Will auto insurance pay for paint jobs?

Will auto insurance pay for paint jobs? Yes, as long as you have a comprehensive policy in place. You must carry more than the state minimum insurance to have adequate coverage because liability insurance will not cover a fresh new coat of paint.

Does State Farm cover paint jobs? Yes, and many more providers offer comprehensive coverage for paint jobs. 

Read our guide before you buy auto insurance to learn what kind of comprehensive coverage you need to cover paint jobs and how to shop around for the types of policies you’re looking for.

The easiest way to find the cheapest comprehensive car insurance is to get paint car quotes from multiple companies. 

Is painting covered under car insurance?

As long as you carry a collision or comprehensive policy, auto insurance will pay for paint jobs on your car in most qualifying events. Qualifying events include accidents, collisions, and acts of vandalism that damage the exterior paint of your vehicle. 

Be aware that only comprehensive car insurance will cover paint jobs in most types of qualifying events.

What does comprehensive insurance cover on a car? That depends on the kind of policy you carry and the exclusions your provider lists on that policy. (For more information, read our “Are auto insurance companies allowed to charge a policy fee?“).

Typically, while collision insurance will cover paint damage that results from an accident, comprehensive car insurance covers other qualifying events that damage your paint job, including acts of vandalism and random acts of nature.

Unfortunately, if your paint job was damaged or chipping before you filed the claim, it’s unlikely your insurance company will pay for it. That is why it is very important to know the process on how to file an auto insurance claim especially if you’re car is prone to exterior damages like paints, lights and other accessories. 

Will liability auto insurance pay for paint jobs?

No. Liability auto insurance coverage only pays for damages you cause to another person or property in an accident. So it may pay for the other driver’s paint job, but the policy will not cover your vehicle.

This means you must carry more than your state’s minimum insurance requirements to have paint jobs covered under car insurance. Read our state-by-state comparison of auto insurance requirements to learn more about the insurance laws in your state.

Will auto insurance pay for paint jobs if an uninsured motorist hits my car?

Yes, uninsured motorist coverage is specifically designed to protect against damages caused by uninsured, underinsured, and/or hit-and-run drivers. In some cases, collision car insurance can cover a paint job damaged by an uninsured or underinsured motorist.

You don’t need uninsured motorist insurance unless your state requires it, but it does come with a few perks. Carrying uninsured motorist coverage will give you money for repairs, including paint jobs, and will also waive your deductible in the event of an accident with an uninsured driver.

Will my insurance company paint the whole car?

Technically yes. If your car can be repaired, then the cost of painting the whole car is factored into that repair cost. But depending on the level of damage sustained to your car after the qualifying event, your insurance company may choose to write your vehicle off as a loss.

If that’s the case, your insurance company will pay for the amount your car is worth rather than for the repair and repainting of the damaged vehicle.

When are paint jobs not covered by auto insurance?

All insurance companies are different, and each policy will come with its own exclusions. In most cases, auto insurance will not cover paint jobs damaged by wear and tear or prolonged exposure to the elements.

These wear and tear exclusions state that normal damage is expected to happen over the course of owning a car, and owners are in charge of performing basic vehicular maintenance to protect body paint. Paint jobs are only covered by car insurance if the damage was sudden and unexpected. 

Further, paint jobs won’t be covered by car insurance if you aren’t carrying a full or comprehensive policy.

Insurance companies may also not pay for paint jobs if the insurance claim doesn’t meet the deductible. The cost of repairs must exceed your deductible in order for your insurance company to pay out for any damage, including car paint jobs. 

How much does it cost to paint a car?

The kind of car you drive, the kind of paint, and the local body shop you choose will all impact price ranges for paint jobs. Cheap paint jobs can range between $300-$500 but could ultimately cost you more in the long run since cheaper paint tends to chip and rust more easily.

According to Car and Driver, drivers should plan on paying between $1,000 and $3,5000 for a good paint job, with showroom quality paint jobs at the higher end of that range.

To save money on car paint jobs, consider repainting only the damaged parts of the vehicle rather than the whole car.

Will auto insurance pay for paint jobs? Yes, as long as you have full or comprehensive coverage. 

Case Studies: Auto Insurance Coverage for Paint Jobs

Case Study 1: Accidental Scratches

John accidentally scratched his car against a concrete pillar while parking. Fortunately, his comprehensive auto insurance policy covered the damages under the category of “acts of vandalism and malicious mischief,” allowing his insurance provider to cover the cost of repainting the affected area.

Case Study 2: Keyed Vandalism

Sarah discovered her car’s paint severely damaged by a malicious keying incident. She contacted her insurance company and was relieved to find that her comprehensive coverage included protection against vandalism. As a result, her insurance policy covered the costs of repainting the damaged areas.

Case Study 3: Wear and Tear

Robert’s car had worn-off paint due to regular wear and tear, prompting him to consider repainting. However, his insurance policy did not cover the cost as it fell under regular maintenance and cosmetic enhancements, which are typically excluded from standard auto insurance policies.

Case Study 4: Custom Paint Job

Amy wanted a custom paint job for her car, but her insurance policy only covered damages from accidents, theft, and specific natural disasters. Since a custom paint job was deemed a cosmetic modification, it wasn’t covered by her policy. Amy had to personally cover the cost of the paint job.

Case Study 5: Uninsured Motorist

Mike’s car was parked legally when an uninsured motorist accidentally hit it, causing significant damage to the paintwork. Fortunately, Mike had uninsured motorist coverage, which protected him in such scenarios. His insurance company assessed the damage and agreed to pay for the necessary repairs, including repainting the affected areas.