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SMARTCare Cosmetic Insurance FAQs: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy
If you want to keep your car looking pristine but worry about minor scratches, dents, and alloy wheel damage, SMARTCare Cosmetic Insurance could be the perfect solution. To help you understand how it works and whether it’s right for you, we’ve compiled this comprehensive FAQ guide covering everything you need to know before purchasing a policy.
General Questions
1. What is SMARTCare Cosmetic Insurance, and what does it cover? 
SMARTCare Cosmetic Insurance is a specialist cosmetic repair insurance policy designed to cover minor cosmetic damage to your vehicle. With the Total Loss GAP SMARTCare Insurance, this includes minor bodywork scratches and dents, alloy wheel damage, and interior trim damage—helping you maintain your car’s appearance without the high costs of traditional repairs.
It should be noted that not all products named 'SMARTCare' will have the same features. Some may only include cover for your car bodywork (like our Scratch and Dent Insurance policy), for example, and not include alloy wheels and interior trim.
When comparing the SMARTCare product from Total Loss GAP and other competitors, please make sure you compare all the features of each.
2. Who is SMARTCare Cosmetic Insurance designed for?
SMARTCare is ideal for anyone who wants to protect their car from everyday wear and tear, including:
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New or used car owners who wish to preserve resale value.
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Lease or PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) customers looking to avoid costly end-of-contract charges.
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Owners who want cover for minor damage that could not be claimed for on their motor insurance because the cost does not exceed their motor insurance excess.
3. How is SMARTCare different from other cosmetic car insurance policies?
Unlike standalone Scratch & Dent Insurance or Alloy Wheel Insurance, SMARTCare from Total Loss GAP combines multiple cosmetic repair insurance products into one comprehensive policy. This means broader protection and fewer gaps in coverage, offering more value than purchasing separate policies.
The SMARTCare offered by Total Loss GAP also, at the time of writing, offers cover for interior trim damage. This may be a small cut to the cloth upholstery, a graze on leather upholstery, or a scuff on plastic trim. It will not cover the repair or replacement of broken items.
4. Can I get SMARTCare if my car already has minor damage?
No, like nearly all insurance policies, pre-existing damage is not covered, as you cannot take out insurance for something that has already happened. However, if your car is currently damage-free, you can take out a policy to protect against future damage, subject to further eligibility criteria being met.
If you have some pre-existing damage, you may be able to get this repair done and then take out a SMART Care insurance policy for your damage-free vehicle.
Coverage & Eligibility
5. What types of damage are covered under SMARTCare Cosmetic Insurance? 
SMARTCare covers minor cosmetic damage, including:
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Scratches and dents (typically up to a certain size limit, such as 30cm in length)
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Alloy wheel scuffs and kerbing damage
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Interior trim damage, including scuffs and scratches on door panels, dashboards, and upholstery
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The damage must be able to be repaired by a smart repair (Small and Medium Area Repair Technology) by a mobile repairer. The policy does not cover the costs of a body shop repair except where the damage falls within the policy parameters (30cm max, no more than two body panels, etc.) but cannot be repaired by the mobile repairer. In this case, with the agreement of the claims team, a contribution towards a body shop repair may be offered.
6. Are alloy wheels and interior trim covered under the policy?
One of the most significant advantages of SMARTCare is that it includes alloy wheel and interior trim cover alongside bodywork protection—unlike many cosmetic policies that focus only on exterior damage.
Alloy Wheel damage typically involves kerb damage when you scrape along the kerb stone when parking.
The alloy wheel insurance section of the policy can cover diamond-cut alloy wheels as well as painted alloys (black, for example).
7. What types of damage are NOT covered?
The policy does not cover:
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Significant accident damage (covered by comprehensive car insurance)
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Rust, corrosion, or paint fade
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Damage caused by neglect, improper maintenance, or vandalism
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Mechanical or structural damage
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Replacement or repair of broken parts such as plastic trims, bumpers, etc
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Claims that cannot be fulfilled by a mobile repair (except under specific circumstances and pre-agreed with the claims team)
8. Is there a limit on how many claims I can make annually?
Yes, most policies have a set number of claims per policy year. The specific limit will depend on the policy terms, so it's important to check the details before purchasing.
With the SMARTCare Cosmetic repair insurance cover from Total Loss GAP, you can make either 3 or 6 claims per year. These claims can be split between the scratch and dent insurance, alloy wheel insurance, and interior repair elements of cover.
Cost & Value
9. How much does SMARTCare Cosmetic Insurance cost?
The price varies based on factors like vehicle type, coverage level, and policy duration. However, it is typically far more affordable than paying for multiple cosmetic repairs out of pocket.
At the time of publishing this article (March 2025), premiums start at £149.99 for a two-year policy with three claims per annum. Up to four years of cover is available for this cosmetic repair insurance.
10. Is getting SMARTCare or paying for cosmetic repairs out-of-pocket cost cheaper?
Minor repairs can be expensive. Alloy wheel refurbishments can cost £80-£150 per wheel, and bodywork repairs for minor dents and scratches can range from £200-£500 per repair. Interior trim repairs may cost between £100 and £150 per repair.
SMARTCare provides peace of mind by covering multiple repairs at a fixed, predictable cost.
11. Do I have to pay an excess when I make a claim?
No, most SMARTCare policies do not require an excess, making it a cost-effective option for minor damage repairs.
Claims & Process
12. How do I claim on my SMARTCare policy?
To make a claim (please check the policy terms for precise details):
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Report the damage via your insurer’s claims portal or helpline.
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Submit photos of the damage for assessment.
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Book a repair appointment with an approved repairer.
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Get the damage fixed at a convenient time and place (such as your home or workplace).
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The suitable repair must be done in a safe environment. Repairs cannot be done at the side of a road for health and safety reasons. You can nominate a safe, off-road area, like a driveway or car park at work. Access to a power supply (an electric socket) may be required for some repairs.
13. How long does it take for a claim to be processed?
Processing times vary, but most claims are assessed within a few days, and repairs are typically completed within one to two weeks after approval. This is subject to the availability of approved repairers in your area when you make a claim.
14. Will I need to provide photos or evidence of the damage?
You will usually need to submit clear photos of the damage to help the insurer assess the claim.
If the claim is processed on a 'pay and claim' basis (this may be where you arrange your own repair with the prior agreement of the claims team), you will need to provide a copy of the paid invoice in order to get reimbursed.
Additional Information & Miscellaneous
15. Can I transfer my SMARTCare policy if I sell my car?
Subject to eligibility and insurer approval, the SMARTCare Car Cosmetic repair insurance allows you to transfer to a new policy you buy. Currently, the first transfer is free of charge, with any further transfers subject to a £35 transfer charge.
Alternatively, if you have not made a claim on the policy, you can cancel it. You will receive a pro rata refund less any cancellation fee applicable to the policy. 
Final Thoughts
SMARTCare Cosmetic Insurance can be a valuable solution for keeping your car looking its best while avoiding expensive repairs that your motor insurance policy may not cover.
Whether you drive a brand-new car, lease a vehicle, or want to maintain resale value, it provides a cost-effective and hassle-free way to handle minor cosmetic damage.
Combining traditional scratch and dent insurance, alloy wheel insurance, and interior damage cover provides more comprehensive protection for minor cosmetic repairs than many competitors.
The policy is insured, covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme and Financial Ombudsman Service.
If you're considering SMARTCare, be sure to check your policy terms and ensure they meet your needs. For more information or a quote, visit our SMARTCare product page.