We are all familiar with the busy roads of India; regardless of how cautiously you drive, your vehicle may get scratches or dents. But, thankfully, insurance companies provide financial protection in these circumstances. Therefore, you can claim your car insurance policy for scratches. However, there are a few things that you should consider before filing a claim for minor car scratches in India. Read on to learn more about claiming insurance for dents in India. 

Is it covered in a car insurance policy? 

Before filing claims, ensure whether your insurance company offers coverage for car scratches or not. Primarily, check the type of car insurance policy you own. Thereafter, carefully read all the inclusions and exclusions mentioned in your policy document.

If you have purchased a third-party policy, then the insurance company will only pay for the minor damages that happened to the third-party vehicle. However, if you own a comprehensive insurance policy, you can claim your personal vehicle’s damages. 

How will your NCB be affected? 

If you file a claim for any kind of damage, the no-claim bonus on your policy will be affected. It is a reward that the insurer gives to the policyholder in the form of discounts on the premium for not making any claims throughout the policy period. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid making claims for minor damages, as doing so will reduce your premium for the upcoming years of the policy. 

What Is The Role Of Deductibles In Car Scratch Claims? 

The deductible is the portion of the total claim amount that the policyholder agrees to pay from their own pocket at the time of claim settlement. You will have to contribute depending on the ratio that was decided at the time of purchase. Moreover, as a result of filing a claim, you will not be eligible for the NCB. Let’s understand more about it with an example. 

Mohit’s car got hit by the barricade and was scratched from the front. The total repair cost was Rs. 4,000. As a result, he raised claimed his car insurance policy. At the time of purchase, it was decided that he would pay 40% in deductibles on the total claim amount. Therefore, he will be liable to pay Rs. 1,600 by himself. Moreover, the 20% reduction that he could have claimed at the time of his first policy renewal is lost. If he had decided to pay a high deductible, he may have ended up paying more. 

How Will It Impact Your Premium? 

Besides no claim bonus, the premium of your car insurance policy is also impacted. In simple terms, the claim history of your insurance policy will affect your future premium amount. If you have claimed your policy multiple times, including for minor repairs, you may have to pay a higher premium as the insurance company may think of you as a liability. 

Conclusion

Though it is possible to claim insurance for car scratches in India, it is advisable not to do so. It will affect your no claim bonus, deductibles, and premium amount significantly. As a result, while saving a few bucks, you may end up paying more in the future. 

Also Read: 

How To Check Car Insurance Expiry Date?

What Are The Various Types Of Car Insurance Policy Available In India?