Will Insurance Cover Undercarriage Scraping Without On-Site Evidence?
3 Answers
If you have purchased vehicle damage insurance, it falls within the coverage scope, and the insurance will compensate. Below are the potential damages caused by undercarriage scraping: Exhaust pipe rupture: The exhaust pipe is very fragile and located at the bottom of the vehicle. Hitting sharp rocks or even scraping over speed bumps—which vary in height and shape—can easily cause the exhaust pipe to rupture, especially if the driver fails to slow down when crossing them. Control arm deformation: A car's tires are constrained by five angles in space, which affect steering control and torque transmission. When undercarriage scraping occurs, the vehicle's control arm is highly likely to deform, significantly impacting the precise tire alignment parameters. Oil pan rupture: If the undercarriage is scraped, the oil pan of the engine or transmission can easily crack, leading to oil leakage. This is the most noticeable damage but requires immediate repair; otherwise, it may cause permanent damage to the engine.
Last week, my friend's SUV scraped its undercarriage on a rural road, but no photos were taken at the scene, and the insurance company directly rejected the claim. Car insurance claims emphasize the authenticity of the accident. If there's no immediate evidence of undercarriage damage, insurers may reasonably suspect it was caused intentionally or was pre-existing damage. It's advisable to stop and take clear photos of the scraped area and road conditions immediately after such an incident, then file a report within 48 hours. If you didn't document the scene, don't panic—try getting an accident certificate from traffic police or check if your dashcam recorded the moment of impact. For daily driving, installing undercarriage protection is highly recommended, especially for those who frequently travel on rough roads.
Last year during the rainy season, my car scraped its undercarriage while driving through flooded roads. I was in a hurry and didn't pay attention at the time. It wasn't until the next day when I discovered oil leaking from the oil pan that I reported it to the insurance company. The claims adjuster said that in such cases, photos or videos of the accident scene must be provided; otherwise, it's impossible to distinguish between new and old damages. Although I ended up paying for the repairs myself, I learned a valuable lesson: the comprehensive car insurance includes coverage for accidental undercarriage damage, but it requires reporting the incident within 48 hours and providing on-site evidence. Now, I always keep the insurance company's claim hotline saved in my phone. If a similar situation occurs, I'll immediately pull over to the side of the road and record videos as evidence, capturing the vehicle's position, undercarriage scratches, and the surrounding environment.
