Should I Use the Free Paint Job from Car Insurance?
2 Answers
It's best not to use the free paint job offered by car insurance—think twice before proceeding. Here's the relevant information: Reason: Avoid paint jobs for minor scratches that don't expose the primer or for cars worth over 150,000 RMB or less than three years old. Typically, new cars are sold after about 5 to 6 years, and a full repaint can actually reduce resale value. Used car dealers use paint thickness gauges to inspect the finish, and a full repaint will definitely lead to lower offers. Consider polishing: In many cases, unless you plan to drive the car until it's scrapped or it has extensive damage, a full repaint may not be necessary. Localized repairs through polishing can often suffice, as long as the scratches haven't reached the primer, polishing can generally achieve satisfactory results.
I was also torn about this issue last time, so I asked a friend who works in auto repair. He said it depends on the specific situation: if the car is new and has no scratches, you can keep this benefit for when it's needed; but if your car already has a few minor scrapes, it's better to use it sooner. After all, the free touch-up paint is of decent quality and can prevent metal oxidation and rust. However, note that insurance-provided paint repairs are usually limited to one panel, so prioritize repairing obvious areas like doors or the hood. Also, check if the repair shop is reliable—don't cut corners only to make things worse. My advice is to wash the car first and inspect it. If there are obvious flaws, go ahead and use the benefit, don’t wait until it expires and regret it later.
