Does Car Insurance Cover Scratches, Dents and Cosmetic Damage?
- Not all cosmetic damage is covered—scratches, dents, and paint repairs depend on your policy and the cause.
- Comprehensive may help, but deductibles and potential rate hikes matter.
- Know when to file a claim—insurance isn’t always the best option.
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Does auto insurance cover cosmetic damage to your car?
Yes, comprehensive or collision coverage may cover minor damage, but filing a claim isn’t always worth it. If the repair cost is close to your deductible or doesn’t affect your car’s functionality, paying out of pocket can save money—especially if your car is older or lower in value.
If another driver caused the damage, their insurance should cover it, and you won’t pay a deductible unless it was a hit-and-run.
| Type of damage | Comprehensive | Collision | Liability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scratches (from vandalism, trees, or weather) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Scratches (from an accident you caused) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Scuffs & minor dents (from parking lot mishaps) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Dents (from hail or falling objects) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Broken or cracked windshield | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Bumper damage (from an accident you caused) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Bumper damage (from an accident someone else caused) | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (via at-fault driver) |
| Paint damage (from vandalism or weather-related events) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Paint damage (from an accident you caused) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
"Deciding whether to file a claim is highly personal and depends on the situation. For example, a $500 paint scratch might matter more to one person than to another. It's important to consider deductibles and whether the claim's long-term impact on premiums outweighs the out-of-pocket repair cost. If it's cosmetic and affordable to fix independently, avoiding a claim can help maintain better rates over time. Also, claims get reported to Carfax, which can lower the resale value of your car."
-Erick Sosa, Licensed Insurance Agent at The Zebra
Will your insurance pay for cosmetic car damage?
Let's look at a few scenarios in which you might consider filing a claim with your car insurance company. Ultimately, it's up to you, but exploring some common situations may provide insight if you encounter a similar inssue.
Yes—keying is vandalism, so it falls under comprehensive coverage. While these claims don’t raise premiums as much as collision claims, they can still have an impact.
When filing a claim makes sense:
✔ Repair costs are much higher than your deductible
✔ Your car is newer and more valuable
For example, if a $2,500 repair is needed on a $20,000 car with a $500 deductible, filing a claim is worth it. However, paying out of pocket may be smarter if your car is only worth $5,000 and you have a $1,000 deductible.
Yes, but coverage depends on how it happened:
Cosmetic damage from bugs, birds, or other pests is not covered by auto insurance, as it doesn’t affect your car’s functionality. Filing a claim for minor cosmetic issues is usually not worth it and would likely be denied.
However, if a pest damages your car’s mechanics—like a rat chewing through wires—comprehensive coverage may apply. Coverage depends on your specific policy, and repairs must exceed your deductible before insurance kicks in.
When in doubt, check your policy details to see if pest-related damage is covered.
Unfortunately, tree sap damage is considered gradual wear and tear, which insurance typically does not cover. Comprehensive coverage applies to sudden, accidental damage like a tree branch falling on your car and scratching the paint.
If the sap has already damaged your paint, you may need to pay for detailing or a repaint out of pocket. To prevent future issues, regularly wash your car and consider using a protective wax or ceramic coating.
If you accidentally leave your sunroof open during a storm, insurance likely won’t cover the water damage—this is considered negligence. However, if a storm-related event, like hail, breaks your sunroof and lets water in, comprehensive coverage may apply.
If insurance won’t cover the repairs, act fast to prevent mold. Dry the interior thoroughly, and consider professional cleaning or replacing water-damaged upholstery and electronics.
How to file a claim for dents or scratch repair
Before filing a claim for cosmetic damage, consider the costs, coverage limits, and potential premium increases. Start by getting a repair estimate from a licensed body shop—many insurers require this and may have preferred repair networks to streamline the process. Providing clear photos, a detailed incident report, and any supporting evidence (like surveillance footage or witness statements) can help strengthen your claim. Review your policy to confirm coverage before proceeding. If approved, the insurer typically pays the repair shop directly or reimburses you.
