Getting rid of those scratches and dents on your car is necessary to keep it in good shape. For South African drivers, these minor damages can turn into big headaches if you ignore them. In this guide, we’ll explain why getting them fixed is so important and what happens if you don’t.
The problem with not fixing small damages
You may have gone to the shops and come back to see another vehicle carelessly scraped against yours, leaving noticeable scratch marks. Or, maybe you accidentally bumped into the wall in your driveway, and now your car has a small dent.
At first, you might think it’s not a big deal. Unfortunately, it could lead to a number of issues for your car if you don’t get it fixed straight away. Let’s look at how leaving scratches and dents can impact your car’s performance and worth.
Appearance matters
Your car’s appearance plays a big role. It reflects your pride in ownership, and scratches and dents can make your car look old and uncared for, making it harder to sell later on. Therefore, it’s important to repair car dents and scratches now so you don’t any issues selling it down the line.
Paint offers protection
The paint on your car helps to protect against the sun’s damaging UV rays, water and dirt. When you don’t get the scratches on your car fixed, the paint can wear away faster, making the colour look faded.
Rust can be a problem
Scratches and dents can break through the paint layer, exposing the metal underneath and making it more likely to rust. This is especially true if you live in a coastal province where the salty air makes metal rust faster. Rust not only affects your car’s appearance but also weakens its structure.
Safety is a concern
Even small dents can make your car weaker. Over time, this can make it more likely to get seriously damaged in a crash, putting you and your passengers at risk.
It could cost more later
Not getting scratches and dents repaired now could lead to bigger problems that cost much more to fix. On top of this, it would be harder to sell your car for a good price later on.
Repair car dents and scratches
The good news is that repairing scratches and dents early can prevent them from getting worse, saving you money and keeping your car looking its best. And, with the right insurance coverage, you won’t have to make a dent in your finances to fix it.
Although kits are available with tools and products to help you get rid of small scratches yourself, it’s best to get it done professionally. It’s easy to make mistakes, and you want to avoid making things worse and ending up having to pay more.
Scratch and dent repair service professionals have the right skills and tools to fix your car safely and properly. They also normally offer warranties if you’re unhappy with the results afterwards.
How to prevent scratches and dents
To prevent scratches and dents, consider adding bumper guards or mud flaps to your car. Regularly washing and waxing your car can also help protect the paint and prevent damage. Additionally, park in safe spots away from other cars and potential hazards like shopping carts.
Invest in scratch and dent cover
You can protect yourself from the financial burden of fixing scratches and dents with comprehensive car insurance or by getting scratch and dent cover. This offers insurance for fixing minor damage to your car, saving you time, money, and stress down the road.
Get insurance coverage from Prime
When you’re covered by Prime, you can drive confidently, knowing that you’re protected if anything happens to your car. Consider getting our Comprehensive cover, which covers everything from small scratches to write-offs.
If you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford comprehensive cover, our Customised and Third-party Plus plans offer Growing Cover to help you pay for smaller accidents. This way, your car can stay in top condition without having to deal with the stress of paying for it yourself.
Don’t have the right car insurance coverage? Whatever your needs and budget, Prime offers you various plans to choose from, and it’s easy to get a free online quote.
Keeping your car in good shape
Fixing scratches and dents as soon as possible is essential for keeping your car in good shape. By understanding the risks, knowing your repair options, and learning how to prevent these minor damages, you can be sure your car stays safe and looks its best for years to come.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information on the importance of repairing car dents and scratches. However, this article does not include all available information. Therefore, always do your own independent research.
Remember to buy car insurance carefully and only through a certified financial services provider.
Contact us today to learn more about getting affordable, comprehensive car insurance with fixed premiums* and a reduce-to-zero excess*. *T&Cs apply.
