I SCRATCHED MY CAR - WILL IT PUT ...

From careless accidents in the supermarket parking lot to malicious damage, scratches and dents can ruin your car’s appearance, cause it to rust, and take away from its resale value.

Many car owners will head straight to a panelbeater to fix these minor damages straight away – but should you claim the costs from your car insurance policy, and will it cause your premium to go up? Let’s find out.

First things first – do scratches and dents really need to be fixed?

With all the other expenses you have to deal with each month, you might think that a tiny scratch or a dent that’s not noticeable isn’t a big priority – but there are a few good reasons why you should have the repairs done as soon as possible.

• Scratches create weak points in your car’s rust-proof paintwork that allow moisture to build up – this is one of the ways that cars start to rust
• Dents are even worse from a rust point of view, because they expose a larger area to moisture
• The smaller a scratch or dent is, the less it will cost to repair – but make sure you choose a good panelbeater to get your car looking good as new again.

A damaged car is an eyesore – and it will bother you every time you get behind the wheel. Your car’s resale value will also be lower if it has visible signs of damage, especially if you decide to sell it through a private sale in a few years’ time.

So, it looks like repairing dents and scratches  shouldn’t be avoided. The question is, who’s going to pay for it?

Claiming for scratches and dents – is it worth it?

Most car insurance policies work according to a simple rule – the more you claim, the higher your monthly premiums get.

On the flip side, if you manage not to claim you’ll be in line for better premiums and a no-claim bonus – and who could say no to that?

 

• Depending on your car insurance policy, you may find that it’s better to pay for the cost of repairing small damages out of pocket

• By paying upfront, you’ll save more over the long term with lower insurance premiums

Scratch and dent insurance – claim without raising your premium

Almost every car on the road has had its share of scratches and dents at some point – that’s why many insurers are offering scratch and dent cover as an option on their car insurance policies.

 

• If you opt for this type of cover, you’ll be able to claim the cost of minor repairs without increasing your premium or losing your no-claim bonus

Whether you pay for minor repairs out of pocket, claim from your insurer, or opt for a scratch and dent cover option, you’ll be making an investment in your car’s appearance – and its resale value.