What is SMART Insurance?
SMART Insurance is designed to cover minor cosmetic damage caused during everyday driving. It provides cover for repairs to small dents, light scratches, paint scuffs and stone chips on eligible body panels and body-coloured bumpers, with repairs carried out using specialist SMART repair techniques. If a SMART repair isn't suitable, the policy also includes a contribution towards a conventional bodyshop repair, subject to the policy terms and limits.
SMART Insurance
| Cover | Included |
|---|---|
| Minor scratches | ✓ |
| Minor dents | ✓ |
| Paint scuffs | ✓ |
| Stone chips | ✓ |
| Mobile SMART repairs | ✓ |
| Bodyshop contribution | ✓ Subject to policy limits |
| Suitable for lease cars | ✓ |
How Does SMART Insurance Work?
Making a claim is straightforward
| 1. Report | 2. Review | 3. Repair |
|---|---|---|
| Report your damage using the AutoProtect App or online at apapp.co.uk. Upload photos of the damaged area. | Your claim is reviewed. If approved, a repair is arranged at a convenient time and location. | An experienced repair technician completes the repair, often at your home or workplace. |
What Does SMART Insurance Cover?
Our SMART Insurance cover is designed to cover accidental cosmetic damage caused during everyday motoring that can be repaired without the car or van needing to go into a bodyshop.
Typical repairs include:
Minor scratches.
Light paint scuffs.
Small dents.
Stone chips.
Body-coloured bumpers.
Eligible body panels.
The policy also includes a contribution towards a conventional bodyshop repair if a SMART repair cannot complete the job to a high standard, subject to approval and policy limits.
What Isn't Covered?
SMART Insurance is intended for cosmetic damage. It doesn’t cover major accident repairs where body panels may need to be fully replaced or resprayed. Examples of what SMART insurance does not cover are:
Accident damage requiring panel replacement.
Interior damage.
Glass.
General wear and tear.
Corrosion or rust.
Pre-existing damage.
Vehicle modifications outside the manufacturer's specification.
*Please refer to the full policy wording for complete terms, conditions and exclusions.
Why Choose SMART Insurance?
When your lease ends, the vehicle will be inspected before it is returned. While normal wear and tear is expected, scratches, dents and other damage outside the accepted guidelines could result in additional charges if they are not repaired in line with your contract before the inspection.
SMART Insurance is designed to help address minor cosmetic damage as it occurs, rather than leaving everything until the end of the agreement, which can be costly, especially if multiple repairs are needed at once. SMART Repairs can often be carried out by a mobile technician, saving you the inconvenience of arranging a bodyshop visit and helping to keep the car looking its best throughout the lease.
From a small dent picked up in a supermarket car park from runaway trollies to a scratched bumper caused by a lapse of judgement during everyday driving, SMART Insurance can provide added peace of mind and reduce the risk of minor damage becoming a more expensive problem later on.
Am I Eligible for SMART Insurance?
You may be eligible for SMART Insurance if your vehicle is no more than seven years old and has fewer than 80,000 miles on the clock when the policy starts. You must also be a permanent resident of the UK mainland and a named driver on a contract hire or lease agreement held in your name.
Unsure whether you qualify? Get in touch with the Motorlet team, and we will be happy to answer any questions before you take out cover.
Complete Cosmetic Protection for Your Lease Car
While SMART Insurance protects your vehicle's painted bodywork, you can also choose additional protection for two other areas commonly damaged during everyday driving: alloy wheels and tyres.
| Protection | Covers |
|---|---|
| SMART Insurance | Minor scratches, dents, paint scuffs and stone chips |
| Alloy Wheel Insurance | Kerb scuffs, scratches and accidental damage to alloy wheels |
| Tyre Insurance | Accidental tyre damage, punctures and tyre replacement (subject to policy terms) |
Together, these products provide thorough cosmetic protection throughout your lease, helping you avoid unexpected repair costs at the end of your term and keeping your vehicle in excellent condition.
0% APR
Spread the cost over 12 months, interest-free
Pay for your chosen cover in 12 equal monthly instalments at 0% APR, with no additional cost compared with paying upfront. The total price stays the same and is simply divided into 12 equal payments.
How Much Does SMART Insurance Cost?
The cost of SMART Insurance depends on the length of cover you choose; we offer 24, 36 and 48-month options, with prices starting from £606.06.
Each option includes a £3,000 total claim limit, no excess to pay and a contribution of up to £250 towards an approved bodyshop repair when the damage cannot be repaired by a mobile technician.
| Cover Option | Total Price | 12 Monthly Payments at 0% APR | Reimbursement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24-month plan | £606.06 | Approximately £50.51 per month | £167.02 at the end of the plan |
| 36-month policy | £606.06 | Approximately £50.51 per month | Not applicable |
| 48-month policy | £786.36 | Approximately £65.53 per month | Not applicable |
The 24-month plan is initially priced at the same amount as the 36-month policy. At the end of the 24-month cover period, you will receive a reimbursement equal to 12 months' premium, minus a £35 administration fee. This gives the policy an effective net cost of £439.04.
You can pay the full price upfront or spread the cost across 12 equal monthly instalments at 0% APR, with no additional cost for choosing the monthly payment option. The 12-month period refers only to the payment schedule and does not affect the length of your insurance cover.
Alloy Wheel Insurance
Scuffed alloy wheels are among the most common forms of damage on leased vehicles.
Our Alloy Wheel Insurance helps cover the cost of repairing accidental damage to alloy wheels, including many manufacturer-fitted diamond-cut, laser-cut and aerodynamic wheels where eligible. If a repair isn't possible, the policy can also contribute towards a replacement, subject to the policy schedule.
Tyre Insurance
Unexpected tyre damage can happen at any time, whether it's caused by potholes, nails or road debris. Tyre Insurance helps towards the cost of repairing or replacing damaged tyres, including contributions towards puncture repairs where covered under the policy. It's an ideal way to protect yourself from unexpected tyre replacement costs during your lease.
Protect Your Lease Car with Confidence
Minor cosmetic damage is almost inevitable during everyday driving, but it doesn't have to result in costly repair bills when your lease ends.
Our SMART Insurance options provide a convenient way to keep your vehicle looking its best, while Alloy Wheel Insurance and Tyre Insurance offer additional protection for other areas most commonly damaged during day-to-day use.
If you'd like extra peace of mind throughout your lease, our protection products are designed to help you keep your vehicle in excellent condition from the day you collect it until the day you hand it back.
Speak to one of the team
If you would like more information on SMART Insurance or advice on your options, get in touch with our team. We can talk you through how to cover your lease car, with honest, no-obligation advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does SMART stand for?
SMART stands for Small to Medium Area Repair Technology, a specialist repair method used to repair minor cosmetic damage without replacing complete panels.
Is SMART Insurance worth it
If you're leasing a vehicle, SMART Insurance can help reduce the cost of repairing minor cosmetic damage before your vehicle is returned, helping to minimise unexpected end-of-lease charges.
Does SMART Insurance cover scratches?
Yes. The policy covers eligible light scratches, paint scuffs, chips and minor dents within the policy limits.
Does SMART Insurance replace my car insurance?
No. SMART Insurance complements your comprehensive motor insurance by covering minor cosmetic damage that standard motor insurance may not be suitable for claiming.