If children scratch a parked car, will you still get an insurance claim?

Car Insurance Rules: Car owners get upset when their parked car suddenly gets scratched. In such cases, there is an important insurance rule that every car owner should know.

Car Insurance Rules: Nowadays, almost everyone owns a car, and everyone loves their car. People consider it not just a means of transport but also a symbol of their hard-earned money and status. Often, when people go out, they park their car in a parking lot.

In such a situation, it's natural to feel upset when you find a scratch on your parked car. Sometimes these scratches are caused by children playing. The biggest question then is whether an insurance claim will be available in such a situation. Let's tell you about this.

Rules for claiming insurance for scratches caused by children in a parking lot?

If your car was parked and got scratched by children, it is usually considered accidental damage. In such cases, getting a claim depends on the type of insurance you have. If your car only has third-party insurance, you will not get any claim for scratches or body damage. But if you have a comprehensive or bumper-to-bumper policy, then a claim for scratches can be made. The age of the children, their intention, or proving their fault is not necessary. What matters to the insurance company is that the damage was sudden and unintentional. However, very minor scratches, where there is no significant damage to the paint or body, may sometimes be rejected by the company as normal wear and tear.

What to keep in mind while filing a claim

If you want to file a claim for scratches, it is important to keep a few things in mind. First, take clear photos of the damage immediately. This will prevent any disputes later. Also, keep photos of the parking area. This will help prove that the car was stationary. If the scratch is very deep or the paint has peeled off, it's advisable to file a general diary or a simple complaint at the nearest police station.

Provide accurate information when filing a claim. Do not fabricate a story or claim a major accident. Also, understand that filing a claim may result in the loss of your no-claim bonus. Sometimes, it's more sensible to pay for minor scratches out of pocket. Therefore, before filing a claim, carefully consider the repair cost and the potential loss of your bonus.