You dash into the shops for a quick grocery run, return to the car park, and there it is: a fresh mystery scratch along your door. No note. No witness. No idea who did it. And while that scenario is frustrating enough, plenty of cosmetic damage is self-inflicted too: a misjudged parking bay, a pole that appeared from nowhere while reversing, or a trolley that had absolutely no business being where it was. Either way, the damage is done, and fixing it costs money.
Key takeaways
- Scratch and dent cover is a separate add-on, so claims never touch your main policy or premium
- Cosmetic damage must be smaller than 15cm in diameter to qualify
- King Price arranges repairs through trusted service providers, no panel beater hunting required
- The cover protects your car's resale value by keeping its exterior in good condition
- Multiple claims are allowed per year, within your policy limits
What does scratch and dent cover actually cover?
Little dings and paint scuffs are part of life on South African roads. They may not justify a full-blown insurance claim, but they chip away at your car’s appearance and its resale value. That’s where the king’s scratch and dent cover comes in: an optional add-on designed specifically for those everyday bumps that aren’t worth claiming from your comprehensive policy.
- Scratch and dent cover
- An optional car insurance add-on that pays for minor cosmetic repairs to your vehicle’s bodywork, such as small dents, light scratches, bumper scuffs, and paint chips. Claims are handled separately from your main policy, so your no-claims bonus and premium remain unaffected.
This add-on covers minor cosmetic damage to your car’s bodywork, including:
- Small dents and dings
- Light scratches to the paintwork
- Scuffs to bumpers
- Paint chips caused by everyday use
Clear guidelines replace guesswork here. Damage must be cosmetic and smaller than 15cm in diameter. Anything within that limit qualifies, and claims are quick, simple, and completely separate from your main policy.
Why scratch and dent cover matters more during busy seasons
When traffic gets heavier and shopping centres fill up, the chances of picking up a scratch or dent increase sharply. A child on a bicycle in the complex, a distracted driver in a tight parking lot, a misjudged turn on a narrow suburban street: the risks rise when the roads get crowded. Long weekends, school holidays, and the summer silly season are exactly when you’ll be glad this cover is on your policy.
It’s not just about looks
Keeping your car looking polished matters, but there’s a practical financial argument here too. When buyers inspect a second-hand car, the exterior condition is one of the first things they check, and cosmetic flaws give them leverage to knock thousands off your asking price. Repairing those small issues protects your car’s resale value, and with this add-on, you can do it without touching your main policy.
Cosmetic damage is easy to dismiss as a minor inconvenience, but it compounds over time. A handful of unrepaired scratches and dents can reduce a vehicle's trade-in value by more than most people realise, especially on newer models.
Real-life scenarios where this cover shines
Still weighing up whether you need it? Here are a few everyday situations where scratch and dent cover earns its keep:
- You scrape a low pole while reversing in a busy parking lot.
- A child opens their car door into yours, leaving a ding.
- A concrete planter scuffs your bumper at the school pick-up zone.
- Loose gravel on the highway leaves a series of small paint chips along the side.
None of these would make sense as full comprehensive claims. With the king’s scratch and dent cover, all of them are handled through this cost-effective add-on: no admin, no stress, and no impact on your premium.
How scratch and dent cover compares to your comprehensive policy
| Feature | Scratch and dent cover | Comprehensive policy |
|---|---|---|
| Type of damage | Minor cosmetic (dents, scratches, chips, scuffs) | Major structural or mechanical damage |
| Maximum damage size | Smaller than 15cm in diameter | No size limit |
| Effect on premium | None | May increase on renewal |
| Effect on no-claims bonus | None | May be affected |
| Claim process | Quick, arranged by King Price | Standard claims assessment |
| Repair provider | King Price trusted network | Approved panel beaters |
| Excess payable | Small fixed excess | Standard policy excess |
It’s quick, convenient and affordable
One of the biggest benefits of this add-on is convenience. Once your claim is approved, King Price arranges repairs through a trusted service provider. You pay a small excess and nothing else: no hunting for quotes, no stress about finding a reliable panel beater, and no paperwork mountain to climb.
How to claim on King Price scratch and dent cover
Follow these steps to log a scratch and dent claim quickly and easily.
- Supplies:
- Photos of the damage
- Your vehicle registration number
- Your King Price policy number
- Tools:
- Mobile phone
- King Price app or website
Document the damage
Take clear photos of the affected area from multiple angles before moving the vehicle or touching the damage.
Log your claim
Open the King Price app or visit kingprice.co.za and submit your claim with photos and a brief description of the incident.
Wait for approval
King Price reviews your claim and confirms whether the damage falls within the 15cm guideline and policy terms.
Book your repair
Once approved, King Price arranges the repair with a trusted service provider in your area. You pay only the small excess.
Keep your car looking newer, for longer
Taking pride in your car means protecting both its appearance and its value, and scratch and dent cover is the smart way to do it. Life is complicated enough without stressing over minor bodywork. Let the king handle the little things, so you can focus on the road ahead.
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Frequently asked questions
No. Because it's a separate add-on policy, claiming on your scratch and dent cover won't affect your main car insurance policy, your no-claims bonus, or your premium.
Yes. The damage must be cosmetic and smaller than 15cm in diameter. Always check your policy schedule for the exact terms that apply to your cover.
Each individual incident qualifies for a claim, and multiple claims are allowed per year within your policy limits. Every claim is assessed on its own merits.
If the damage exceeds the 15cm size limit or affects structural parts of your vehicle, it needs to be claimed under your comprehensive car insurance policy instead.
Once King Price approves your claim, repairs are arranged through trusted service providers. Turnaround times depend on provider availability in your area, but the process is designed to be as quick and hassle-free as possible.
Yes. Scratch and dent cover is an add-on to your existing King Price comprehensive car insurance. The two policies work independently: minor cosmetic damage goes through the add-on, while major damage goes through your comprehensive cover.
That depends on your priorities. Planning to sell or trade in your vehicle? Keeping the exterior in good condition protects your resale value regardless of the car's age. If cosmetic appearance is less of a concern, the add-on may not be necessary. A King Price consultant can help you weigh it up.
