Introduction
One of the most common questions drivers ask is what happens when their car got scratched — is it covered by insurance or not? Small damages like scratches, chipped paint, or a broken side mirror may look minor, but repairing them can be surprisingly expensive.
Many owners are unsure if insurance will actually pay for these repairs. So in this guide, we break down what’s covered, what isn’t, and how to make the smartest decision without affecting your NCD unnecessarily.
1. Coverage Depends on Your Insurance Type
Scratches, chipped paint and broken side mirrors are only covered under a comprehensive (1st party) policy.
If your car got scratched and you’re using third-party insurance, it will not be covered.
Simple breakdown:
- Comprehensive → Covers your own car
- Third Party Only → No coverage for your car
- Takaful or conventional → Same rules apply
2. Car Got Scratched: When Can You Claim?
There are many reasons why your car got scratched — tight parking spots, scraping against objects, or someone else causing the damage.
You can claim if the cause is clear:
- You hit an object
- Another vehicle caused the scratch
- Vandalism (depending on policy)
Important reminders:
- Claiming scratches reduces your NCD
- Repainting may be cheaper than losing NCD
- Small repairs under RM300–RM500 are often better to settle privately
3. Side Mirror Broken: Coverage & Claim Process
Side mirrors usually cost more to replace because the entire housing needs to be changed.
Covered under comprehensive insurance if the cause is known:
- Hit by a motorcycle
- Hit by another car
- Damaged by falling objects
- Vandalism (policy-dependent)
If a third party caused the damage, file a third-party claim to protect your NCD — with a police report.
4. When Insurance Will Not Cover the Damage
Insurance may reject the claim in these situations:
- No clear cause of damage
- Wear & tear
- Damage caused by illegal modifications
- Damage happened before the policy became active
- Police report doesn’t match the damage
5. Claim or Repair Yourself — Which Is Better?
Even if your car got scratched and you can claim it, it’s not always the smartest move.
It’s often better to repair privately if:
- Repair cost < next year’s premium increase
- You have high NCD (e.g., 55%)
- The damage is small or cosmetic
Minor repairs usually cost less than losing your NCD.
6. How to File a Claim
If you decide to claim, follow these steps:
- Make a police report within 24 hours
- Visit a panel workshop
- Submit required documents (grant, license, IC, policy)
- Workshop submits the claim
- Adjuster approves → repair begins
If someone else caused it, always choose a third-party claim to protect your NCD.
7. Tips to Prevent Claim Rejection
- Take clear photos from all angles
- Use panel workshops only
- Keep your report consistent
- Ensure your policy is active & comprehensive
- Clearly explain how the damage happened
Conclusion
When your car got scratched or your side mirror breaks, the coverage depends on your policy type and the cause of the damage.
Comprehensive insurance usually covers both, but it’s still important to decide whether claiming is worth losing your NCD.
With the right information, you can avoid unnecessary costs and choose the best option for your vehicle.
Read More:
Riot Damage Repair Costs: Rare but Expensive
NCD Relief Guide: Protect Your NCD from Being Lost After a Claim
