Does Auto Insurance Cover Painting?

Car paint is susceptible to many different types of damage. Over time, a car’s paint may fade or develop scratches from coming into contact with things such as tree branches. Your car’s paint is also likely to be damaged if you experience a collision with another vehicle or object in your path. In some cases, you can expect your car insurance company to cover the cost of repainting your vehicle. However, paint isn’t always covered. Taking a look at what caused the damage and checking your policy can help you determine if you need to file a claim for paint.

Don’t Expect Coverage for Normal Wear & Tear

Auto insurance San Diego is designed to provide financial assistance in the event of unforeseen circumstances. All cars will eventually have their paint start to fade when they’re exposed to sunlight and other things that break down the pigments. Door dings and other minor scratches just come with the territory when you drive your car out in public places. For the most part, you’ll need to cover the cost of painting an aging car yourself or decide to leave it alone.

Expect the At-Fault Party’s Insurance to Cover Paint

If you have liability insurance, you can expect your provider to cover the cost of paint repairs for the other person if you were at fault for an accident. By the same token, the other person involved in an accident should have insurance that covers your car’s paint if he or she is at fault. This coverage also usually involves paying for the cost of body repairs, such as replacing a new fender or filling in a big dent. Since the paint from a new part needs to match the rest of the car, the insurance company will usually cover the paint so the vehicle maintains its value.

Check Your Type of Insurance Policy for Other Situations

Collision and comprehensive insurance policies are major assets when you have serious paint damage to your vehicle that comes from something other than wear and tear. Collision coverage might pay for paint if you’re at fault for an accident and have this included in your policy. It may also cover paint if you hit an inanimate object, such as a telephone pole or guardrail. 

A comprehensive policy may cover paint if the damage occurred from something such as a tree falling on your car during a storm. Usually, you’ll need to document the damage and provide proof of its severity and why it occurred. For example, you might send in a photo of hail damage to your car.

Get an Estimate to Find Out if It’s Worth Filing a Claim

Most insurance policies have a deductible you’ll need to pay before the company will kick in with its part. If the damage is minor, it may be better to fix it yourself using touch-up paint. Or you might cover the cost of repainting if it’s less than your deductible. If the cost of repairs is high, contacting your insurance company to see if it’s covered is your first step toward being sure you need to file a claim.

Drivers who are searching for reliable, affordable auto insurance should reach out to the experienced professionals at Altra Insurance Services. In addition to auto coverage, we offer a variety of insurance products, including business, homeowners, and car insurance Chula Vista and residents can call one of our friendly agents today at (619) 404-6311 for a free quote.