Does Car Insurance Cover Paint Damage
Does Car Insurance Cover Paint Damage
I spent most of the afternoon putting together a bookshelf, and I’m not going to lie, it was an adventure. But you know what’s less of an adventure? Find out if your car insurance covers paint damage. Let’s get into it!
Any type of damage to your vehicle can be a source of stress and frustration. While paint damage is less significant than other types of vehicle damage, it can make your car look unkempt and poorly maintained. However, many car owners are reluctant to seek professional help when their vehicle has paint damage. This is often because they are unsure of how much it will cost.
Does Car Insurance Cover Paint Damage?
Each car insurance company varies in the type of coverage it offers, but most comprehensive collision insurance policies cover paint damage caused by certain situations. If the paint damage was caused by an accident, vandalism, or a storm, you should contact your car insurance professional about the problem.
It’s important to note that it doesn’t always make sense to file a claim for paint damage to your vehicle. You’ll need to consider things like your policy and your car insurance deductible. It may be worth paying for repairs out of pocket to stay claim-free with your insurance. In this post, we’ll take a look at the different types of car insurance policies that cover paint damage, as well as some situations that aren’t covered by your insurance policy.
Does Car Insurance Cover Paint Damage?
Your car insurance may cover you for paint damage as part of the collision or for direct property damage compensation under your coverage (assuming you were not at fault for the accident). Your insurance may cover paintwork under your comprehensive coverage if the damage resulted from something other than a collision.
Collision insurance (and DCPD for “no-fault”) can cover repairs to your vehicle in the event of an accident, and may include compensation for repairing damaged paint. In some cases, your deductible may apply, but you are not covered if the cost of the damage is less than your deductible. Otherwise, such as in the event of an accident that was not your fault, you would likely be covered.
The same rule applies to comprehensive insurance. You are not covered if your deductible is higher than the cost of repairing the damage. However, if, for example, a tree falls on your car and causes damage, the cost of a paint job may be included in your final settlement.
Types Of Paint Damage
Before we get into the details of car insurance, let’s look at the different types of paint damage your vehicle can sustain:
- Scratches: Scratches are often caused by small accidents or contact with objects and can range from superficial imperfections to deep cuts in the paint.
- Dents: Dents occur when your vehicle experiences an impact, be it a low-speed collision, an out-of-control shopping cart, or even hail damage.
- Vandalism: Malicious acts such as graffiti, scratches or deliberate paint damage can destroy the appearance of your car.
When Does Car Insurance Cover Paint Damage?
In most cases, paint damage to your vehicle is the result of a specific incident. Unfortunately, if you are unsure of what the original cause of the paint damage was, it is unlikely that your car insurance will cover the repairs.
Additionally, if you have basic car insurance, your policy probably doesn’t cover damage to your vehicle’s paint. This type of coverage is typically offered through collision or comprehensive insurance policies.
However, there are several cases where your car insurance will cover the repair of paint damage on your vehicle. Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of paint damage that are covered by car insurance.
Paint Damage Caused By An Accident
Insurance Coverage for Paint DamageBy far the most common cause of paint damage is a traffic accident. Even the slightest impact can cause paint damage and leave the car looking neglected and poorly maintained. If your car insurance includes collision coverage, it’s probably worth repairing paint damage on your vehicle.
Paint Damage Caused By Vandalism
Your vehicle’s paint can also be damaged by acts of vandalism, such as theft. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance company will likely cover the cost of repairing paint damage caused by vandalism. Comprehensive coverage generally provides protection against any event that damages your vehicle, except for a collision.
Paint Damage Caused By Storms
Another way your vehicle can sustain paint damage is through a storm or other extreme weather event. Hailstorms, in particular, are known to wreak havoc on the exterior paint of vehicles. If your car has sustained paint damage from a storm or other natural event, your comprehensive insurance may cover the damage.
When Does Car Insurance Not Cover Paint Damage?
You might assume that your car insurance will cover paint damage. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. In fact, there are several situations where your car insurance won’t cover paint damage repairs, regardless of what type of policy you have.
- Minor Paint Damage Due To Accident
Even if you have collision coverage, your car insurance may not cover minor paint damage caused by an accident. For example, if the only damage your vehicle sustained from the accident was some dents in the doors or scratches in the paint, your insurance may not approve the claim.
- Paint Damage Due To Normal Wear And Tear
Unfortunately, normal wear and tear can cause damage to your vehicle’s paintwork. This wear and tear can be particularly severe in certain climates and regions of the country. Unfortunately, your car insurance will not cover repairs to your vehicle’s paintwork for damage caused by normal wear and tear.
It is always best to first consult with your auto insurance professional about the amount of paint damage you have sustained and the situation in which it occurred. This will save you the hassle of filing an auto insurance claim that will likely not be approved.
File A Paint Damage Claim
If your car has suffered paint damage and you want to make a claim, do not hesitate. Call your insurance company as soon as possible and report the damage.
We know that making any type of car insurance claim, no matter how small, can be stressful. Our exclusive claims services simplify the process and get you back on the road in no time.
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Conclusion
Your car insurance may cover paint damage if you have a collision or comprehensive coverage, and the damage may result from a covered claim. Contact your insurance company for details on what your policy covers.
FAQ
Yes, car insurance covers paint damage if the insured has comprehensive or fully comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive insurance covers paint damage if the damage was caused by an accident. Fully comprehensive insurance pays if the paint damage is not the result of an accident, for example, due to vandalism or a natural disaster.
In general, most mainstream insurers will cover scratches. However, if you only have third-party insurance on your car and do not have separate coverage for personal injury, the insurer will deny your claim.
Covered incidents: Comprehensive coverage generally covers damage caused by events other than collisions, such as vandalism, theft, natural disasters (hail, storms, floods), and accidents involving animals. If the peeling paint is a direct result of one of these incidents, your insurance may cover the repairs, minus your deductible.
