What to Do If Your New Car Gets Scratched Right After Purchase?
2 Answers
If it's just a minor scratch on the paint without damaging the underlying metal and it doesn't affect the appearance, you can hide it by waxing. If the scratch on the new car is severe and was caused by another party, you can ask them to compensate for the repair if they're present at the scene. If the person responsible flees and cannot be found, you'll have to file a claim with your own insurance company, but only 30% of the cost will be covered.
It's really upsetting to get a scratch on a brand-new car right after picking it up. I had a similar experience once when I parked in a supermarket parking lot and found a scratch on the left rear door when I returned. I immediately stayed calm, moved the car to a safe corner with hazard lights on, and then checked the extent of the damage, taking photos including both wide shots and close-ups. Since I couldn’t find the responsible party, I directly contacted my insurance company to file a claim. They arranged for me to visit a partnered repair shop for an assessment, where it turned out to be a minor issue that could be fixed with polishing. This incident taught me the importance of protecting a new car—buying scratch insurance is quite cost-effective, and parking farther away in less crowded areas can reduce risks. Now, I also pay attention to details when washing the car to detect issues early and prevent them from worsening.
