News & Advice

Whether car insurance will pay for a new paint job depends on the circumstances under which the paint was damaged and the specifics of your insurance policy.

Here are some scenarios in which insurance might cover a new paint job…

1. Comprehensive Coverage

• Coverage for Non-Collision Events – This includes damage from vandalism, theft, natural disasters (like hail or floods), and accidents involving animals. If your car’s paint is damaged due to these events, comprehensive coverage may pay for the paint job.
• Deductible Applies – You’ll need to pay your deductible first, and the insurance will cover the remaining cost.

2. Collision Coverage

• Coverage for Accidents – If your car needs a new paint job because of a collision, whether with another vehicle or an object (like a guardrail), collision coverage can help pay for the repairs.
• Deductible Applies – As with comprehensive coverage, you’ll have to pay your deductible before insurance pays for the rest.

3. Liability Insurance

• Damage to Another Person’s Property – If you’re at fault in an accident that damages another person’s vehicle, your liability insurance may cover the cost of painting as part of the property damage claim.
• Does Not Cover Your Car – Liability insurance does not cover damages to your vehicle.

4. Special Circumstances

• Manufacturer’s Defect – If your car’s paint job is found to be defective while under warranty, the manufacturer might cover the cost of a new paint job.
• Custom Paint Jobs – If you have a custom paint job, you might need to have special insurance coverage to ensure it’s fully covered, as standard policies usually only cover the factory paint job.

Things to Consider

• Insurance Premiums – Filing a claim for a paint job might increase your insurance premiums, so it’s worth considering whether the cost of the paint job outweighs the potential increase in premiums.
• Policy Details – Always review your insurance policy to understand what is and isn’t covered. Policies can vary greatly between providers and individual plans.
• Quotes and Approvals – For insurance to cover a paint job, the work usually needs to be quoted and approved by the insurance company beforehand. They may also require you to use a repair shop within their network.

Car insurance can pay for a new paint job under specific circumstances related to your coverage type. Review your policy and discuss with your insurance agent to understand your coverage limits and whether your situation qualifies for a paint job claim.