No matter how careful you are, dents happen. A runaway shopping cart, a parking lot door ding, or hail from a sudden storm can leave your car looking beat up. That brings up a common concern:
Does car insurance cover dents?
The answer: Yes, but it depends on how the dent happened and what type of coverage you have. Your liability insurance won’t help, but comprehensive and collision coverage often will as long as the cause of damage fits within the terms of your policy.
This guide covers:
- What types of dents are typically covered
- What insurance policies apply
- When insurers may deny dent claims
- How to file a claim
- Whether it’s worth filing
Real-world examples and FAQs
What Types of Dents Does Car Insurance Cover?
Your car insurance may cover dents caused by the following scenarios:
| Dent Cause | Covered? | Type of Insurance Needed |
| Collision with another vehicle | Yes | Collision |
| Hitting a pole, curb, or wall | Yes | Collision |
| Hailstorm or falling objects | Yes | Comprehensive |
| Vandalism (e.g., someone kicks car) | Yes | Comprehensive |
| Shopping cart in parking lot | Yes | Collision or comprehensive (depends on how it’s categorized) |
| Hit-and-run | Yes | Uninsured motorist or collision |
| Unknown cause (e.g., parked dent) | Maybe | Case-by-case, depends on insurer |
| Wear and tear (aging or rust) | No | Not covered under any policy |
| Poor maintenance or previous repair | No | Not covered |
Which Car Insurance Coverage Pays for Dents?
Understanding which part of your policy applies is key to filing a successful claim.
1. Collision Coverage
Covers dents when you hit:
- Another car
- A wall or barrier
- An object in the road
- A pothole (in some states)
If you caused the accident, collision coverage helps repair your car. A deductible applies.
2. Comprehensive Coverage
Pays for damage not caused by a crash, such as:
- Hail
- Falling tree limbs
- Theft or vandalism
- Flying debris during storms
This is especially useful for hail-related dents, one of the most common claims.
3. Liability Insurance
If you only have state-minimum liability insurance, you’re not covered for damage to your own car including dents.
Liability coverage only pays for damage you cause to others.
4. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If someone dents your car and flees the scene (hit-and-run), uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) or collision may cover it.
Note: UMPD isn’t available in every state.
When Might an Insurance Claim for Dents Be Denied?
Your claim may be rejected or not worth filing in these situations:
Pre-Existing Damage
If the dent existed before the policy started or wasn’t caused by a covered event.
Wear and Tear
Gradual deterioration, rust, or fading isn’t insurable, it’s considered a maintenance issue.
Deductible Higher Than Repair Cost
If your deductible is $500 and the dent costs $300 to fix, insurance won’t pay anything.
Lack of Evidence
If you can’t prove how or when the damage occurred, or if there’s no police report (for vandalism or hit-and-run), your claim may be denied.
Real-Life Scenario
Driver: Rachel, 42
Location: Denver, CO
Incident: Overnight hailstorm left 20+ dents on her Honda CR-V
Coverage: Full (including comprehensive)
Repair Estimate: $2,900
Deductible: $500
Outcome: Claim approved, insurer paid $2,400 after deductible
Rachel said:
“I didn’t expect hail to cause so much damage. I’m glad I had comprehensive, it would’ve been a huge out-of-pocket cost.”
How to File a Dent Claim With Your Insurance
Step 1: Document the Damage
- Take clear photos of the dent(s) from multiple angles
- Include surrounding conditions (e.g., hailstones, broken branches)
- Note the date and location of the incident
Step 2: File the Claim
- Contact your insurer online or by phone
- Provide all requested documents and photos
- Get a claim number and adjuster contact info
Step 3: Get a Repair Estimate
- Visit an approved body shop
- Ask if they offer paintless dent repair (PDR), which is often faster and cheaper
Step 4: Pay Your Deductible
- Your insurer covers the remainder up to your vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV)
Should You File a Claim or Pay Out of Pocket?
Not all dents are worth an insurance claim. Use this guide:
| Repair Cost | Deductible | Recommended Action |
| $200–$400 | $500 | Pay out of pocket |
| $600–$1,000 | $500 | Consider filing a claim |
| $1,500+ | $500–$1,000 | Likely worth filing |
Multiple claims in a short time can increase your premium, so weigh the long-term costs.
How Much Does Dent Repair Cost?
| Type of Dent | Estimated Cost |
| Small door ding | $100–$250 |
| Medium-sized dent | $250–$600 |
| Hail damage (multiple dents) | $1,000–$4,000 |
| Deep body panel dent | $500–$2,000+ |
Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) can be cheaper if there’s no paint damage.
How to Prevent Dents in the Future
While you can’t control every hazard, some smart steps can help:
Park in Covered Areas
Use garages or covered lots during storm season.
Avoid Tight Parking
Leave space between vehicles to reduce door dings.
Use a Car Cover
Especially helpful for preventing minor damage from branches, birds, and shopping carts.
Choose Strategic Spots
Avoid parking near carts, under trees, or next to high-traffic zones.
FAQs: Car Insurance and Dents
Yes, comprehensive insurance typically covers hail damage, including dents.
If caused by another car or cart and you have collision or comprehensive, it may be covered.
Some insurers cover “mystery damage” under comprehensive but you’ll need evidence and a strong claim.
Possibly. Claims, even small ones can impact your renewal rate, especially if filed frequently.
Cosmetic dents don’t affect drivability, but leaving them may reduce resale value or expose metal to rust over time.
Final Thoughts
So, does car insurance cover dents?
Yes,if you have the right coverage and the damage fits your policy’s terms. Comprehensive and collision coverage are essential if you want protection from all types of dent-causing incidents.
To recap:
- Covered by collision (accidents, objects)
- Covered by comprehensive (hail, vandalism)
- Not covered by liability-only plans
- Weigh the repair cost vs. your deductible
- Documentation and quick action improve claim success
Looking to make sure you’re protected from the unexpected? Use Alias Insurance to compare full-coverage auto policies tailored to your needs and budget.
