Does car insurance cover scratches and dents?
Whether your car insurance covers scratches and dents depends on the type of cover you hold.
It may also depend on how the scratches and dents were formed, and whether they're the result of an accident for which you were at fault.
There are four main categories of car insurance available to Australians (listed below in order of the most basic to the most comprehensive):
Type of | What does it cover? | Does this car insurance |
|---|---|---|
Mandatory car insurance | No | |
Third party property damage | Financially covers you if you cause damage | Only if you are in an accident |
Third party fire and theft | Covers your car if it’s damaged by fire or stolen, | Possibly, if your car’s scratches and/or dents:
|
Provides more thorough cover for damage or theft to your car, | Yes, for a broad range of damages, |
*Also called motor accident injuries (MAI) insurance in the ACT and Green Slip insurance in NSW.
In short, if you want cover for dents and scratches, then a comprehensive car insurance policy will offer the broadest range of cover and greatest piece of mind.
Bear in mind that insurers apply different conditions, such as inclusions and exclusions, to each category of insurance. It's important to read your policy documentation carefully to know exactly what you're covered for.
If you have one of the above optional types of car insurance but you're not sure which, it's wise to call your insurer to check on your level of cover, to make sure you have protection that meets your needs.
How much does it cost to repair a dent or scratch to a car?
According to Touch Up Guys, these are the estimated repair costs to expect if your car is scratched and/or dented:
- A paint chip or light scratch can cost anywhere between $150 and $300 to repair.
- A small dent with chipped paint may cost somewhere between $100 and $400.
But how much your actual repairs could cost will boil down to:
- The severity of the damage
- The repairer you select
- The complexity of repairs and the manpower needed.
If your car has been scuffed up from a road accident, it may be worthwhile to get multiple quotes from different repairers.
Is it worth claiming on car insurance for a scratch or dent?
Whether or not it is worth claiming on car insurance for a scratch or dent depends on your circumstances and the type of car insurance policy you have.
Some things to consider may include:
- Your excess: Claiming for a scratch and/or dent isn’t worth it if your policy’s excess exceeds the cost of repairs. Conversely, it might be worth claiming for the cost of fixing your car if repair costs surpass your policy’s excess.
- Extent of damage: If the damage is relatively minor, it may not be worth the price of excess.
- No claims bonus: If the damage is only mild, it may not be worth risking your no claims bonus (if your insurer offers one).
To find the details of what level of cover you have on your car insurance policy, give your insurer a call or read your policy documentation for the finer details of what you are covered for.
