6 Tips to Avoid Costly Scratches and Dents to Your Car

Scratches and dents on your car are a pain. These imperfections not only hurt your car’s value, but they can also be a real eyesore. The good news is, keeping your car looking sharp and avoiding costly repairs is simple. Here are 6 simple tips to keep your car scratch and dent-free:

Luckily, keeping your car looking sharp and avoiding costly repairs is easier than you think. Here are 6 simple tips to keep your car scratch and dent-free:

1.Park smart

We’ve all been there before. With only one parking spot left at the shops, you’re forced to squeeze into a tight parking spot – but at what cost? Squeezing into a tight parking spot is risky, you’re almost guaranteed to be the victim of an unexpected door ding.

Always prioritise finding a spacious parking spot, away from other cars and high-traffic areas. Avoid packed parking lots, tight spaces, and parking next to cars that have not entered the parking space correctly. If this means parking a bit further away from the entrance, a few extra steps are worth the peace of mind knowing your car is safe.

2.Practice makes perfect

You’ve just got a new job in town that doesn’t come with a dedicated parking bay. Now you have to parallel park every single day. How are you going to get this right? Dedicate some time to practising your parking skills in a safe, open space. The more you become aware of the relationship between space and your car, the less likely you are to bump into something.

3.Regular car wash

Washing your car regularly removes dirt, grime, and debris that can scratch the paintwork. What’s even more important is using the correct equipment. For example, using a rough sponge to wash your car can leave scratch marks on the paintwork. Use separate microfiber cloths for washing and drying to avoid transferring dirt. Always make sure you’ve got the appropriate gear, or alternatively, visit your local car wash professionals.

4.Watch the weather 

Driving in bad weather conditions can cause damage to your car. Anything from flying debris to hail can cause scratches or dents. Keep an eye on weather reports and weather warnings and when possible, avoid driving in bad weather. If you do get caught in a storm, try to find covered parking or pull over safely until it passes.

5.Park undercover

Your car is parked most of the time. If your car isn’t parked undercover, your car will be exposed to the elements. For example, the sun’s UV rays can damage your car’s paint over time, making it more susceptible to scratches. Alternatively, if your car isn’t parked undercover, and it starts to hail, your car has no protection. Whenever possible, you should always park undercover. If you don’t have a garage at home, you could invest in a car cover to keep your car protected while it’s parked.

6.Consider Scratch and Dent Insurance

Scratch and Dent Insurance protects your wallet from the cost of repairing minor scratches and dents. With the average excess amount on a Comprehensive Insurance policy of around R3,500 – R5,000 per claim, this means you will have to dig into your own pocket to repair any minor damages if you don’t have Scratch and Dent Insurance.

Scratch and Dent Insurance from Bidvest Insurance not only protects your wallet, but it also protects any no claims bonus or points you might have with your comprehensive insurer.

Scratch and Dent Insurance keeps your car covered for the little dents and dings that can break your budget. Our Scratch and Dent Insurance covers specified minor damage, including scratches, scrapes, dents, hail damage and even tar removal.

What are you waiting for? Keep your budget in check and your car free from minor scratches and dents. Get cover today.

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Bidvest Insurance offers a wide range of insurance products to meet both your personal and vehicular needs.

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