You park your car outside for the night, only to return the next day and find scratches, chips, or faded paint. Or maybe you’ve been in a fender bender that left scuff marks and a nasty paint scrape.
Whatever the cause, paint damage isn’t just an eyesore, it can hurt your car’s resale value and even lead to rust or corrosion if left untreated.
So the big question is:
Will your car insurance cover paint damage?
The answer is: It depends on what caused the damage and what type of insurance coverage you have.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- What types of paint damage car insurance covers
- Which coverage types apply
- What’s not covered
- Deductibles and claim process
- How to decide if filing a claim is worth it
- Tips to protect your car’s paint in the future
Let’s get started so you know what to expect and how to handle the next scratch or scuff.
Types of Car Insurance That May Cover Paint Damage
Not all car insurance policies are created equal. Whether your paint damage is covered depends on the type of coverage you carry.
1. Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive insurance protects your car from non-collision-related damage, and it often covers paint damage from:
- Vandalism (e.g., keying, spray paint)
- Weather (hail, falling branches, debris)
- Fire or explosion
- Animal damage
- Theft or attempted break-in
- Tree sap, acid rain, or natural contaminants (case by case)
If your paint is damaged by anything other than a collision, comprehensive is your best bet for coverage.
2. Collision Coverage
Collision insurance covers damage resulting from crashes or impact, including:
- Hitting another car
- Hitting a wall or guardrail
- Parking lot collisions
- Scraping a pole or curb
If the paint damage occurred during an accident, collision coverage would likely apply even if you’re at fault.
3. Liability Insurance (Third-Party Only)
Liability coverage does not cover your own vehicle, including its paint.
However, if someone else is at fault for your damage, their liability insurance should pay for your repairs, including repainting your vehicle through a third-party claim.
Common Causes of Paint Damage, Are They Covered?
| Cause of Paint Damage | Covered by Insurance? | Coverage Type |
| Vandalism (keyed, spray paint) | Yes | Comprehensive |
| Accident with another car | Yes (if at fault: collision) | Collision or third-party |
| Hailstorm | Yes | Comprehensive |
| Scraping a pole | Yes | Collision |
| Acid rain or tree sap | Sometimes (case-by-case) | Comprehensive (rare) |
| Rock chips from the road | No (usually considered wear) | Not covered |
| Fading or oxidation | No (due to age/exposure) | Not covered |
| DIY paint job gone wrong | No | Not covered |
What’s Not Covered?
Even if you have full coverage, certain types of paint damage are generally not covered by insurance.
Normal Wear and Tear
- Fading from sun exposure
- Minor swirl marks or aging
- Discoloration over time
These are considered maintenance issues, not insurable events.
Poor Quality Paint Work
If your car has been repainted and the job begins to flake, peel, or discolor, that’s considered a cosmetic issue or workmanship flaw not a covered peril.
Owner-Caused Damage (e.g., cleaning mistakes)
Using abrasive sponges or chemicals that damage paint typically isn’t covered unless it was done during a covered repair process by a mechanic or body shop.
Deductibles and Paint Damage Claims
If your policy covers the damage, your insurer will pay for the cost to repaint or repair the area, minus your deductible.
Example:
- Repainting cost: $1,200
- Comprehensive deductible: $500
- Insurance pays: $700
- You pay: $500 (deductible)
If the damage is minor (under or close to your deductible), it may not be worth filing a claim.
Is Repainting the Whole Car Covered?
Most insurance companies will only pay to repaint the damaged panels, not the entire vehicle. For example:
- If your bumper and hood are scratched, they’ll repaint those sections only
- If you want to repaint the whole car to match, you pay the difference
Only in cases where the entire car is damaged (like vandalism or fire) will insurance potentially cover a full-body paint job.
How Much Does Paint Damage Repair Cost?
Here’s what you might expect based on the extent of damage:
| Type of Damage | Repair Cost Estimate |
| Small chip or scratch | $150 – $300 |
| Panel repaint (door, hood) | $400 – $1,000 |
| Full repaint (entire car) | $2,500 – $7,000+ |
| Vandalism with multiple panels | $1,200 – $3,000+ |
Costs can vary based on paint type (metallic, matte, custom colors), vehicle size, and labor rates in your area.
When to File a Paint Damage Claim
Filing a claim is a personal decision. Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide:
File a Claim If:
- Damage is clearly covered by your policy
- Cost exceeds your deductible by several hundred dollars
- You have documentation of how the damage occurred
- You’re not worried about a potential premium increase
Pay Out of Pocket If:
- The repair cost is less than your deductible
- You want to avoid a claim on your record
- You plan to repaint or restore the vehicle anyway
Note: Too many small claims can lead to higher premiums or policy cancellation.
Real-Life Example
Driver: Lila, 35
Location: Seattle, WA
Vehicle: 2021 Subaru Outback
Situation: Vandalized (spray paint on two doors)
Coverage: Comprehensive with $500 deductible
Repair Cost: $1,400
Insurance Paid: $900 after deductible
Lila said:
“The repair shop handled the estimate and billing with my insurer. I only paid the deductible, and the paint looks brand new.”
How to File a Claim for Paint Damage
If you decide to file a claim, follow these steps:
Step 1: Document the Damage
- Take high-quality photos
- Note the time, date, and location
- Keep receipts or police reports (if applicable)
Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company
- File online, via app, or by phone
- Describe the incident in detail
- Submit photos and supporting documents
Step 3: Get an Estimate
- Use an insurer-approved repair shop
- Or get independent quotes (if allowed)
Step 4: Approve Repairs and Pay Deductible
- Once approved, schedule your repair
Pay your deductible when the work is complete
How to Prevent Paint Damage
Prevention is always cheaper than repair. Here are a few tips:
Park Smart
- Avoid trees that drip sap
- Park away from high-traffic areas
- Use a garage or covered space when possible
Wash and Wax Regularly
- Clean off bird droppings, sap, or chemicals ASAP
- Wax every 3–6 months to protect your clear coat
Install Paint Protection Film or Ceramic Coating
- These help prevent chips, UV damage, and chemical stains
Some insurers even offer discounts for protective measures
FAQs: Car Insurance and Paint Damage
No. Fading from sun exposure or aging is considered wear and tear and not covered by any insurance type.
Possibly. It depends on the claim history, amount, and insurer. One minor claim may not cause a hike, but multiple small claims can.
Yes, reputable shops use your car’s paint code to match color and finish. However, older paint may have faded, so minor mismatches are possible.
In most cases, yes. But insurers may prefer approved shops to streamline the process and guarantee the work.
Comprehensive insurance should cover it as vandalism. You may also need to file a police report depending on your insurer’s policy.
Final Thoughts
So, will car insurance cover paint damage?
Yes, if you have the right type of coverage and the damage was caused by a covered event.
To recap:
- Comprehensive covers non-collision paint damage like vandalism or hail
- Collision covers paint damage from crashes
- Liability-only policies do not cover your own car’s paint
If the damage is minor, consider paying out of pocket. But for more serious issues especially if they affect multiple panels, filing a claim may be worth it.
Looking for the best policy to protect your vehicle inside and out? Use Alias Insurance to compare comprehensive and collision quotes from top insurers in your area.
