Does car insurance cover scratches?
When parked outside, in the street or in a covered car park, cars run the risk of being scratched, damaging the bodywork and knocking down their value. What can you do to repair these scratches? And does car insurance cover the cost? Is it even worth filing a complaint? We give you the lowdown.
What defines a car scratch for car insurance purposes?
In motor insurance terms, a scratch refers to damage to the paintwork and bodywork of your car. It can happen during manoeuvres, or be caused by a malicious person using keys or a metal object, for example.
Car scratch: when is your car likely to be scratchedat risk?
Whether deliberate or accidental, a claim can be submitted for scratches under your motor car insurance policy. Whether or not it is covered depends on a number of criteria, including who is at fault for the scratch. That being said, insurance cover does not apply to damage caused by normal wear and tear of the vehicle (e.g. scuffing, superficial scratches that can be put right by polishing, light scratches on rims, etc.).
Car scratches can have a number of causes! Let us take you through them.
1. I know the person responsible for the scratch: file a joint accident report
Has your car been scratched by a third party that you can identify? If so, it is essential that you draw up a joint accident report with the third party responsible, and send it to your insurance company. This will ensure that responsibility is attributed to the party at fault, and that you receive compensation from your insurance company. You’ll be glad to hear that this incident will have no impact on your no-claims bonus and won’t have the effect of increasing your motor insurance premium.
Good to know: even if the person at fault is not a car driver but a pedestrian, cyclist or scooter user, an accident report must still be drawn up.
2. I don't know who scratched my car: file a complaint against a person unknown
You didn't cause the scratch, but you haven't been able to identify the person responsible? Then you need to file a complaint against a person unknown at the nearest police station. The complaint will be used as proof by your insurer.
Then, if no-one has been identified as being responsible, any payout for your scratch will depend on the cover provided by your car insurance policy. If you have taken out a "Casco" (comprehensive) policy, check whether it covers "acts of vandalism". In Luxembourg, this guaranteed cover is, in the majority of cases, offered as part of the "Material Damage" cover.
It is worth pointing out, however, that, if the third party has not been identified, the customer's Material Damage bonus will also be affected, as is the case if the person responsible for the scratch has been identified.
Good to know: depending on your policy, your insurer may apply an excess (offered as an option when you take out your policy). To see if this applies to you, consult your Special Conditions.
3. I am responsible for the scratch
Scratching your car during a manoeuvre is a common occurrence, as many of us know only too well! Whether you are covered in this situation depends on the contents of your car insurance policy:
· If you have comprehensive cover: don't panic, the cost of repairs will be reimbursed under the "Material Damage" cover. In this case, depending on your policy and your insurer, you may be subject to payment of an excess (unless you have signed up for the excess reduction option) and by a penalty on your insurance premium.
· If you don't have this cover, your insurer won't be able to help you.
Good to know: the OptiDrive “Material Damage” cover from AXA Luxembourg covers all accidental damage to your vehicle, whether or not you are at fault.
Car scratches: our tips for removing
The scratch has only attacked the paintwork, the damage is not serious and you don't want to involve the insurance company?
Here are a few tips for removing micro-scratches yourself:
· polish, sold in specialist shops;
· a touch-up pen to cover up scratches;
· scratch remover, sold in specialist shops;
· toothpaste.
Before using these products, be sure to clean the vehicle thoroughly to work on a clean surface!
How to avoid scratches?
To avoid going through all these irritations and inconveniences and protect your vehicle, heed our prevention advice:
· Park well away from other cars and avoid parking next to large family vehicles;
· Avoid displaying provocative messages or messages that may offend people's sensibilities;
· Do not park in reserved parking spaces (spaces for disabled drivers, delivery points, etc.) and try not to take up two spaces;
· Finally, if you can, park in garages and enclosed spaces.
We go the extra mile: AXA cosmetic service
Is there a scratch or trace of wear and tear that needs to be repaired on your vehicle? AXA Luxembourg has just what you need! As you are insured by AXA, you have access to preferential rates negotiated with approved partners for minor repairs. To take us up on this service, contact an AXA insurance agent.
