Many insurance companies are wary of insuring cars with pre-existing damage because they view them as high-risk. Shop around or fix your vehicle’s pre-existing damage to get a

car insurance

policy more easily.

Finding a car insurance policy for a car with previous damage can be a challenge due to the higher level of risk for future claims.
Pre-existing damage comprises large dents or structural damage—not small scratches or dings.
Consider fixing pre-existing damage before getting an auto insurance policy for an easier shopping experience.

Pre-existing damage is major, not minor

Minor

paint scratches

and dents don’t qualify as pre-existing damage—at least not the type that insurance companies are concerned with.

Pre-existing damage includes bigger dents and scratches, and damage to the structural or safety elements of a car. Think major like cracked windshield or collapsed bumper, not little things like door dings or chipped paint.

Insurance companies won’t cover pre-existing damage for fear of fraud

Naturally, insurance companies want to protect themselves from fraud. Customers might purchase a car with major damage, get insurance coverage, and then fake a car accident to make a fraudulent insurance claim and have the damage paid for by their insurance.

Some people exploit insurance companies as part of a scheme to get cash quickly.

Insurance fraud

has been driving up prices for honest customers, and it has led companies to act more cautiously.

The easiest solution is to fix the damage out of pocket

Your best bet: Pay to fix the pre-existing damage before purchasing insurance. Insurance companies won’t cover the pre-existing damage anyway, and you’ll save money down the road by paying lower rates for standard car insurance.

Before purchasing a car that was significantly damaged: Ask the seller to deduct repair costs from the total price so that you can afford repairs right away. If they are unwilling, then it might be smarter to look for a used car that doesn’t need immediate repairs.

Consider liability-only insurance

If you can’t cover the cost of repairs right away: Car insurance carriers may hesitate to offer a policy that includes collision coverage or comprehensive coverage for a damaged vehicle.

In this case, consider purchasing just

liability insurance

until you can save up enough money for the necessary

car repairs

What liability insurance covers: Damage caused to another person and their vehicle or property. This type of insurance is required in nearly every state, and it will allow you to drive legally without the expense of full coverage insurance.

You should think of this as a short term fix, and still aim to save up enough for repairs, especially if there is a safety issue.

Look for alternative providers

Major car insurance companies will be less likely to provide coverage for a vehicle with pre-existing damage. Expanding your search to smaller or newer companies might allow you to find coverage for your particular situation. Just know that you will likely be paying more than you would with a bigger provider.

While it’s not impossible to insure a car with pre-existing damage, it definitely isn't economical. You’ll be paying more in monthly insurance fees, and you will still be burdened by a car that has damage.

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