IndependerThe muddy autumn weather leaves its mark on your car. So it’s time to drive to the car wash more often, so that you can brave the gray weather together. But what if the paint of your car is damaged during the wash, due to your own carelessness or due to a mistake in the car wash? Independer.be gives advice.
What if you cause scratches yourself while washing?
Only if you have a full comprehensive insurance policy are you insured for damage that you cause to your car. In this case you can report the damage to your insurer.
But: take into account the deductible of your insurance and the premium that increases with each claim. If you have a claim, you will fall back a few steps on the bonus-malus ladder for the claim-free years. And you therefore pay a higher premium for a number of years.
Take advantage of it: five things that many of us did not know about the claim-free years.
Especially if there are only a few scratches, it is wise not to simply report the damage to your insurer, but to pay the repair costs yourself. Or you can try to camouflage the damage yourself. A paint marker to remove a superficial scratch costs less than 20 euros. Make sure you know the exact color of your car. This is stated on the chassis number. You can then use the color code to order the correct paint marker online or from your dealer.
If you only have public liability insurance, you will have to pay for the repairs of your car yourself. After all, Civil Liability insurance only reimburses the damage you cause to the other party if you cause an accident. A mini comprehensive also does not cover your own damage or damage due to vandalism.
Is full comprehensive insurance interesting for you? Read more about the unique coverage of this formula here.
What if you have scratches after a visit to the car wash?
Do not be fooled. Even if there is a sign stating ‘We are not liable for accidents’ when you enter the car wash: it is the car wash operator who must ensure that your car leaves the car wash without damage.
That is why it is important to take a good look at your car after every wash. If one of the brushes scratches the car, the operator is responsible and you must complete a collision form with him or her. You then report the accident to your insurer.
Scratches in the paint reduce the value of your car: but these factors also influence the resale value of your car.
Please note: Follow the instructions
If your car is damaged because you do not follow the car wash operator’s instructions, you are liable. For example, if you do not put the gear of your car in neutral when asked to do so, you will be responsible for any damage yourself.
The same goes for if you hit a post and you have a big dent in your bodywork. In that case, the same rules as above apply: only with full comprehensive insurance are you insured for your own damage.
Tip: Regularly examining your car insurance is an excellent idea: this way you always have the coverage that suits you best. Independer.be helps you compare using the box below.
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Read more on Independer.be:
An asterisk in your windshield: when will your car insurance reimburse the repair?
This article was brought to you by our partner Independer.be.
Independer.be is an independent insurance broker that helps you compare and take out insurance.
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2023-10-27 16:01:00
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