Scratch & Dent Insurance
Keep Your Car Looking Like New & Protect Your No Claims Bonus
Scratch & Dent Insurance, also known as Smartcare, helps cover the cost of repairing minor cosmetic damage to your vehicle, including chips, scratches, dents and damaged bumpers. Direct Gap’s policy covers parts and labour as well as alloy wheel repairs, with no excess and mobile repairs available through a nationwide repair network.
When it comes to accidents, we all worry about being involved in something serious, but what about the smaller stuff? Minor damage such as scraping a wall, a car park bump or reversing into hidden obstacles might not be as traumatic, but they can be a major hassle, causing cosmetic damage that could worsen over time.
Scratch & Dent Insurance from Direct Gap could save you time and money, covering cosmetic repair for minor damage and keeping your vehicle looking its best, without having to claim on your usual motor insurance (which can have a major excess). Our policy now also covers repairs to your alloy wheels!
Why Should I Consider Scratch & Dent Insurance?
35% of UK drivers say they’ve been involved in a minor bump with 31% being involved in multiple accidents resulting in a ‘golf ball’ sized scratch or dent. With average car insurance excess at £272 and repair costs reaching over £260, many drivers face the costly dilemma of getting their car looking like new.
Minor cosmetic damage can devalue the resale value of your car and if damage spreads, could become dangerous; so why not simply claim on your ‘regular’ car insurance? Although you could, in most cases you will have to pay your agreed excess as well as make a claim, which could affect your No Claims Bonus.
Our Scratch & Dent Insurance covers parts and labour, with a nationwide network of mobile repairers repairing chips, scratches, dents and cracks, with no excess. Why not take the hassle out of your everyday motoring with a policy from £256 (with monthly payment options available)?
Why choose Direct Gap as your Scratch & Dent Insurance provider?
Here are just some of the many reasons why Direct Gap will let you DRIVE with peace-of-mind.
Trusted Since 2009
Since 2009, we’ve helped more than 160,000 customers protect vehicles worth over £4 billion.
With an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 from more than 14,000 reviews across Google, Feefo and Trustpilot, we’ve built a reputation for dependable cover and consistently excellent customer service.
Regulated Insurance Products
We only offer regulated insurance products, giving our customers important safeguards and peace of mind.
We’re authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our FCA authorisation number is 1050283.
Eligible customers can also refer complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service and may benefit from Financial Services Compensation Scheme protection.
Your Interests First
Our team aren’t paid commission for selling policies, so there’s no incentive to recommend additional cover or a more expensive policy unnecessarily.
Instead, they’ll take the time to understand your circumstances, answer your questions honestly and give you the relevant information so you can choose cover that genuinely meets your needs.
Flexible Policy Options
Our policies are designed to adapt to real life rather than take a one-size-fits-all approach.
From different types and levels of protection to free vehicle transfers and the option to defer selected policies for up to a year, we give you the flexibility to choose cover that works around your circumstances.
Gap Insurance Experts
Our UK-based team consists of professionally trained specialists with extensive knowledge of cars, motor finance and Gap Insurance.
Whether you need help understanding your options, choosing suitable cover or managing an existing policy, you’ll speak to someone who knows the subject without being passed around a generic call centre.
See what our customers are saying about us
We’re rated 4.9 out of 5 across Trustpilot, Feefo and Google, based on more than 14,000 reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Scratch & Dent insurance and what does it cover?
Scratch and Dent Insurance covers the cost of repairing minor cosmetic damage to your car’s bodywork. This may include dings, dents and chips or scratches to the paintwork, the bumpers or alloy wheels.
Smartcare insurance provides cover against the cost of performing a cosmetic repair to your vehicle, where the damage can be repaired by our specialist repairers using Smart repair process.
- Up to 5 repairs in each 12 months of cover taken
- Chip: a chip no more than 5mm in diameter and 3mm in depth
- Light Scratch: a scratch no more than 30cm in length, 3mm in depth and that sits within no more than two (2) body panels;
- Minor Dent: a dent no more than 30cm in diameter, 3mm in depth and that sits within no more than two (2) body panels
- Scuffed Bumper: a scuff or dent to a bumper no more than 30cm in diameter or 3mm in depth.
- Alloy Wheel: scratches or kerbed alloy wheel damage to the original alloy wheels fitted to your vehicle.
Any one claim on your chip and dent insurance is limited to one minor cosmetic damage repair, unless in the case of multiple damages caused by a single incident where the total end-to-end size of the furthest points of the combined damaged area is no larger than 30cm in diameter or 3mm in depth.
Any damage that exceeds these limits or is estimated to take longer than four hours to repair will not be considered to be minor cosmetic damage.
Are windscreen scratches covered by this insurance?
No, Scratch and Dent Insurance does not include any damage to your windscreen.
Is car Scratch and Dent Insurance worth it?
Even if the damage to your car’s bodywork is relatively small, it could prove expensive to repair. Furthermore, if you opt to leave the damage unattended, it may deteriorate and cause you a greater financial headache further down the line. But with a Scratch and Dent Insurance policy from Direct Gap, you can rest assured that the costs of repairing any minor cosmetic damage will be covered in full.
Does car insurance cover scratches and dents?
Most motor insurance policies will cover you for any minor cosmetic damage to your car, but taking out Scratch and Dent Insurance can still prove a prudent decision. Minor cosmetic repairs are likely to cost less than your excess, so it makes sense to protect yourself with this type of policy and avoid risking your no-claims bonus for relatively minor repairs.
It also covers repairs to your alloy wheels.
Does Gap Insurance cover scratches and dents?
