Does auto insurance cover paint damage?

Will car insurance pay for a paint job? Car insurance usually covers a paint damage claim if it was caused by a covered incident. Read on to find out how insurance companies determine fault in an accident.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

By clicking, you agree to our Terms of Use

Nationwide State Farm Allstate
AllstateState FarmNationwideLiberty MutualFarmers Insurance
Tonya Sisler

Insurance Content Team Lead

Tonya Sisler has been a technical insurance writer for over five years. She uses her extensive insurance and finance knowledge to write informative articles that answer readers' top questions. Her mission is to provide readers with timely, accurate information that allows them to determine their insurance needs and choose the best coverage. Tonya currently leads a team of 10 insurance copywrite...

Written by
Tonya Sisler
Daniel Walker

Licensed Auto Insurance Agent

Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...

Reviewed by
Daniel Walker

Updated December 2024

When you’ve been in a car crash, you’ll want to focus on getting the vehicle back on the road and may wonder how much it’ll cost. You may know that insurance comes into play but aren’t clear about your coverage.

does auto insurance cover paint damage

Will car insurance pay for a paint job? We’ll explore this question in detail to help put your mind at ease so you can get your car back to looking brand new without spending more than you need to.

Things to Remember...

  • Car insurance will typically cover paint damage caused by a sudden event
  • Insurers will not cover damage caused by wear and tear
  • You will need collision or comprehensive insurance to fix your car’s paint damage 

Does insurance cover a car’s paint damage?

If a sudden or unforeseen event caused the paint job damage to your car, then the paint damage will likely be covered by insurance (if you have the right coverage). If it’s paint that’s faded, peeled, or suffered corrosion-related damage, you could be out of luck. Insurance companies generally do not cover a car paint damage due to basic wear and tear. Otherwise, their exposure would be much higher, and premiums would increase dramatically.

However, if the damage is related to a crash, you may be in good shape. Your vehicle is almost certain to suffer some paint damage when involved in a car crash. Still, how you proceed depends on who was to blame and what coverage you have.

Free Insurance Comparison

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

By clicking, you agree to our Terms of Use

Nationwide State Farm Allstate

Determining Fault

The role of insurance covering your paint job will depend on who’s at fault in the situation.

Not at Fault

If you are not at fault, and the other party takes responsibility, their property damage liability policy will cover the costs of repairs. This will pay for the structural or mechanical damage to the vehicle and the exterior paint. In the case of vandalism, however, you’ll need to use your own car insurance for a paint damage even though you’re not at fault. It’s typically covered under comprehensive coverage.

At Fault

If you’re at fault for the crash, you need to turn to your own insurer for help. Everything will depend on your coverage and whether your insurance company will pay out a claim for paint damage due to an at-fault collision. 

Comprehensive coverage could kick in if you damaged your vehicle by hitting an animal or from storm damage, for example. Collision coverage could apply if you hit another vehicle or stationary object.

Uninsured Motorist

You may have uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage as a rider to your policy, and this should cover you if the other driver was at fault and uninsured. Note that UMPD is distinct from basic uninsured motorist coverage.

The Fair Market Value Complication

Bear in mind that insurance companies will assess the fair market value of your vehicle alongside the estimate for repairs. Should the bill exceed this value — say in the case of extensive paint and body damage — they may want to “total” the car rather than have it repaired (Claims Journal). The insurance company would then pay you for its reasonable value. You may be able to dispute this with your insurance company or consider whether to withdraw the claim based on the best outcome for you.

Does insurance cover scratches?

If a scratch is relatively small and caused by everyday driving, you will need to put it down to wear and tear. You’ll get a similar answer to the question, “Does car insurance cover rock chips in paint?” However, if your car gets keyed, insurance will cover it. If it has a significant damage, you may be able to file a claim under your comprehensive coverage.

What about the deductible?

In all cases, you need to consider the value of any deductible before you think about filing a claim. Even if you think a claim would be valid, would the costs be higher than your deductible? Further, would a claim lead to increased rates in the future?

Free Insurance Comparison

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

By clicking, you agree to our Terms of Use

Nationwide State Farm Allstate

Final Thoughts: Does car insurance cover paint jobs?

When it comes to car insurance, paint damage is a legitimate insurance claim if caused by a car crash or a sudden, unforeseen event. You need to determine who was at fault to know how to proceed. You might need certain types of car insurance for a paint damage claim to be covered, such as collision, comprehensive, or uninsured motorist property damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does auto insurance cover paint damage?

Auto insurance may cover paint damage under certain circumstances. However, the coverage and extent of coverage can vary depending on the type of policy and the specific terms and conditions set by the insurance provider.

What types of auto insurance policies may cover paint damage?

Comprehensive auto insurance is the type of policy that typically covers paint damage. It protects against various non-collision incidents, such as vandalism, theft, fire, falling objects, and weather-related damage. If the paint damage is a result of one of these covered events, the comprehensive insurance may provide coverage.

What are the pros of having auto insurance coverage for paint damage?

  • Financial protection: Having auto insurance coverage for paint damage can provide financial protection against unexpected expenses resulting from paint damage caused by covered incidents.
  • Peace of mind: Knowing that your insurance policy covers paint damage can give you peace of mind, allowing you to drive with less worry about potential repair costs.
  • Comprehensive coverage: Opting for comprehensive auto insurance coverage not only protects against paint damage but also covers various other non-collision incidents, offering a broader range of protection.

What are the cons of having auto insurance coverage for paint damage?

  • Deductibles: Most auto insurance policies, including comprehensive coverage, have deductibles. You will be responsible for paying the deductible amount before the insurance coverage kicks in, so you’ll need to consider this additional expense.
  • Policy premiums: Depending on your insurance provider, opting for comprehensive coverage that includes paint damage can increase your insurance premiums compared to a basic liability-only policy.
  • Coverage limitations: It’s important to carefully review your policy’s terms and conditions to understand any limitations or exclusions that may apply to paint damage coverage. Some policies may have restrictions on the types of paint damage they cover or the circumstances under which coverage applies.

What types of paint damage may be covered by auto insurance?

Auto insurance coverage for paint damage can vary depending on the policy and the insurance provider. Generally, it may cover damage caused by vandalism, theft, fire, falling objects, severe weather (such as hail), or other non-collision incidents. However, the specific coverage for paint damage will depend on the terms and conditions outlined in your policy.

Are there any circumstances where auto insurance may not cover paint damage?

Yes, there are certain circumstances where auto insurance may not cover paint damage. Some common exclusions include normal wear and tear, cosmetic damage that does not affect the vehicle’s functionality, or intentional damage caused by the vehicle owner. It’s important to review your policy carefully to understand any exclusions or limitations that may apply.

Does car insurance cover peeling paint?

Car insurance typically does not cover peeling paint, as it’s considered a cosmetic issue rather than damage resulting from a covered peril.

Does comprehensive insurance cover peeling paint?

Comprehensive car insurance does cover paint peeling if it’s caused by a covered peril, such as vandalism or hail damage.

Does comprehensive insurance cover scratches?

Comprehensive car insurance may cover paint damage from scratches if they’re caused by a covered peril, such as vandalism or a fallen object.

Does car insurance cover body work?

Car insurance may cover body work if it’s necessary due to damage from a covered peril, such as a car accident, vandalism, or weather-related damage.

More FAQs

Get a FREE Quote in Minutes

Insurance rates change constantly — we help you stay ahead by making it easy to compare top options and save.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

By clicking, you agree to our Terms of Use

Nationwide State Farm Allstate
NationwideFarmers InsuranceAllstateLiberty Mutual