You park your car in the shopping centre, head inside for a quick grocery run, and return to find it. A tiny scratch on your bumper. It’s small. Barely noticeable. So, no big deal… Right?
Well, not necessarily. What looks like a harmless cosmetic flaw could end up costing more than you expect, especially if you’re thinking about claiming from your insurance.
Let’s explore why that little scratch could become a big deal, and how to handle it with our royal touch.
Small scratch, big repair bill
Not all scratches are created equal. Some barely graze the surface; others dig right down into the paintwork and undercoat. And once you notice it, you can’t unsee it.
The cost of repairing a scratch depends on:
- Depth of the damage.
- Location (is it on a bumper, panel, or somewhere awkward like near a sensor?).
- Paint type (metallic finishes cost more to fix).
In South Africa, even a small scratch could cost anywhere from R1,000 to R5,000+ depending on the work involved and if there’s any blending or repainting needed. If there’s any damage to parking sensors, cameras, or trim pieces, the cost climbs even higher.
Is it worth claiming through insurance
There’s no ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer, and that’s the end of the discussion. You see, it depends on the type of cover you have and the amount of excess that you’ll need to pay upfront. Okay, let’s start with the type of policy you have.
If you have third party only OR third party, fire, and theft car insurance then it’s a resounding no. These 2 policies are insanely cheap because they’re not covering the full range of risks that comprehensive car insurance does. So, damage to your own car won’t be covered.
You might be thinking, ‘Okay, I’ve got comprehensive, so I’m sorted.’ Well, actually… It’s not always worth it to claim from this policy. Let’s say your scratch repair costs R2,000, but your excess is R3,000. That means you’re footing the bill yourself anyway. We should also add that even if your excess is low, claiming for minor damage could affect your premiums at renewal.
Generally, the advice is to weigh up the cost of the repair against your excess amount. If the repairs will cost less than or close to your excess, it’s probably better to pay for the fix out of pocket.
Scratch and dent insurance from the king
This optional extra can be added to your comprehensive car insurance policy from the king for a low fee. This way, minor repairs to the exterior of your car (like those mysterious little dings that happen in parking lots) are covered.
What’s covered by the king:
- Unlimited claims in any 12-month period.
- Claims up to a limit of R3,000 (per incident).
- You only need to pay the basic excess amount for each claim.
Small damage, royal decisions
A scratch might seem insignificant, but the repair costs (and insurance implications) can add up quickly. Before making a claim, crunch the numbers, read your policy, and weigh up the impact on your premiums.
Sometimes, paying for the repair yourself makes more sense. Other times, claiming could save you a bundle, especially if you have the king’s scratch and dent insurance. Interested? WhatsApp us on 0860 50 50 50 or click here for a commitment-free quote.