Does car insurance cover scratches and dents?

We've all been there: you return to your parked car and notice a new scratch or dent that wasn’t there before. Maybe it’s from a stray shopping cart, a careless driver, or even a run-in with a low-hanging tree branch. So, here’s the big question—does your car insurance cover these types of dings?

The answer? It depends on a few factors, including your insurance coverage, how the damage occurred, and who’s responsible. Let’s break down when your policy might have you covered and when you might need to cover the repair yourself.

What Type of Insurance Covers Scratches and Dents?

Understanding your car insurance coverage is the key to knowing whether your policy covers scratches and dents. Here are the main types that may apply:

Comprehensive Coverage: This covers damage that’s not caused by a collision, such as vandalism, falling objects (like tree branches), and natural events. If a runaway shopping cart dents your car or a branch scratches it during a storm, comprehensive coverage is likely to cover the repairs.
Collision Coverage: If the scratch or dent happened in a fender-bender, collision coverage comes into play. Collision coverage pays for damage from accidents, whether or not you’re at fault. So, if you accidentally hit a pole or another car, collision insurance can help cover the repairs.
Liability Coverage: This only covers damage you cause to other people’s vehicles or property. If someone else is responsible for the damage to your car, their liability insurance should cover it. But if the responsible party isn’t known—like in a hit-and-run—you may have to rely on your own coverage.

Common Scenarios: Are You Covered?

Now that you know the types of coverage, here’s a look at some common situations and whether you’re likely covered:

Shopping Cart Dent in a Parking Lot: If an errant cart damages your car, comprehensive coverage will likely cover it (minus your deductible). Without comprehensive coverage, you’d be paying for repairs yourself.
Accidentally Backing Into a Pole: Backing into something like a pole is considered an at-fault accident. In this case, collision coverage would apply if you have it.
Hit-and-Run Scratches: If someone hits your car and leaves without a note, you’re on your own unless you have comprehensive coverage. If it was a collision-related hit-and-run, uninsured motorist property damage coverage (if you have it) might also help.
Hailstorm Damage: Hail dents fall under comprehensive coverage, which includes natural disasters. If you have comprehensive coverage, hail damage repairs should be covered.

When Are You Not Covered?

There are situations where your car insurance likely won’t cover scratches or dents:

Liability-Only Insurance: Liability coverage is required by law, but it doesn’t help with damage to your car, including scratches or dents. If you only have liability insurance, you’d need to cover repairs out of pocket.
Cosmetic Damage: Insurers may see some scratches or dents as cosmetic rather than serious. Even with collision or comprehensive coverage, a claim might be denied if the damage doesn’t impact safety or functionality.

The Role of Deductibles

Even when your insurance does cover scratches or dents, your deductible applies. If repair costs are lower than or close to your deductible, it might make more sense to handle the repairs yourself. For example, if a dent repair costs $400 and your deductible is $500, filing a claim isn’t worthwhile.

Will Filing a Claim for Scratches and Dents Increase My Premiums?

It’s normal to worry about premium increases after filing a claim, even for minor scratches or dents. Generally, filing multiple claims within a short period can increase rates, but the exact impact depends on your driving history, the type of claim, and your insurer’s policies.

At MapleCoverage, we work with customers to determine when filing a claim makes sense and when paying out of pocket might be the better option.