Even if you are extremely careful, you probably will get a scratch on your vehicle. Fortunately, scratches are easily repairable.
If you are willing to pay for it, you can find a body repair shop that can either buff the scratch or replace the part. Paying out of pocket is always an option, however, but sometimes that is not necessary when you have the proper insurance.
If you have full coverage, you can probably assume that your insurer will pay to repair the scratch that you unfortunately caused. But how much you will be required to pay out-of-pocket as a deductible and how the claim will affect your policy depends on which type of coverage will be used for the payout.
To determine which coverage will pay, you first need to understand how the cause of the scratch matters. Generally, it’s not the size of the scratch, the depth, or even the cost of repairs that affect how the insurance company will handle the claim, but instead how your car got scratched in the first place.
Understanding Coverage Options for Your Car Scratch
Comprehensive coverage is a form of physical damage coverage that will apply to the covered auto to pay or reimburse the insured or a loss that is caused by theft, fire, explosion, windstorm, hail, vandalism or something other than a collision. Typically, in order for the carrier to pay out on a comprehensive claim, you must first cover the deductible. While there are several different deductibles to decide upon, most people will choose to carry a lower deductible ranging between $50 and $300 because the premiums are low.
Collision coverage is the second part of physical damage coverage that pays for repairs or reimburses the insured for repairs made to the vehicle after a claim that involves damage resulting from running into another vehicle, object or real property. Generally, if the vehicle is moving, the damage will be a collision loss instead of a comprehensive loss.
The deductible for a collision loss is usually higher than the deductible for a comprehensive loss. The reason is because the risk of a collision claim is higher, which makes the cost for the coverage higher.
You can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $1000 before your insurer will pay for a collision scratch claim. This is why carrying higher deductibles will limit you if you have a scratch claim.
When Scratches Are Covered Under Your Insurance Policy
Scratches are covered by your insurance if you carry physical damage coverage. If you do not, it might be time to shop around for a policy with broader coverage.
If you or a family member has been injured in an accident caused by another person, it might be a good idea to consult an experienced attorney. We will tenaciously represent you and work to get you the maximum amount you deserve.
Please contact Kalfus & Nachman today by calling (855) 880-8163. We are proud to serve the communities of Norfolk, Newport News, and Roanoke, Virginia.