Yes, car insurance can cover scratches and dents, but it depends on the coverage you carry and how the damage happened. If the dents or scratches are from an accident, vandalism, weather, or other covered event, your insurance may help pay for repairs through collision or comprehensive coverage. On the other hand, insurance usually does not cover small cosmetic damage or normal wear and tear. Knowing which damages are covered and which are not will help you decide if filing a claim is the right choice.
Why Scratches and Dents Matter?
Scratches and dents may seem minor, but they can lower the value of your car and make it look poorly maintained. Deep scratches can also lead to rust, which spreads and causes more costly repairs later. For leased cars, even small cosmetic issues may result in high return fees. For owners planning to sell or trade in their vehicle, fixing these blemishes can increase resale value.
Insurance companies look at the cause of damage. A scratch from a keying incident is different from a scratch caused by washing your car with the wrong sponge. One may be covered, while the other is considered wear and tear.
Types of Car Insurance That May Cover Scratches and Dents
Not all car insurance policies cover scratches and dents. Here is a breakdown:
1. Liability Insurance
- What it covers: Damages you cause to another person’s car.
- Scratches and dents coverage: Does not cover your car. If you scratch someone else’s car in a crash, your liability insurance pays their repair.
2. Collision Coverage
- What it covers: Damage to your car after hitting another vehicle or object.
- Examples: Backing into a pole, being hit by another car, scraping a wall while parking.
- Applies to scratches and dents? Yes, if they came from a collision.
3. Comprehensive Coverage
- What it covers: Non-collision damage like theft, vandalism, fire, weather, or falling objects.
- Examples: Car keyed in a parking lot, hailstorm dents, tree branch falling on your hood.
- Applies to scratches and dents? Yes, if caused by covered events.
4. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
- What it covers: Damage caused by a driver with no insurance or not enough insurance.
- Applies to scratches and dents? Yes, if another uninsured driver damages your car in a crash.
5. Wear and Tear Exclusions
Most policies exclude cosmetic damage from daily use. This means scratches from pets, small door dings from parking, or faded paint are not covered.
Common Situations Where Insurance Covers Scratches and Dents
Car insurance has different parts. For elderly parents, some coverages are especially useful.
- Liability Coverage – Pays for injuries or damages they cause to others. Required by most states.
- Collision Coverage – Covers damage to their own car after an accident.
- Comprehensive Coverage – Protects against theft, weather damage, fire, or animal collisions.
- Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) – Pays hospital costs for them and passengers.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – Covers medical expenses and sometimes lost wages after an accident, regardless of fault.
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage – Protects if they are hit by a driver with no insurance.
- Roadside Assistance – Helpful for breakdowns, flat tires, or dead batteries.
- Rental Reimbursement – Covers rental costs if their car is being repaired.
For elderly parents, medical coverage and roadside assistance are particularly important.
When Insurance Does Not Cover Scratches and Dents?
Insurance does not cover every type of damage. Here are situations usually excluded:
- Minor scratches from car washes
- Door dings in a lot if no one is identified and you lack comprehensive coverage
- Faded paint, sun damage, or rust
- Normal wear from daily use
- Damage that costs less than your deductible
Cost of Repairing Scratches and Dents
Repair prices vary by type of damage, location, and repair method.
| Damage Type | Typical Repair Method | Average Cost |
| Minor paint scratch | Buffing, touch-up paint | $150 – $300 |
| Deep scratch | Sanding, repainting | $300 – $900 |
| Small dent (no paint damage) | Paintless dent repair | $100 – $200 |
| Large dent with paint damage | Panel replacement and repaint | $500 – $1,500 |
| Hailstorm dents (multiple) | Paintless dent repair across car | $1,000 – $3,000 |
Key takeaway: For minor issues, the cost may be lower than your deductible, making a claim unnecessary. For larger repairs, insurance can save you thousands.
Filing a Claim for Scratches and Dents
Here’s how to file a claim if the damage is covered:
- Document the damage – Take photos from multiple angles and note the date and cause.
- Check your deductible – Ensure the damage cost exceeds your deductible.
- Contact your insurance company – Report details of the event.
- Submit police report if needed – For vandalism or hit-and-run, insurers usually require one.
- Get repair estimates – Visit approved shops for quotes.
- Wait for adjuster inspection – Insurers may send an adjuster to assess the damage.
- Approval and payment – Once approved, repairs are covered minus your deductible.
Pros of Filing a Claim
- Saves money on major repairs
- Protects against unexpected costs
Cons of Filing a Claim
- Premiums may rise for several years
- Filing for minor damage may cost more long-term
Deductibles and Their Role
Your deductible is the amount you pay before insurance kicks in. If your deductible is $500 and repair is $400, insurance pays nothing. Even if repairs are $600, you pay $500 while insurance covers $100, which may not be worth it given possible premium hikes.
How Claims Affect Insurance Premiums
Insurers may raise your premium after claims, especially collision or comprehensive claims. Minor cosmetic claims can sometimes lead to hundreds more in annual premiums. Because of this, experts recommend only filing for large repairs or damages that clearly exceed your deductible.
Tips to Prevent Scratches and Dents
While some damage is unavoidable, prevention can save money.
- Park further away in lots to avoid door dings
- Use a garage or covered parking to avoid weather damage
- Apply protective film or ceramic coating to paint
- Avoid tailgating to prevent debris hitting your car
- Be mindful near bushes, trees, or walls
- Regularly wax and wash to protect paint
Comparing Insurers for Scratch and Dent Coverage
| Company | Strength for Scratch/Dent Claims | Notes |
| GEICO | Strong collision/comprehensive options | Affordable premiums but deductibles may be higher |
| State Farm | Large agent support, flexible coverage | Good for vandalism and collision claims |
| Progressive | Easy online claims, quick process | Flexible deductible options |
| Allstate | Optional scratch and dent repair programs | May offer accident forgiveness |
| USAA | Excellent rates for military families | Limited to veterans and relatives |
Real-Life Scenarios
- Vandalism in apartment parking lot: Comprehensive covers deep key scratches across the side of the car.
- Severe hailstorm: Comprehensive covers thousands of dollars in roof and hood dents.
- Backed into pole: Collision covers bumper dents and paint repair.
- Hit-and-run: Comprehensive or uninsured motorist coverage pays if another driver damages your car and leaves.
- Minor door scratch in parking lot: Often not covered unless the other driver is identified.
FAQ: People Also Ask
No, gradual wear like faded paint or rust is excluded.
Yes, if you carry both collision and comprehensive, most types of scratch and dent damage are covered.
Yes, comprehensive coverage applies as long as you file a police report.
These are considered avoidable and are not covered by insurance.
Yes, but it usually increases your premium.
Usually no, unless the repair is far above your deductible.
Yes. An accident history report may show insurance claims, which can reduce resale price. Paying out of pocket avoids this.
No, these only cover mechanical issues, not cosmetic damage.
Conclusion
Car insurance can cover scratches and dents, but only in certain situations. Collision coverage pays when the damage comes from an accident with another vehicle or object. Comprehensive coverage helps when vandalism, weather, or falling objects cause the damage. Wear and tear, sun damage, or minor scratches are not covered. Because deductibles apply and claims can raise premiums, many drivers pay out of pocket for small repairs and save insurance for large ones.
By understanding your coverage, weighing costs, and taking preventive steps, you can protect your car’s value and keep your finances safe.
