Does Car Insurance Cover Scratches and Dents? Scratch and Dent Policies

When your car gets dented or scratched, it can be more than just a slight nuisance. If you finance or lease your car, you may be charged extra for any noticeable cosmetic damage, and if you wish to sell, it could lower the resale price if the issue isn’t fixed. You may need to fix the problem yourself, but this could put you out of pocket. Luckily, there are scratch and dent policies available, but does your car insurance cover scratches and dents?

Our guide will explore whether or not you can claim for a scratch or dent on your car insurance, the average cost for a policy, and whether a scratch or dent will affect your car insurance. We will also discuss our scratch and dent policies here at ALA, and how they can benefit you.

Can You Claim on Your Car Insurance for a Scratch or a Dent?

If you have a comprehensive car insurance policy, it will usually cover cosmetic damage such as scratches or dents, particularly if they result from an accident or vandalism. However, for minor damage, many drivers choose not to claim.

This is mainly because of the policy excess, which can be similar to or higher than the repair cost. On top of that, making a claim may increase your future premiums and affect your no-claims discount, making it an expensive choice in the long run. Claiming tends to make more sense when the damage is significant or the repair cost is well above your excess.

For smaller, everyday damage, scratch and dent insurance can be a more practical alternative. These policies are designed specifically for minor cosmetic issues like scuffs, chips, and dents. They typically cover a set number of repairs per year, often come with no excess, and don’t impact your main motor insurance policy. At ALA, you can claim up to four times a year with no excess.

How Much Does it Cost to Fix Scratches and Dents on Cars?

The cost of fixing scratches and dents on a car in the UK can vary widely depending on the severity of the damage and the size of the affected area.

For minor scratches, such as light surface marks, repairs can be relatively inexpensive. Professional polishing or SMART repairs typically cost around £50 to £150, while DIY kits can be as little as £10 to £30.

For deeper scratches that go through the paint, costs rise significantly. These repairs often require repainting and can range from £150 to £500+ per panel, with full panel resprays costing £200 to £600 or more depending on the size of the area.

When it comes to dents, small “door dings” that don’t damage the paint can often be repaired using paintless dent removal for around £50 to £150. However, larger dents or those with paint damage may cost £200 to £600+, especially if filling and repainting are needed.

These costs are why scratch and dent insurance policies are a smart idea, especially if you park on the road at home or at work, or your car is susceptible to receiving scratches and dents. However, if the scratches or dents are deep and extensive, you may need to claim on your car insurance.

The prices of our policies vary depending on the years of cover and claims per year that you choose. You can build your scratch and dent policy quote here.

Will Making a Claim for Scratch or Dent Affect My Car Insurance Price?

Making a claim for a scratch or dent can affect your car insurance price, especially if it’s made on your main comprehensive insurance policy.

For minor cosmetic damage, the impact can sometimes outweigh the benefit of claiming. Here’s what to consider:

• Higher premiums: car insurers may view you as a higher risk after any claim, which can lead to increased renewal costs.
• Loss of no-claims discount: even a small claim could reduce or reset your discount (unless it’s protected).
• Claims history matters: multiple small claims over time can have a bigger impact than a single larger one.
• Fault vs non-fault claims: if you’re at fault, the impact on your premium is usually greater, but even non-fault claims can still increase costs.

Because scratches and dents are often relatively inexpensive to fix, many drivers choose to pay for repairs themselves rather than risk higher premiums.

Can I Purchase Scratch and Dent Insurance?

You can purchase scratch and dent cover from ALA if:

• Your car is a right-hand drive and,
• It has been purchased within the last 30 days
• The vehicle is less than seven years old
• It is not a hire and reward vehicle, such as a taxi, courier or delivery vehicle

When making a claim, paint chips and scratches must be less than 300mm in diameter and 3mm in depth, and not be on the roof of the car. You can find out more on our scratch and dent page here.

Frequently Asked Question

How Much Does Scratch and Dent Insurance Usually Cost?

The cost of scratch and dent insurance varies based on the length of cover and claims per year you choose. One year of cover with two claims per year can cost between £150-£200 a year, whereas a four-policy year policy with four claims per year can cost over £400.

What is the Claims Process for Scratch and Dent Insurance?

At ALA, you can make a claim online, or you can get in touch with our helpful customer service team.  You must provide photographs of the scratches or dents before we can process your claim.

What Types of Scratches and Dents are Covered by Car Insurance?

Any scratch or dent caused during an accident or vandalism can be claimed on your car insurance. Your insurance premium may not increase if you can prove that someone else was to blame.

Is it Better to Pay for Scratches and Dents Out of My Own Pocket?

For minor scratches, it may be more convenient to pay out of your own pocket, especially if you want to avoid losing your no-claims discount. However, with a scratch and dent policy in place, you don’t need to worry, as you will always be covered.