Is it worth filing a claim for a scratch from when my car was parked?

I was parked on the street for a few hours and came back to a scratch from my back driver-side door to my bumper. It isn't big, but it's noticeable, and it bothers me. What will happen if I file a claim?

For a cosmetic issue like a scratch, my general advice is to pay out of pocket if the repair is relatively affordable, rather than filing a claim that could leave you with a rate increase.

First, it's worth knowing that a scratch on a parked car falls under comprehensive coverage, which covers damage that isn't the result of a collision. If you only carry liability coverage, your policy wouldn't help with this type of damage regardless of the repair cost.

If you do have comprehensive, the next thing to check is your deductible. If the scratch is going to cost less to fix than what you owe before insurance kicks in, filing a claim doesn't make financial sense anyway. For example, if your deductible is $1,000 and the repair comes in at $750, your insurer wouldn't pay anything.

How much does a scratch cost to fix?

The cost to fix a scratch varies depending on factors like how deep it is, where it is on the car, and what type of paint your vehicle has. A shallow scratch that hasn't broken through to the metal can often be buffed out for a few hundred dollars. One that goes down to the metal typically requires sanding, primer, and multiple coats of paint, which makes it significantly more expensive (likely in the range of $400 to $800 per panel). Your best bet is to get an estimate from a body shop first so you know what you're actually dealing with before making any decisions.

If the repair cost is well above your deductible, a claim may be worth it. But if it's close or below, paying out of pocket protects your record and keeps your rates where they are.