Car scratches are not only unsightly, but they can cause issues in the long term by weakening your car's structural integrity. When your vehicle gets scratched, you may try to buff it out, but sometimes, the damage is done, and there's nothing you can do to smoothen it out. As a result, you may wonder if you can get protection from your car coverage. Take a look at whether or not your
auto insurance in Valatie, NY, will cover your car scratches repair.
Will Auto Insurance Cover Car Scratches?
Car damage covered by car insurance
The way in which your car gets scratches makes a big difference as to whether your
auto insurance will help or not. Depending on how it gets damaged, your comprehensive, liability, or collision coverage will step up to cover the cost of repairs.
Comprehensive coverage may help
Comprehensive coverage covers unexpected car damages outside of accidents and collisions. Comprehensive coverage is optional in every state, so you may or may not have this coverage. If your car was keyed by a vandal, a tree fell on your vehicle, or a shopping cart ran into your car and scratched it, you can turn to this coverage to help with your repair costs. Other incidents may also be covered, such as you accidentally scraping the side of your car while backing out of the garage. Every situation is unique, so be sure to contact your insurance agent for more help and support in filing a claim.
Collision Insurance for Car Repairs
Collision insurance covers damages to your car if:
- You scrape or hit a stationary object, such as a tree or pole
- Tree branches scrape your paintwork
- You hit another car
- Your car chassis is damaged in the car wash
What Is Not Covered by Collision Insurance?
Collision insurance does not cover:
- Damages to third party vehicle
- Damages caused by hail, theft, floods, or fire
- Medical bills incurred by you
Car Insurance Claim Exclusions for Minor Damages
There are some minor damages that your
car insurance policy does not cover, including:
- Scratches resulting from age-related wear and tear
- Damages caused by your negligence
- Damages that worsened over time due to delayed reporting of the accident
- Violation of car insurance policy
If your claim is denied, consider paying for the damages or repairs out of pocket before they aggravate.
If you don't know where the scratch came from, contact your insurer
In most cases, you can discuss the case with the insurance company's adjuster, and they can make an educated guess on the type of scratch based on its appearance. You may still be able to file a claim and receive compensation for fixing the scratches.
Do you have any questions when it comes to your
auto insurance policy and repairing the scratch on it?
Call the professionals at
Kneller Insurance Agency today to get started on quality coverage you can count on.
