Does Insurance Cover Rock Chips in Paint?

Rock chips and small dents in a car’s paint job are an annoying reality of driving. While they may seem minor at first, these chips and dents can quickly turn into rust and more extensive damage if left untreated. This leaves many drivers wondering – will insurance help pay for repainting areas damaged by rock chips?

The short answer is: it depends on your coverage.

What Causes Rock Chips?

Rock chips, also called stone chips, occur when small rocks or debris on the road flick up and hit the painted body of a moving vehicle. This usually happens at high speeds, such as when driving on the highway. The force and velocity of the rock hitting the paint causes it to chip, exposing the metal underneath.

Common culprits for rock chips include:

• Gravel on roads
• Loose asphalt
• Road construction debris
• Winter road salt and sand
• Flying rocks from other vehicles

Rock chips can happen to any vehicle, but they’re especially common on the front of the car since that area takes the most abuse from the road. Areas like the hood, bumper, fenders, mirrors, and windshield are rock chip hot spots.

Why Repairing Rock Chips Matters

While a single small rock chip may seem harmless, leaving it unrepaired can lead to further damage down the road. Here’s why fixing chips quickly is important:

• Prevents Rust: Exposed metal under the paint will start to oxidize, leading to unsightly rust spots.

• Avoids Flaking: Untreated chips can worsen and cause more of the paint to flake off.

• Maintains Value: Rock chips lower the car’s resale value due to poor appearance.

• Saves Money: It’s cheaper to fix a small chip than repaint an entire panel later.

• Protects Integrity: Deep scratches or chips can compromise the metal body’s strength over time.

Will Car Insurance Cover Rock Chip Damage?

Car insurance policies generally fall into three categories:

1. Liability Coverage: Covers damage you cause to others.

2. Collision Coverage: Covers damage to your car from colliding with an object.

3. Comprehensive Coverage: Covers non-collision damage including weather, vandalism, theft, and flying objects.

Out of these three, comprehensive coverage is needed to get insurance to pay for rock chip damage repairs. Here’s a closer look at how it works:

What is Comprehensive Car Insurance?

Comprehensive insurance covers random, non-collision damage to your vehicle. Along with rock chips, it also pays for:

• Hail damage
• Flood damage
• Falling tree debris
• Animal strikes
• Broken glass
• Vandalism
• Theft
• Fire

Unlike liability and collision coverage which most states require, comprehensive is an optional add-on.

Does Comprehensive Insurance Cover Rock Chips Specifically?

Comprehensive policies generally cover damage from any flying objects, including gravel, rocks, and road debris. However, its best to review your specific policy documents or call your insurance provider to verify.

There are a few other limitations to be aware of:

• The chip must be caused by a flying object, not a collision.
• Most policies have a deductible you pay out of pocket ranging from $100-$500.
• Severe damage may exceed your coverage limits.
• Rust damage caused by an untreated chip over time likely won’t be covered.

How Much Does it Cost to Repair Rock Chip Damage?

Rock chip repair costs depend on a few factors like:

• Number of chips
• Size of damaged area
• Location on the vehicle
• Type of repair method used

Minor chips can be fixed quickly with paint touch-up kits for $15-$50. More extensive rock chip damage covering a panel or bumper may require professional repainting, which can cost $200-$2000+.

Here are typical rock chip repair costs:

As you can see, fixing chips ASAP is wise to avoid more expensive paint jobs later. Comprehensive insurance can offset some of these costs if the damage is covered.

How to Prevent Rock Chips

While you can’t avoid rock chips completely, here are some smart ways to minimize them:

• Maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles.
• Slow down on gravel roads.
• Avoid tailgating trucks that can flick up debris.
• Equip your vehicle with paint protection film in vulnerable areas.
• Wash regularly to remove damaging salt and dirt from the paint.
• Park away from active construction areas when possible.
• Have small chips repaired right away to prevent worsening.

Is Comprehensive Coverage Worth It?

Given rock chips are a common road hazard, comprehensive insurance can be worth it, especially on new cars or vehicles you plan to drive long-term.

On average, it costs $150-$300 per year to add comprehensive to your policy depending on your location and other factors. Compared to paying thousands out of pocket for hail damage or replacing a stolen car, comprehensive insurance can pay for itself if you ever need to use it.

At the same time, it may not be cost effective to add comprehensive to older, high-mileage vehicles. You’ll have to weigh the risks based on how and where you drive.

The Bottom Line