What if my claim gets denied?
Insurance won’t always cover scratches or dents—especially if they’re from normal wear, pre-existing damage, or there’s not enough proof of what happened. Claims can also get denied if the damage doesn’t match your accident report.
If this happens, don’t panic! You can ask for a written explanation and challenge the decision with extra proof, like repair estimates or an independent assessment. If that doesn’t work, you can file a complaint with your state’s insurance department or try mediation or arbitration to resolve the issue without going to court.[2]
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How much will my premium increase if I file a claim?
Take a look at the data below to get an idea of how much a comprehensive claim might cause your insurance rates to increase. Of course, there are many factors that go into calculating your car insurance cost, but this provides a general idea based on our data.[3]
Updating data...
| Accident/Violation | Avg. Monthly Premium | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|---|
| None | $184 | $1,103 |
| One comp claim | $194 | $1,162 |
| Two comp claims | $204 | $1,222 |
Source: The Zebra
Rates for comprehensive claims by company
The table below highlights the average monthly and 6-month rates after one or two comprehensive claims. Remember that your rates will be unique and that many factors go into your car insurance cost.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. Monthly Premium | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $139 | $831 |
| State Farm | $196 | $1,178 |
| Progressive | $202 | $1,210 |
| Nationwide | $178 | $1,070 |
| GEICO | $160 | $963 |
| Farmers | $210 | $1,258 |
| American Family | $148 | $887 |
| Allstate | $254 | $1,524 |
Source: The Zebra
Should I File a Car Insurance Claim [Free Calculator]
Use our claims calculator to help decide if you should file a claim after an acident.
Will cosmetic damage lower my car’s resale or trade-in value?
Paying out of pocket for small damage may save you more in the long run. However, if the damage is severe or caused by another driver, insurance can help cover the cost. Cosmetic damage can lower your car’s resale or trade-in value, especially if it’s visible or suggests poor maintenance. Dealerships and private buyers often see dents, scratches, and faded paint as signs of neglect, which can lead to lower offers.
- Major dents, deep scratches, or rust are the most noticeable and can significantly reduce your car’s value.
- Cracked windshields or chipped paint may seem minor, but they can make your car harder to sell.
- Interior wear and tear, like torn seats or stained upholstery, also impact trade-in value.
- Pre-existing conditions aren't covered by insurance and this could be a deterrent for a future owner
Investing in a few low-cost repairs can make a big difference in your car’s resale value without breaking the bank.
While minor scuffs and clear coat scratches are relatively inexpensive to fix—often under $300—deeper paint scratches can require extensive repairs, costing anywhere from $400 to $2,500. The more severe the damage, the pricier the fix, making it important to take care of small scratches before they worsen.[4] Paintless dent repair could cost between $50 and $500 per dent, depending on what part of the vehicle it's located on and how big the dent is.[5]
Is there a specific endorsement for cosmetic damage to cars?
Standard auto insurance typically doesn’t cover minor cosmetic damage, but some third-party providers, dealerships, and specialty insurers offer scratch and dent policies or cosmetic repair plans as add-ons. Some insurers also provide optional endorsements, though availability and exclusions vary—especially for damage caused by wind or hail. [6]
When considering cosmetic repair coverage, check for limitations on the number of claims per year, exclusions like structural damage, and the claims process to understand how repairs are handled. Research the provider’s customer service and repair quality to ensure the coverage fits your needs.
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Cosmetic damage FAQs
Insider knowledge, trusted guidance
Methodology. The Zebra
Does Car Insurance Cover Scratches and Dents? Legal Clarity
4 Types of Car Scratches and How Much Their Repairs Typically Cost. Veteran Car Donations
How Much is Pantless Dent Repair for Hail Damage? CGAA
What does the Auto Club Cosmetic Plan include? Insure One
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.