Is SMARTCare Cosmetic Insurance Worth It? Cost vs. Repair Bills Compared

 

If you’re considering SMARTCare Cosmetic Insurance, you might ask yourself: Is it worth it, or should I pay for repairs when needed? To help you make an informed decision, we’ll compare the cost of SMARTCare with real-world repair expenses and break down who benefits most from this type of coverage.

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What Does SMARTCare Cosmetic Insurance Cover?

 

SMARTCare Cosmetic Repair Insurance is designed to cover the cost of minor cosmetic repairs to your car, including:            

• Scratches & Dents – Damage to bodywork caused by car parks, shopping trolleys, or light impacts.

• Alloy Wheel Damage: Scuffs, curb damage, and minor scratches are covered. We also cover diamond-cut alloy wheels.

• Interior Trim Damage – Scuffs, scratches, and scrapes on door panels, dashboards, and upholstery.

 

Any damage must be suitable for SMART repair (Small and Medium Area Repair Technology), which is provided by a mobile service to your home or place of work.

 

Unlike standalone policies for scratch and dent insurance or alloy wheel insurance, SMARTCare bundles these coverages into one, making it a cost-effective solution for comprehensive cosmetic protection.

 

 

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How Much Do Repairs Cost Without Insurance?

 

Many drivers underestimate the cost of minor car damage repairs. Prices for cosmetic repairs can differ depending on the type of damage, vehicle and even region. Below is a realistic price range for common repairs in the UK:

Type of Damage	Average Repair Cost (Per Incident)
Alloy Wheel Refurbishment	£80 – £150 per wheel
Scratch & Dent Repair	£200 – £300 per panel
Interior Trim Repair	£100 – £150 per repair

 

Example Scenario:
If you experience two alloy wheel scuffs (£300 total), a door scratch (£300), and a minor interior trim tear (£150) in a year, your total out-of-pocket repair costs could be £750 or more.

 

Read our SMARTCare Cosmetic Insurance FAQs

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How Much Does SMARTCare Cosmetic Insurance Cost?

 

SMARTCare’s pricing depends on factors such as coverage level (we offer either 3 or 6 claims per annum) and policy length (we offer between 1 and 4 years), but in general, a one-year policy costs significantly no more than a single major repair.

 

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Who Could Benefit the Most from SMARTCare?     

 

Lease & PCP Customers

Leasing a car? Is there a PCP finance agreement? If so, SMARTCare could save you from expensive end-of-contract charges. Many lease companies can charge heavily for minor damage when you return the vehicle, and a SMART Care Insurance policy can help you avoid these costs.

 

New and Used Car Owners

If you’ve just bought a new or used car in tip-top condition, you’ll want to keep it looking as good as possible. Small dings and scuffs can be frustrating, and SMARTCare provides peace of mind.

 

City & Urban Drivers

Do you regularly park in tight spaces, multi-storey car parks, or busy high streets? If so, your car is at a higher risk of scratches, dents, and curb damage, making cosmetic insurance a smart investment.

 

People Who Take Pride in Their Car’s Appearance

If you want to maintain resale value, having a scratch-free, well-maintained car makes a big difference when selling or part-exchanging. It will also look better on your driveway!

 

People who have an excess on their Motor Insurance policy

Most comprehensive motor insurance cover features an excess (voluntary and compulsory). This is the first amount of any claim you may have to contribute. If the repair cost does not exceed your excess, then you cannot make the claim on your motor insurance. This void can be met by having a SMARTCare policy so you can claim on that instead (with no excess to pay and no claim to make on your motor insurance).

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Final Verdict: Is SMARTCare Worth It?

 

If you’re debating whether to get SMARTCare or pay for repairs out of pocket, consider these key points:

• One or two repairs per year could already exceed the cost of the policy.
• Repairs are done by approved professionals, ensuring quality work.
• No excess fees, meaning no unexpected extra costs.
• It’s a stress-free way to keep your car in top condition.

 

Our SMART Care Cosmetic insurance is fully underwritten and covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme and the Financial Ombudsman Service in the UK.

 

SMARTCare cosmetic insurance may not suit everyone. If you do not attract minor cosmetic damage to your vehicles, cover a low mileage, or are simply not too concerned about your car's appearance, then cosmetic repair insurance may not be for you.

 

Bottom Line: If you want a combination of a scratch and dent policy and alloy wheel insurance policy, predictable costs, hassle-free repairs, and protection from unexpected cosmetic damage expenses, SMART Care Cosmetic Insurance can be a worthwhile investment.

 

Interested? Get a quote today! Visit the SMARTCare product page.    

 

Remember, you can also take a full 360 view on your protection by adding the following products:

 

GAP Insurance - to cover any financial shortfall should the vehicle be written off or stolen

 

Tyre Insurance - to cover the cost of repair or replacement of tyres following accidental or malicious damage

 

Motor Excess Insurance - Should you need to claim on your motor insurance (for example, if you have repair that needs to go to a body shop), then you may be charged your excess by the car insurer. You can then claim back your excess payment from your motor excess insurance policy.

It can also help reduce the cost of your annual motor insurance premium by covering a higher voluntary excess you may take to reduce the premium.

 

At Total Loss GAP,, we offer the most comprehensive set of products, each designed to cover different aspects of your motoring financial protection. For more details, please feel free to contact us on 0800 195 4926 or 0151 647 7556 today.