I want to tell you a story. A true story. It was a sunny Friday morning, and Mike had just finished a successful meeting. He was walking to his shiny new BMW, when all of a sudden he noticed a huge scratch right across the driver door! "Sh#%!", he shouted, and immediately started to rack his brains trying to figure out who would could have done such a thing? Was it his ex-girlfriend Mandy? Perhaps a jealous co-worker? A random stranger? Who knows…But this is where the story gets worse, you know why? Well, because the story isn't really about Mike, it's about You, me and about 84% of all South-Africans. That's right, according to recent research, around 84% of new cars (up to 5 years on the road), get severely scratched and/or dented, and their owners end up paying thousands of Rands to fix this. For us, that last part about paying thousands of Rands is especially sad, because why pay thousands of Rands when you can pay as little as R159 a month instead and enjoy a “scratch free” car and many other added benefits (see below).

What is scratch and dent cover?

Scratch & Dent is a type of “insurance” for a very specific thing, yes, you guessed it, scratches and dents. So this is a type of added “mini-insurance” policy. The great thing about this “mini-insurance” is that it gives you peace of mind from all those annoying scratches and dents that statistically are going to cause you to pay thousands of Rands. Additionally, with the below offer, you get tons of added benefits, including up to 12.5% cash returns on your car insurance. Hands down, scratch and dent cover is the best way to protect your vehicle from damage whilst also saving on car insurance premiums.

While not replacing car insurance, scratch and dent insurance allows you to take care of minor damages to your car without making claims through your car insurance company. This way, you don’t lose out on your no claims bonus and prevent the raising of your car insurance premiums.

How does scratch and dent cover work?

Once you’ve signed up with a company for scratch and dent cover, you will pay a small monthly premium. If scratches or dents appear on your car (or even scratches from before you did the insurance), you then call into the call centre and co-ordinate a repair. With that, a professional will come to your place of work or home to actually do the repairs.

A few things you should know that apply to most companies: Pre-existing scratches and dents are typically not covered by most companies, but with the below offer, they are!

What are the benefits to scratch and dent cover?

There are a number of insurance companies that offer scratch and dent cover and each company’s policy is slightly different. However, for the most part, scratch and dent coverage will include both the exterior and interior of your vehicle. Additionally, some companies offer free car washing when the repairs are done and other benefits.

Coverage for the exterior of your vehicle will usually include the repair and removal of:

• Windscreen cracks (but not replacement);
• Scratches and chips evident to the body work;
• Dents that do not require painting;
• Tar from your car.

Coverage for the interior of your vehicle will usually include the:

• Removal of odors from inside your car;
• Treatment of your air conditioning unit;
• Replacement of headlights;
• Protective guarding of cloth seats or leather treatment for leather seats.

Another benefit to scratch and dent cover is its price. Overall, it is significantly cheaper than what it would cost you to fix the damage privately. Although the prices may vary from one company to another, the cost typically runs from about R100 to R180 per month depending on the added benefits (beware of the cheaper offers seeing how they don’t include many needed aspects). The prices also reflect the make and model of your car. Keep in mind that repairing a cracked windscreen can cost upwards of R400, or removing a dent from one fender can start at R600. While scratches and dents may be small, the cost of fixing them are not. That’s where having scratch and dent coverage can be beneficial.

A scratch and dent offer for you!

We have an amazing scratch and dent offer for you with the following benefits:

• Monthly premium of only R159;
• No excess charges when you claim;
• Repairs done at your home or work – which saves you time;
• Repairs of pre-existing damages;
• You can call as often as once a month;
• Free wash and vacuum on each call out;
• 12.5% Cash Returns on your car insurance

Summary


It is almost inevitable that your car will somehow get scratched or dented. Whether it’s a runaway shopping trolley, a brief misjudgment, parking too close to another vehicle… the possibilities are many. You have several choices. You can pay for the minor damage out of your own pocket (which might ruin your month or year…). You can claim it from your insurance company (which will raise your premiums and you will miss out on your no claims bonus). You can ignore it if you don’t mind a car that is more likely to rust or the exterior look. Or, you can pay a small monthly fee and opt for scratch and dent insurance! Remember, cars that are well taken care of tend to last longer, cause less problems and are of higher value and easier to sell.

Main subject: Scratch and Dent