One of the most common questions new insurance buyers ask PrakanEV is: "My car has some scratches. A few small dents. Can I still get insurance? Will it pass inspection? And if I do not want an inspection, are there alternatives?"
Plenty of people worry that unless their car is showroom-perfect, insurers will reject them outright. This article clears up every aspect of that concern β plus the best route forward when your car is already carrying some battle scars.
For cars with extensive scratches and dents, a strong alternative is Class 2+ insurance or Class 3+.
The big advantage: Most insurers do not require a physical inspection for these classes. You buy the policy, coverage starts immediately, and you do not need to worry about old scratches being flagged.
(Note: Class 2+ and 3+ only cover own-damage repair when there is a collision with another identifiable land vehicle.)
But if you still want the maximum protection of Class 1 insurance (coverage even without an identifiable counterparty) and are wondering whether a scratched car qualifies, keep reading.
Jump To
- 1. The Verdict: Can a Scratched Car Get Class 1 Insurance?
- 2. Understanding the Remark System for Pre-Existing Damage
- 3. How Much Damage Before an Insurer Says No?
- 4. Self-Inspection: Photograph Your Own Car via Phone
- 5. Special EV Warning: Undercarriage Inspection Is Critical
- 6. Comparison: With Existing Damage, Class 1 or Class 2+?
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. The Verdict: Can a Scratched Car Get Class 1 Insurance?
Short answer: "Yes β absolutely." Most insurers are perfectly willing to issue Class 1 insurance for cars with scratches and minor dents. You do not need to repaint the car before applying.
However... there is an important mechanism called "Remarking" (recording pre-existing damage) that comes into play. This is a standard industry practice designed to keep things fair for both sides.
The core principle: Insurance covers accidents that happen "after" the policy start date. Damage that existed "before" you bought the policy is not covered.
2. How the Remark System Works
When you apply for Class 1 insurance and a vehicle inspection takes place, any existing damage gets recorded:
- Photographic evidence: The surveyor takes clear photos of every damaged area.
- Noted in your policy: The policy endorsement lists items like "scratch on front-left bumper, dent on rear-right door."
- Coverage going forward: Undamaged panels = covered 100%. Panels with existing damage (Remarked) = if a future accident damages the same panel, the insurer covers only the additional new damage or may negotiate a 50:50 split on repainting.
Your car already has a scrape on the front bumper β it gets Remarked. One unfortunate day, you reverse into a pole and the same front bumper cracks and needs replacing.
- Cost of the new bumper: Insurance pays (the new accident destroyed it)
- Cost of painting the new bumper: Insurance may ask you to share 50% (because the old bumper already needed repainting)
3. How Much Damage Before an Insurer Rejects Class 1?
- Peeling or cracked paint (crazing): Indicates severe neglect or very advanced age.
- Rust: Automatic rejection β rust is deterioration, not accident damage.
- Damage covering 60-70%+ of the car: If barely a panel is undamaged, the insurer may suggest Class 2+ instead.
- Missing or severely broken parts: Hanging bumper, shattered windshield, broken headlight β must be repaired first.
4. Self-Inspection: Photograph Your Car With Your Phone
At PrakanEV, we use a Self-Inspection system β you take the photos yourself and send them via LINE.
The 5 Mandatory Angles:
- Front-right diagonal: License plate and entire right side visible.
- Front-left diagonal: License plate and entire left side visible.
- Rear-right diagonal: Rear and right side visible.
- Rear-left diagonal: Rear and left side visible.
- Dashboard / instrument cluster: (Engine running) To verify odometer and check for warning lights.
Pro tip: Wash the car before photographing and shoot in good daylight. Clean photos speed up approval.
5. Special Warning for EV Owners β This One Is Critical!
For electric vehicle (EV) owners, the inspection has one additional dimension: the undercarriage.
Because the High Voltage battery β the single most expensive component β is mounted underneath the floor, insurers are especially strict:
- You must photograph the battery cover: Crouch down and take a clear photo of the undercarriage showing the battery protection plate.
- Existing undercarriage scrapes: If there are scratches or dents on the battery cover, the insurer will Remark them immediately. If the battery develops problems later, they may attribute it to that pre-existing impact damage.
PrakanEV recommendation: If you know you have scraped the undercarriage before, have the battery inspected at an authorized service center before applying for insurance.
6. Comparison: With Existing Damage β Class 1 or Class 2+?
| Factor | Class 1 | Class 2+ |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection Required | Yes (photos) | Usually not required |
| Pre-existing damage covered? | No (Remarked) | No |
| Own-damage claim (no counterparty) | Yes (new damage only) | No (car-to-car collision only) |
| Best for | Newer cars, light damage, maximum coverage | Older cars, heavy damage, budget-conscious |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I got the old damage repaired. Can I have the Remark removed?
Yes! Once repaired, send a photo of the now-perfect panel to your insurer. They will update the record and future claims will be covered at 100%.
2. If I switch insurance companies, do I need a new inspection?
Yes β every new insurer requires a current inspection. Only continuous renewal with the same insurer typically waives re-inspection.
3. Tiny scratches β like cat whiskers β will they get Remarked?
Very fine, nearly invisible scratches are not Remarked by most insurers. Deep scratches exposing primer or bare metal will be recorded.
4. Can a 5-year-old EV still get Class 1 insurance?
Yes. But premiums will be higher and the undercarriage/battery inspection will be more rigorous.
Bottom Line: Do Not Let Scratches Stop You From Getting Insurance
A few scratches and dents are not a dealbreaker. You have options: Class 2+ for quick, no-inspection coverage, or Class 1 with Remarked pre-existing damage for maximum protection.
Not sure which class suits your car? Message the PrakanEV team. We will review your photos before you submit them.
Not sure what your premium would be? Use our homepage to check EV insurance premium estimates for your model in under 3 minutes.