Cosmetic car insurance

Key takeaways

• Cosmetic car insurance can be used to cover the cost of minor damage

• You can buy it as a separate policy or an add-on to your main car insurance policy

• There may be limits on the number of claims and it won’t cover functional damage to your windscreen, headlights, or indicators

What is cosmetic car insurance?

Cosmetic car insurance, also known as scratch and dent insurance and cosmetic repair insurance, is designed to cover minor types of damage such as imperfections to your car's paint job or bodywork.

Cosmetic car insurance is usually sold separately, but you may be able to add it to your standard car insurance policy.

When you make a claim on this type of policy, it does not impact your no claims bonus, which can be a significant relief for drivers who have worked hard to maintain a clean driving record.

How does cosmetic car insurance work?

If you need to make a claim on cosmetic car insurance, you may need to visit a garage approved by your car insurer.

Some policies allow for SMART (Small to Medium Area Repair Technology) repairs, which can be carried out on-site at your home or workplace, too.

There are restrictions to be aware of too, such as a limit to the number of claims you can make per year or a maximum payout over the policy's lifetime.

Does car insurance normally cover scratches and dents?

If you have fully comprehensive car insurance, you might assume that scratches and dents are covered. Technically, they should be, but claiming for such minor damage might not always be in your best interest because:

• Making claims regularly can impact your no claims bonus, leading to more expensive premiums

• You might need to pay out an excess every time you claim

• It might be cheaper to pay for the repairs yourself instead of claiming on your policy

What does cosmetic car insurance cover?

Cosmetic car insurance policies vary but most cover the following:

• Scuffs

• Scratches

• Dents

• Chips

• Scrapes

What doesn’t cosmetic car insurance cover?

You usually won’t be covered for the following:

• Damage which affects your car’s functionality

• Damage to the hubcaps or bumpers

How much does cosmetic car insurance cost?

The cost of cosmetic car insurance is an average of £10 a month. However, the price can vary based on factors such as the make and model of your car, as well as how you use and where you park it.

For example, costs can be higher for luxury vehicles or lower if your car is typically parked in a secure, private space.

Where can I find cosmetic car insurance?

Cosmetic car insurance is sometimes offered as an add-on to an ordinary car insurance policy – so it’s worth using our free price comparison service to see if you’re offered scratch and dent cover in any of your quotes.

MoneySuperMarket doesn’t compare standalone cosmetic insurance policies, but there are plenty of specialist providers out there that offer the service – and it might also be offered as an extra when you buy a car from a dealership.

Is cosmetic car insurance worth it?

The value of cosmetic car insurance ultimately depends on your individual circumstances. If you find yourself frequently needing minor repairs due to scratches and dents, this type of insurance can save you money over time.

However, there are some disadvantages to consider. Cover limitations, potential excess costs, and restrictions on the number of claims you can make are all factors that could affect the policy's usefulness for you.

Rebecca Goodman
Personal Finance & Insurance Expert

Our expert says

Lots of us are very proud of how our car looks - and why not? You’ve paid a lot of money for it. So it’s infuriating to come back to your vehicle and find someone has scratched it without leaving a note. Although most normal insurance policies do cover basic repairs, it’s usually not worth claiming as you would lose your valuable no-claims bonus. So cosmetic cover is a good option for those who are particularly protective of their wheels.