Any type of damage to your vehicle can be a source of stress and frustration. While less significant than other types of vehicle damage, paint damage can cause your car to look rundown and poorly maintained. However, many car owners are hesitant to pursue a professional solution for paint damage to their vehicles. This is oftne because they are unsure of how much it will cost. 

Does auto insurance cover paint damage? Each auto insurance varies in the type of coverage they provide. However, most comprehensive and collision coverage policies will cover paint damage caused by certain situations. If your paint damage was caused by an accident, vandalism, or a storm, you should consult your auto insurance expert on the matter.

It is important to note that it is not always beneficial to file a claim for paint damage to your vehicle. You must consider things such as your policy and auto insurance deductible. It may be more worthwhile to pay for the repairs out-of-pocket to maintain a claim-free status with your insurance provider. In this post, we will discuss the various types of auto insurance that cover paint damage as well as some of the situations which are not covered by your insurance policy.

Types of Auto Insurance That Cover Paint Damage

While most car owners view auto insurance as an annoying, mandatory expense, it is actually quite beneficial! Auto insurance can help cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle caused by vandalism, collision, or other unfortunate events. Many times, these types of situations can cause damage not only to the structure of your vehicle but also to the exterior paint.

With so many types of auto insurance policies available through different providers, there is bound to be a wide range of coverage provided. However, almost every auto insurance policy provides some level of coverage for paint damage that occurs during a covered event.

When Does Auto Insurance Cover Paint Damage?

More often than not, paint damage to your vehicle is caused by a distinct incident. Unfortunately, if are not sure what the initial cause of the paint damage was, your auto insurance policy is unlikely to cover repairs. 

Additionally, if you have basic auto insurance coverage, your policy will likely not cover paint damage to your vehicle. This type of coverage is most often offered through collision or comprehensive auto insurance policies.

There are, however, several incidents in which your auto insurance policy may cover repairs for paint damage to your vehicle. Let’s take a look at a few of the most common causes of paint damage covered by auto insurance.

Paint Damage Caused By An Accident

By far the most common cause of paint damage is a car accident. Paint damage can be caused by even the slightest fender-bender and can leave your car looking rundown and poorly maintained. If your auto insurance policy includes collision coverage, it will likely pay for the repair of your vehicle’s paint damage. 

Paint Damage Caused By Vandalism

Your vehicle’s paint can also be caused by acts of vandalism such as theft. If you have a comprehensive auto insurance policy, your insurance company will likely cover the cost of repair for paint damage caused by vandalism. Typically speaking, comprehensive coverage provides protection against any event that damages your vehicle outside of a collision.

Paint Damage Caused By Storm Damage

One other way that your vehicle could receive paint damage is in a storm or other extreme weather event. Hail storms, in particular, are known for wreaking havoc on the exterior paint of vehicles. If your car received paint damage as the result of a storm or other natural event, it may be covered under your comprehensive auto insurance policy.

When Does Auto Insurance Not Cover Paint Damage

You may assume that paint damage would be covered by your auto insurance. Unfortunately, this may not always be the case. In fact, there are several situations where your auto insurance policy will not cover repairs for paint damage, regardless of the type of policy you maintain.

Minor Paint Damage Caused By An Accident

Even if you have collision coverage, your auto insurance policy may not provide coverage for minor paint damage caused by an accident. If, for example, the only damage done to your vehicle because of the accident were a few door dings or scratches to the paint job, your policy may not approve the claim. 

Paint Damage Caused By Normal Wear & Tear

Unfortunately, normal wear and tear can cause paint damage to your vehicle. Especially in certain climates and areas of the country, this wear and tear may be quite significant. Unfortunately, your auto insurance policy will not cover repairs to the paint of your vehicle for damage caused by normal wear and tear. 

It is always best to first consult with your auto insurance expert on the amount of paint damage you have experienced as well as the situation in which the paint damage occurred. Doing so will save you the trouble of submitting a car insurance claim that will likely not be approved.

Should You File An Auto Insurance Claim for Paint Damage?

Even with the best auto insurance policy, it may not always be to your benefit to file a claim for paint damage. There are times when doing so could actually cause more harm than good. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before submitting an auto insurance claim for paint damage.

Will the Cost of Repair Exceed Your Deductible?

Depending on the extent of the paint damage and your auto insurance deductible, the cost of the repairs may not exceed your deductible. Repairing small amounts of paint damage is actually quite reasonably priced.

It is always best to receive a quote from an auto body shop on the cost of repairing the paint damage to your vehicle. Based on their estimate, you can determine whether the cost will exceed your deductible. You may decide that it is best to pay out of pocket without filing an auto insurance claim.

Did the Incident Cause Damage Beyond Paint Damage?

In many cases, the presence of paint damage is a good indication of further damage to the structure of your vehicle. If your vehicle has received paint damage due to a collision, act of vandalism, or storm, it is important to have your vehicle inspected by a professional. 

If the incident caused damage beyond surface paint damage, it is almost always in your best interest to file a claim with your auto insurance provider.

Is Your Vehicle Worth the Investment of Repairs?

Not every vehicle is worth the investment of repairing surface paint damage. If your car is in otherwise great condition, it is wise to repair paint damage to maintain the value. If, however, your vehicle is older or has other types of damage, it may not be worth the additional investment of paint repairs. It is important to consider how long you plan to drive the vehicle as well as whether the paint damage will greatly impact the eventual resale value.

Choosing Auto Insurance Coverage Based On Your Needs

There are so many types of auto insurance coverage to choose from. Becuase of this, it can be difficult to understand what type of policy you should select. What are the differences between comprehensive and collision coverage? Your local auto insurance expert will be able to more clearly direct your decisions. However, there are a few basic things you can consider as you find a policy that fits your needs. 

Comprehensive Auto Insurance Coverage

It is often the most expensive type of auto insurance. However comprehensive auto insurance also provides you with the most protection. A comprehensive auto insurance policy will offer coverage for damage to your vehicle caused by accidents. It will also cover things such as vandalism or natural disasters. 

A comprehensive policy is a great choice for any drive. However, it is particularly valuable for individuals who own expensive vehicles. People in areas with high levels of crime and vandalism, or regions that experience frequent storms also benefit.

Collision Auto Insurance Coverage

With most auto insurance providers, collision coverage is a step down from comprehensive auto insurance coverage. It does not always cover things such as vandalism or storm damage. However, it will provide coverage for any accident in which you are involved. This is a great choice for drivers who drive long distances. It is also perfect for individuals who wish to protect themselves and their vehicles from the unexpected.

These are, of course, just two of the many types of auto insurance policies that are available to drivers. The best way to find an insurance policy that meets your needs is to talk to your auto insurance team. 

In Conclusion

At AAA Tulsa – South Memorial, we consider it a privilege to help drivers select a Tulsa auto insurance policy that fits both their needs and their budget. From basic auto insurance that meets Oklahoma state requirements to a more comprehensive policy that provides optimal protection, we will work to provide you with the auto insurance quote you need to make this important decision. Are you ready to get started? Contact our team of Tulsa auto insurance experts today!