Key takeaways
- When does my cover start?: Scratch and Dent Insurance from Bidvest Insurance has a waiting period of 30 days from your 2nd Premium collected.
- What to do after an incident: Document the damage and contact Bidvest Insurance.
- How do I claim?: Call 0861 272 777 or email us on scratchclaims@bidvestinsurance.co.za
- What can I claim for?: Minor dents, scratches, chips, tar removal, wheel rim damage, hail damage, and windscreen chips.
If you’re wondering how to claim for Scratch and Dent Insurance, we’re here to help.
The process to claim for Scratch and Dent Insurance has never been easier, thanks to Bidvest Insurance. Scratch and Dent Insurance is designed to keep your vehicle looking as good as it did on the day you drove it off the showroom floor.
When does my cover start?
Scratch and Dent Insurance from Bidvest Insurance has a waiting period of 30 days from your 2nd Premium collected. If you take your car for inspection and pay for the inspection yourself, send us the report, and we will waive the waiting period. Get in touch with us for details on where to find your nearest inspection facility.
What to do after an incident
If your vehicle sustains damage from minor scratches, dents, or other covered damage, follow these steps:
- Notify us: Contact Bidvest Insurance within 60 days of the incident. You can do this through the “My Policy” page on our website.
- Document the damage: Take clear photographs of the damage for your records.
- Get ready for our call: Our claims assessor will guide you through the next steps in the claims process.
How do I claim?
Claiming from your Scratch and Dent Insurance policy from Bidvest Insurance is simple. You can contact us through the “My Policy” page on our website to notify us of the incident. Alternatively, you can call 0861 272 777 or email us on scratchclaims@bidvestinsurance.co.za
Our Bidvest Insurance claims assessor will then guide you through the claims process.
- Submit your claim form: Fill out the claim form. The claim form will detail everything you will need to provide us with, such as photos and repair quotations.
- Assessment: Bidvest Insurance will assess your claim to ensure it meets the policy criteria.
- Approval and repair: If your claim is approved, we’ll give the repairer the go ahead to make the repairs.
Important things to remember:
- You must notify us within 60 days of the incident occurring.
- When you claim, we will take all damages into consideration and not selective damages.
- If the cost of the repair is more than the cover provided by your Scratch and Dent Insurance policy, we will allow you to pay in, up to a maximum of R1 000 incl. VAT towards the repair. Thereafter, the damage is deemed as major damage and will not be covered.
- There is no excess payable.
What can I claim for?
Scratch and Dent Insurance is designed to keep your vehicle looking as good as when you drove it off the showroom floor. We cover:
- Minor scratches, dents, chips and hail damage: Minor scratches and dents can expose your vehicle to rust. That could eventually call for major panel work. We pay up to R2,500 per claim.
- Wheel rim damage: Cosmetic damage on your rim is an eyesore. We pay up to R 2,500 per claim, and allow you 1 claim per annum.
- Windscreen chips: A chip on your windscreen can lead to a series of cracks that become a serious driving hazard. You could end up having to replace the entire windscreen too.
- Tar removal: Tar build up can ruin your bodywork. We pay up to R2,500 per claim for specified tar removal.
Tips for preventing scratches and dents
To keep your car looking great and avoid unnecessary claims, consider these practical tips:
Park smart
Always choose spacious parking spots away from high traffic areas. If possible, park next to smaller vehicles to create more space between your car and others.
Regular car washes
Clean your vehicle regularly to prevent scratches from dirt buildup. Use soft sponges and microfiber cloths to avoid damaging the paint.
Weather awareness
Stay informed about weather conditions that could affect your vehicle’s exterior. If severe weather is forecasted, consider keeping your car in a garage or covered area.
Park undercover
Protect your car from environmental damage by parking in garages or using car covers when necessary. This helps shield your vehicle from UV rays, falling debris, and hail.
Be cautious with trolleys
Avoid parking near trolley return areas, or areas where trolleys can be abandoned. If you see an abandoned trolley in the parking lot, park as far away as possible. Better yet, be a good person and return the trolley to the trolley return area.
FAQs
Does Scratch and Dent Insurance cover pre-existing damage?
No. Your Scratch and Dent Insurance policy from Bidvest Insurance does not cover pre-existing damage.
How much does Scratch and Dent Insurance cost?
You can get Scratch and Dent Insurance from as little as R139 per month.
Why bother fixing minor scratches and dents?
Scratches and dents make your car look unattractive, and can cause damage to your car. If you want your car to keep its trade-in value, you need to ensure your car is covered by a Scratch and Dent Insurance.
If you have not already, consider getting Scratch and Dent Insurance from Bidvest Insurance to protect your car from minor damages. Our Scratch and Dent Insurance helps maintain your car’s appearance and resale value, ensuring you don’t have to pay out-of-pocket for minor, but costly repairs. Get Scratch and Dent Insurance now from Bidvest Insurance.
