the first thing to consider is the size and severity of the damage. For small scratches or paint scuffs, handling it yourself is the most cost-effective—just buy a touch-up paint kit online for a few dozen bucks and fix it easily, saving the hassle of going to a repair shop and dealing with insurance. But if there's body denting or damage to safety components like headlight brackets, filing an insurance claim is safer, as DIY repairs could be costly and leave hidden risks. Also, factor in the insurance deductible and potential premium increases—small claims can lead to hundreds more in premiums over the next few years, far outweighing DIY savings. My advice is to take photos to assess the damage, consult friends or check online for quotes, handle minor issues yourself, and leave major ones to professionals—balancing cost and risk.
From my experience, first assess whether you can fix a car scratch yourself. Small scratches can be easily handled with a touch-up pen—there are plenty of online tutorial videos showing how to clean the surface and apply thin layers step by step. The tools are cheap and fun to use. Avoid filing an insurance claim unless the damage is significant, as it could lead to soaring premiums and disrupt your budget. For example, minor paint damage under a thousand yuan in repair costs is more cost-effective to handle yourself. If the damage exceeds that, filing a claim might save hassle but involves a time-consuming process. Try DIY more often to build skills, protect your car, enjoy the process, and reduce future expenses.
