Car Scratch Insurance claim In India

The challenges of driving in India are numerous. Among the main contributors to road accidents in the nation are bad driving habits of some drivers, open manholes, and poor road conditions. No matter how cautiously you drive, several unlucky situations, such as scratches, are beyond your control.  

Regardless of how carefully you drive, getting scratches on your car is typically unavoidable. The solution - you can claim insurance for car scratches in India. So, should you do it? The answer is not that obvious - Read on to learn more. 

Does the Car Insurance Policy Cover Scratches?

Depending on the insurer and the policy terms, car insurance coverage varies. Studying the policy's fine print is essential to comprehend inclusions and exclusions and prevent potential claim denials. Check to see if your car insurance is comprehensive and includes personal damage coverage first. Third-party car insurance does not protect you from any third-party damages. However, if you have a comprehensive policy, you can file a claim for the paint job required to fix scratches. 

Remember that you need to provide evidence that the scratches were not caused by carelessness while driving or by the usual deterioration of the paint on the vehicle. Comprehensive and standalone own-damage insurance typically covers scraps and other significant occurrences like theft, permanent damage, and fire loss. 

Does a Car Scratch Affect Your NCB?

The No Claim Bonus, or NCB, is a percentage payment for not claiming throughout the policy year. At the time of car insurance renewal, it is offered as a discount on the premium amount. It begins at 20% for the first year without a claim and rises to 50% after five years. The least expensive repair is a scratch on your four-wheeler. You wouldn't pay more than a few hundred or a few thousand rupees for it. So, don't forfeit your accrued NCB discount in your policy for this small amount.

Are Deductibles Affected in the Claim for Car Scratches?

Deductibles are a part of car insurance claims and have been retained to stop policyholders from filing fictitious claims. The coverage has two different types of deductibles. The mandatory deductible comes first, followed by the elective deductible. While everyone must pay the compulsory deductible, discretionary deductibles are typically chosen to lower your policy's price. Should you need to file a claim, the optional deductible is deducted from the claim sum.  

The insurer will also determine a mandatory deductible amount. The deductible is your responsibility; the insurance company will pay the remaining sum.  

For instance, imagine that your car causes a scratch to a two-wheeler in a collision. Your car needs repairs; the garage estimates it will cost you 3,000. So, the obligatory deductible under the coverage is 15%. You must pay 450 out of pocket, and the insurance company will cover the remaining 2,550.

Will a Car Scratch Impact Your Premium?

Claim history is one of many variables that affect your premium cost. The insurer will believe you have poor driving skills and will likely file a sizable claim soon if you have already filed multiple claims. As a result, you will pay more excellent rates to lessen their possible financial load. To get the most out of your car insurance, avoid making small claims and work to earn NCB incentives.

Examine the Viability of Filing a Claim for Repairing Paint Imperfections

According to a proverb, just because something is possible does not mean it should be done. Even if your motor insurance coverage enables you to file a claim for repairing the scratch, you must still assess the benefits and drawbacks of doing so. Check the cost of repainting first; if it is less than your No-Claim Bonus, do not submit the claim. Second, do not submit the claim if it is less than your required deductible. You are better off paying for it out of your wallet unless a substantial paint job is needed.

Conclusion

The basic concept of insurance is to cover cases of unforeseeable problems with their claim settlement. It is not meant to be a way to cover regular maintenance activities for your vehicle, and if you do that, car insurance companies will deem you risky. And it will lead to increased premiums. If you find scratches on your car and want to fix them, see if you can do it as an out-of-pocket expense. Filing an insurance claim to fix scratches, especially minor ones, should be the last choice.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to fix dents in an Indian car?

You might need to send the car to a body shop for repair if the scratch is deep and has seriously harmed the paint. Depending on the damage's degree and the scratch's position, this can be pricey, costing anywhere from Rs.5,000 to Rs.15,000 or more.

2. What occurs if car scratches are not fixed?

Deep scratches must be fixed immediately because water, dirt, road salt, and debris will get to the metal and cause corrosion. However, since almost all bumpers are made of plastic, rust is not a concern if the scratch is on a bumper. Most of the time, it will be up to you whether to fix low-risk damage like that.

3. How many times can you file a claim with comprehensive auto insurance?

According to industry experts, there is no limit on the number of claims you can make under your auto insurance coverage in a calendar year. You may submit as many claims as you'd like if incidents frequently cause damage to your car.

4. Is comprehensive car insurance essential?

You must safeguard your car from fire and theft. Both a fire and a burglary can have disastrous effects. You might find yourself in need of money to buy a new car. In this case, a thorough plan is helpful to compensate you for the harm.

5. What is covered under comprehensive insurance?

Comprehensive insurance is an additional option that guards against damage to your car brought on by unavoidable, non-collision accidents. It covers theft, vandalism, broken windows and glass, fire, animal collisions, bad weather, and other natural calamities.