You’re driving down the highway and you hear a loud “ping” sound. You look in your rearview mirror and see a small rock chip in your paint. You’re annoyed, but not too worried — after all, you have insurance. But does insurance cover rock chips in paint? It’s a common question, and the answer may surprise you. In this blog post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of auto insurance and paint coverage. We’ll also give you some tips on how to prevent rock chips in the first place. Read on to learn more.
What is a rock chip?
A rock chip is a small chip or crack in the paint of a car, usually caused by rocks or other debris hitting the surface. Rock chips can range in size from a few millimeters to a few centimeters, and while they may not seem like much, they can quickly turn into larger cracks or even holes if left untreated. Most insurance policies will cover rock chips as part of the comprehensive coverage, but it is always best to check with your insurer to be sure.
What causes rock chips?
There are many things that can cause rock chips in paint, from flying debris on the road to rocks and gravel kicked up by other vehicles. Most often, these chips are small and not very noticeable. However, over time they can begin to accumulate and become more visible, especially if they’re not properly repaired.
One of the best ways to prevent rock chips is to have a clear protective film applied to your vehicle’s paint. This will help protect against any flying debris that could potentially cause damage. If you do end up with rock chips, it’s important to get them repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
How to prevent rock chips
Most drivers will experience a rock chip in their paint at some point. Though these chips are typically small, they can be unsightly and difficult to repair. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to prevent them.
One of the best ways to prevent rock chips is to keep your car clean. This means washing it regularly and waxing it to create a barrier against debris. You should also avoid driving on gravel roads as much as possible.
If you live in an area with a lot of construction, make sure to give yourself plenty of space between your car and the trucks ahead of you. Rock chips often happen when construction workers are careless about securing their load.
Finally, always make sure your windshield is clean and free of cracks. A cracked windshield is more likely to shatter if hit by a rock, which could cause serious damage to your car.
How to fix a rock chip
You can fix a rock chip in your paint yourself with a few simple supplies. First, you’ll need to clean the area around the chip with soap and water. Next, use a razor blade or other sharp object to remove any loose paint from the chip. Once the area is clean, apply a small amount of automotive touch-up paint to the area and allow it to dry. Finally, use a clearcoat over the top of the touch-up paint to seal it.
When to file an insurance claim for a rock chip
If you have a rock chip in your paint, you may be wondering if insurance will cover the damage. The answer depends on a few factors, including the type of insurance you have and the severity of the damage.
If you have comprehensive insurance, then damage from a rock chip should be covered. However, if you only have liability insurance, then the damage may not be covered.
The severity of the damage also plays a role in whether or not your insurance will cover it. If the chip is small and does not affect the structural integrity of your car, then it is likely that your insurance will cover it. However, if the chip is large or causes significant damage to your car, then it is less likely that your insurance will cover it.
If you are unsure whether or not your insurance will cover rock chip damage, you can always contact your insurer to ask.
What does insurance cover?
There are a few different types of insurance that could potentially cover damage to your vehicle’s paint from rock chips. If you have comprehensive insurance, it may cover rock chips under the “other than collision” or “OTC” category. If you have glass coverage, it may also cover rock chips to your windshield or other windows. And if you have auto collision insurance, it may cover damage to your vehicle’s paint caused by rocks if you file a claim under your collision coverage.
Conclusion
Although your insurance policy may cover rock chips in paint, it is important to check with your insurer to be sure. Many factors can affect whether or not your insurance will pay for the damage, such as the type of policy you have and the state in which you live. If you are unsure about whether or not your policy covers rock chips in paint, contact your insurer and ask them for clarification.