In Canada, auto insurance policies typically cover damages resulting from accidents or incidents such as collision, theft, or vandalism. Whether or not scratches on your car are covered by your insurance policy will depend on the cause of the scratches and the specific coverage included in your policy.
If the scratches were caused by another driver or an event covered by your policy (such as vandalism or collision), your insurance company may cover the cost of repairs or a portion of the cost, depending on your coverage. However, if the scratches were caused by normal wear and tear or age, they may not be covered by your insurance.
It is important to check the details of your specific policy and speak with your insurance provider to determine if scratches on your car are covered and what the process for making a claim is.
When does car insurance cover scratches?
Whether car insurance covers scratches depends on the type of insurance coverage you have and the cause of the scratches.
If the scratches are the result of a collision with another vehicle or object, they would typically be covered under collision insurance, which is a type of car insurance that pays for damages to your vehicle resulting from a crash.
If the scratches were caused by something else, such as vandalism or hail damage, they may be covered under comprehensive insurance, which is another type of car insurance that provides coverage for non-collision damage to your vehicle.
It’s important to review your car insurance policy to understand what types of damage are covered and what types of damage are not covered. In some cases, you may need to purchase additional coverage to protect against specific types of damage, such as vandalism or hail damage.
How much does it cost to repair a scratch on a car?
The cost of repairing a scratch on a car can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the scratch, the location of the scratch on the car, the type of paint and clear coat used on the car, and the type of repair needed. Here’s a rough estimate of the average cost of repairing a scratch in some major Canadian cities:
- Toronto: The cost can range from $50 to $400, depending on the size and location of the scratch.
- Montreal: The cost can range from $50 to $300, depending on the size and location of the scratch.
- Vancouver: The cost can range from $50 to $300, depending on the size and location of the scratch.
- Calgary: The cost can range from $50 to $300, depending on the size and location of the scratch.
- Ottawa: The cost can range from $50 to $300, depending on the size and location of the scratch.
Here are some bullet points that could affect the cost of repairing a scratch on a car:
- Size of the scratch: A small scratch will likely cost less to repair than a large scratch.
- Location of the scratch: A scratch on a more visible area of the car, such as the door or hood, will likely cost more to repair than a scratch on a less visible area, such as the trunk or roof.
- Type of paint and clear coat used on the car: Some types of paint and clear coat are more expensive to repair than others.
- Type of repair needed: A touch-up using paint pens or brush-on paint will likely cost less to repair than a full paint job.
It’s important to note that these estimates are rough and the actual cost of repairing a scratch on your car may vary. It’s best to get an estimate from a reputable auto body shop or car dealership.
What to do if someone scratches your car while parked and left
If someone scratches your car while it’s parked and they’ve left the scene, here are some steps you can follow:
- Document the damage: Take photos of the scratch and note the location and any other details about the incident.
- Report the incident: Report the incident to the police and file a report, if necessary.
- Try to locate the responsible party: Check around the area for any witnesses, security cameras, or notes left by the responsible party.
- Contact your insurance company: Contact your insurance company and report the incident. They will advise you on the next steps to take, including whether you need to pay a deductible or not.
- Get an estimate for repairs: Take your car to a reputable auto body shop and get an estimate for the repairs.
- Decide whether to make a claim: Based on the cost of repairs, decide whether to make a claim with your insurance company or pay for the repairs yourself.
- Keep receipts and documentation: If you do make a claim, make sure to keep receipts and any other documentation related to the incident and repairs.
Someone scratched my car and I have their number plate
If someone scratched your car and you have their license plate number, you may be able to use that information to file a claim with your insurance company. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may be able to make a claim under your comprehensive insurance coverage, which covers non-collision damage to your vehicle.
If the damage is minor, you may be able to handle the claim directly with the other driver’s insurance company, rather than filing a claim with your own insurance company. In this case, you would provide the other driver’s insurance company with the license plate number, a description of the damage, and any other relevant information.
It’s important to note that filing a claim with the other driver’s insurance company may not always result in a satisfactory resolution, as the other driver may deny responsibility for the damage. In this case, you may need to seek legal advice to explore your options for resolving the matter.
If you decide to file a claim with your insurance company, it’s important to report the incident as soon as possible and provide all relevant information, including the license plate number, to help the insurance company process your claim.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about auto insurance and scratches:
- Will my auto insurance cover scratches on my car? The answer depends on the type of coverage you have. If you have collision coverage, your insurance may cover scratches that result from an accident. However, if the scratches are due to normal wear and tear or other non-accident related causes, your insurance may not cover them.
- How much will it cost to repair scratches on my car? The cost of repairing scratches on a car can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the type of repair needed. Minor scratches may be able to be buffed out for a few hundred dollars, while more significant scratches or those that require painting can cost several thousand dollars to repair.
- Should I file an insurance claim for scratches on my car? If the scratches are minor and the cost of repair is lower than your insurance deductible, it may not be worth filing an insurance claim. However, if the scratches are significant and the repair cost is high, it may be worth filing a claim to help cover the cost.
- Will filing an insurance claim for scratches on my car increase my rates? Filing an insurance claim for scratches on your car may result in an increase in your insurance rates, especially if you have multiple claims or a history of accidents. However, the increase may be minimal if the cost of repair is not significant.
- Can I use a scratch repair kit on my car without affecting my auto insurance? Using a scratch repair kit on your car should not affect your auto insurance as long as you are not making any modifications to the car that would void your insurance policy. However, if the scratches are significant or require painting, it may be best to have a professional repair the damage.
- Will my auto insurance cover scratches caused by vandalism? If you have comprehensive coverage, your auto insurance may cover scratches caused by vandalism. However, you will need to file a police report and provide documentation of the damage to your insurance company.
- How can I prevent scratches on my car? To prevent scratches on your car, you can take several precautions, such as parking away from other vehicles, avoiding driving in areas with lots of debris, using a car cover, and washing and waxing your car regularly.
- What should I do if I notice scratches on a rental car? If you notice scratches on a rental car, you should report them to the rental company as soon as possible. Take photos of the damage and ask for a written report from the rental company. Depending on your rental agreement, you may be liable for the cost of repairing the scratches.
- Can I file an insurance claim for scratches on a leased car? If you lease a car, you may be required to have comprehensive and collision coverage, which can help cover scratches that occur during the lease period. However, you will need to check your lease agreement and insurance policy to determine the coverage and deductible amount.
- How can I find a reputable auto body shop to repair scratches on my car? To find a reputable auto body shop to repair scratches on your car, you can ask for recommendations from friends or family, check online reviews, and ask the shop for references. Be sure to get a written estimate for the repair cost and ask about the shop’s warranty and insurance coverage.
About the Author: Valerie D. Hahn
