What is the process for filing an auto insurance claim for self-inflicted scratches?

[McRuby]

Call the insurance company's customer service hotline to report the claim, providing a general description of your vehicle's condition. Once the insurance company's surveyor arrives at the scene, they will verify the cause, nature, and extent of the damage. Next is the damage assessment process, where the repair shop evaluates the vehicle's damage. The insurance representative and the vehicle owner will sign off on the assessment if there are no disagreements. Gather all necessary documents for the case and submit them to the insurance representative to process the claim. After undergoing reviews by various departments within the insurance company, the approved claim amount will be transferred to the vehicle owner's account.

[StGarrett]

My experience from the last time I scraped a tree trunk while reversing: First, turn on the hazard lights and park the car in a safe spot, then get out and carefully inspect the location and depth of the scrape. Remember to take photos from different angles with your phone, including wide shots and close-ups, and make sure to capture road references. Immediately call the insurance company to report the incident—they require the report to be filed within 48 hours. In my case, the scrape happened at night, and the customer service representative instructed me to visit a designated repair shop the next morning. Bring your driver's license, vehicle registration, and a copy of the insurance policy to the repair shop, where the mechanic will assess the damage and take photos on the spot. After signing the damage assessment form, the repairs will begin. When picking up the car four days later, the repair costs were automatically settled. A reminder to everyone: keep the scene photos for at least three months. If the repair cost is below 2000 yuan, it’s advisable to pay out of pocket to avoid an increase in next year’s insurance premium.

[LaValerie]

When my car scraped against a pillar in the garage, the first step was to ensure everyone's safety, then turn off the engine, activate the hazard warning lights, and place the triangular warning sign behind the car. Taking photos requires skill—not just capturing the scratches but also the entire vehicle environment. I took photos from eight angles and sent them to the insurance company. When filing the claim, the agent asked detailed questions, including the exact time, whether I was driving under the influence, and asked me to describe the object I collided with. I recommend saving your policy number in your phone in advance to save time during the call. The follow-up process was straightforward—just present your ID at the designated repair shop, and they handle communication with the insurance adjuster. You don’t need to pay upfront, but remember to keep the repair receipts. Most importantly, never attempt repairs on your own, as the insurance company may deny the claim.

[SamuelMarie]

I've handled three scratch claims, and the process is generally standardized: After safely parking, immediately take photos for evidence, including the vehicle's position and damage details. When calling the insurance company to report the incident, accurately describe the accident's time and location. For minor damages, some companies offer a fast-track claim process requiring only photo uploads. Then wait for the adjuster's call, usually within an hour, for next steps. When visiting the repair shop for assessment and repairs, bring all necessary documents and consider booking an appointment to avoid queues. The entire process typically takes three to five days, with timely reporting being crucial to avoid expiration. For minor scratches, out-of-pocket repairs might be more cost-effective.