5 Things You Should Know About Scratch and Dent Insurance

We all know the feeling — you're heading to your car after an evening with friends. With a sinking sensation, you realise that some inconsiderate person has left a scratch and dent on your car.

Of course, that person is nowhere to be seen. So now you're stuck with a repair bill — and even if you have insurance, it means placing a claim that impacts your profile and premiums. There's one way to get around this, and it's knowing that different types of car insurance coverage exist — including Scratch and Dent Insurance from Dialdirect. Here's what it's all about.

Introducing Scratch and Dent Insurance: what is it for?

Scratch and Dent Insurance is cover for damage to the appearance of your car's exterior. This insurance is relevant in incidents that may not qualify as serious accidents or be accompanied by major damage to the inner works of your car. It's insurance that aims to keep your car looking good and its body well protected so you can preserve its retail value and appearance.

Having your car's bodywork preserved means it will look newer for longer. This means that if you plan to sell the car, its resale value will be higher. Or if you pass it down to a family member, they're less likely to feel like they're getting a run-down vehicle. With consumers turning to older used cars upon purchasing, having one that looks better than the rest will impact how much you can resell it for.

Remember that Scratch and Dent Insurance is not meant to replace a more robust form of insurance. Know that it won’t cover the cost of major repairs or maintenance or the cost of replacing your car should it be written off in an accident.

5 key things to understand about Scratch and Dent Insurance

Scratch and Dent Insurance comes with several distinct benefits. Here are a few things you should know about them.

1. It preserves your short-term coverage

Having your car insured is an essential purchase but also one you hope not to use. With every claim you make, your risk profile changes. The fewer claims you make, the longer you can keep your premiums on the lower side and the lower risk you'll present to your current and future insurers. With separate cover for scratches and dents, you can avoid claiming on your primary insurance.

2. No impact on your No-Claim Bonus

Many of us are motivated to insure our vehicles by knowing that after a certain period, we will become eligible for a no-claim bonus. Having a scratch get in the way of this is less than ideal. To make sure that you only make use of yourcomprehensive insurance when you really need it, you can invest in supplemental Scratch and Dent Insurance.

3. There’s no excess on claims

A common concern — and well-founded one — about getting insurance is that there will be hidden terms and conditions that keep you from enjoying the full benefits on offer. Many people avoid Scratch and Dent Insurance as they assume that, like most forms of insurance, it will charge an excess, which will render the coverage useless unless you make a particularly costly claim. While other insurers may do this, Dialdirect doesn't charge an excess on Scratch and Dent claims. Which brings us to the next perk.

4. Claims are unlimited

Getting a scratch and dent on your car can happen at any time and is a lot harder to avoid than a car accident. It wouldn't be worth it if you could only make a certain amount of claims. With Dialdirect, you have unlimited access to claims for dents and scratches.

5. You get additional perks

While the exact type of benefits you'll enjoy will vary depending on your insurer, there's a good chance that you can look forward to added benefits without paying more for them. For example, Dialdirect offers Licence Support, which is a free service that helps you get your car's licence renewed through a concierge door-to-door service.

Other benefits of a Scratch and Dent Insurance policy

If you're still on the fence about whether Scratch and Dent Insurance is worth it, these additional benefits may convince you:

●      It's flexible: Dialdirect offers two forms of coverage. One includes only the exterior of your car. The other includes both the exterior and selected surface damage to its interior.

●      It's convenient: Because scratches and dents are relatively minor events that don't require investigation or a police report, their claim process should be just as simple. Claiming is as easy as making a single phone call.

●      It's quick: No need to hunt for a suitable service centre to assist you. With a list of centres ready and waiting to assist you, you're likely to get your car repaired in days — if not hours!

●      Cost savings — There's nothing worse than facing an unexpected cost when you can least afford it. With no excess being charged, you won't need to wait for payday or a convenient tax rebate to repair your vehicle.

Get a Dialdirect Car Insurance quote

Scratch and Dent Insurance allows you to take one more worry off your plate. For a low monthly premium, you could find that you end up saving more than you ever anticipated. Ready to begin? Contact Dialdirect for a  Car Insurance quote today.

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Sources:

[1 ] Business tech: Big shift for South Africa’s used car market

Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or medical advice.