No, Gap Insurance and cosmetic car insurance are two completely different products. Gap Insurance is designed to cover the difference between your motor insurers’ settlement at the point your vehicle is declared a total loss and its value when you first purchased it, or the amount owing to the finance company.
Minor cosmetic damage can only be covered by taking out Scratch and Dent Insurance.
Can I get Scratch and Dent Insurance if I bought my car on finance?
Yes. It doesn’t matter to us whether you purchased your car through a finance agreement or outright in cash, Scratch and Dent Insurance is available to you as long as it is bought in conjunction with a Gap Insurance policy.
Will I be covered by Scratch and Dent insurance if I'm at fault?
Yes, even if your vehicle’s bodywork becomes damaged by an incident that was your fault, you will be covered by your cosmetic car insurance. However, please note that you will not be covered if the damage occurs as a result of fraud, false actions or dishonesty. Please consult your policy wording for a full list of exclusions.
How old can my car be to buy Scratch & Dent Insurance?
When taking out car scratch insurance, your vehicle can be no more than ten years old and must have covered fewer than 100,000 miles at the policy purchase date.
Can anyone drive my car and still be covered by my Scratch and Dent insurance?
Yes, your car scratch insurance will include anyone who is covered by your comprehensive motor policy as a named driver.
When can I purchase cosmetic car insurance?
Scratch and Dent Insurance can be purchased at any time but you must submit photos of the existing condition of your vehicle.
Whose name should the policy be in?
The policy should always be in the name of the owner/hirer or registered keeper of the vehicle.
Is there a waiting period?
Yes. For the first 14 days following the inception of your car’s Scratch and Dent Insurance, no claim will be accepted. This also applies to all Alloy Wheel and Tyre Insurance policies.
How much does car scratch insurance cost?
The cost of your scratch, chip and dent insurance will depend on the make and model of your vehicle and the length of policy you wish to take out. Our prices start from just £256 but you can get a tailored quote in a matter of seconds by hitting the button below.
When and how do I receive my policy documents?
Policy documents together with confirmation of payment are sent by email as soon as you purchase your car scratch insurance.
How do I claim on my Scratch and Dent Insurance?
If your car’s bodywork becomes damaged, you’ll need to call the administrator on 0114 321 9877 within 30 days of the incident occurring.
You’ll be asked to supply information such as your policy number and vehicle registration and, if your claim is accepted, you’ll be put in touch with an approved repairer to arrange for the work to be carried out.
What is the claim limit?
Please see your policy documentation for claim limit details.
Does a claim on Scratch & Dent Insurance affect my no claims bonus?
No, you can make a claim on your scratch insurance without affecting your motor insurance policy.
Is an excess payable on this policy?
Yes, there is an excess of £10 payable on each claim.
Why would my Scratch and Dent Insurance not pay out?
Your cosmetic car insurance policy will not cover you for any damage to horizontal flat surfaces such as the roof or bonnet; for any distortions, rips, tears or perforations; or if any repair work is carried out without the prior authorisation of the administrator.
These are just a few examples of the exclusions that apply to your Scratch and Dent Insurance. For a full list, please see your policy wording document.
How do I take out a Scratch and Dent Insurance policy?
We want to make your life as straightforward as possible, and taking out scratch, chip and dent insurance is perfectly simple. You can calculate your quote online – all you need is to enter your desired length of policy and the model of your car.
Alternatively, you can always contact us and a member of our expert team will guide you through the process with a minimum of fuss. You can get in touch via telephone on 01422 756100 or by emailing [email protected]
Why is Direct Gap so much cheaper than motor dealers quote?
We are an internet-based provider which means we have lower overheads than motor dealers. As a result of the high volume of insurance that we sell, we are able to provide quality policies at the keenest prices.
You can be confident that our prices are lower than those quoted by dealers and many other websites. Paying less than you have been quoted elsewhere in no way means that you are buying an inferior product, it just means that they are making more profit from your purchase!
Who is the insurer of this policy?
The insurer of this policy is Helvetia Global Solutions Ltd, UK Branch. Establishment number: BR024650. Helvetia Global Solutions Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Liechtenstein Financial Market Authority, Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and limited regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Registered on the Financial Services Register under the firm reference number 454140.
The policy is administered by Spectrum Insurance Services Limited who will provide administrative services on our behalf. Spectrum Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference Number 309230). This information can be checked by visiting the Financial Conduct Authority’s website. Spectrum Insurance Services Limited is registered in England: under company number 05129413.
What is the Geographic Area of cover?
This policy is only valid within the UK Mainland and Northern Ireland only.
Can I transfer my Scratch and Dent Insurance policy?
If you sell your vehicle during the policy term, you may transfer the benefits of your smartcare insurance to the new owner of your vehicle, provided that you sell your vehicle privately and not through a garage, motor trader, auctioneers or similar company.
The transfer will be subject to a £35 administration fee. The transfer will be subject to the administrator’s approval and the fee will be returned in the event of non-acceptance.
Additionally, if you sell your vehicle, you may transfer the remaining cover to your eligible replacement vehicle, subject to the administrator’s agreement. The first transfer is free of charge, subsequent transfers will be subject to a transfer fee of £35. Proof that the vehicle is free from damage may be required prior to acceptance of any transfer. If the new vehicle does not meet the eligibility requirements of this insurance, the transfer will be declined and any transfer fee paid will be refunded. All transfer requests must be made within 30 days of the date of sale of your vehicle.
Can I cancel my Scratch and Dent Insurance?
Should you decide that you no longer want or require your Alloy Wheel & Tyre Insurance, you can cancel within a 30-day grace period (more than twice the legal obligation of 14 days) and receive a full refund. If those 30 days have elapsed, you will be refunded on a pro rata basis, minus a £35 cancellation fee.