How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Scratch on a Car?
Photo by Uygar Kilic on Unsplash
Wondering how much does it cost to fix a scratch on a car? You’ve come to the right place! Scratches come in all shapes and sizes and range from minor to severe. Before you take your vehicle anywhere, read up on these car scratches and see what you can do to fix them yourself.
Average Cost
To get an idea of how much does it cost to fix a scratch on a car, let’s take a look at a few of the average costs. Of course, these prices are subject to changes based on location, make and model of your vehicle, and severity, but it can give you a better idea.
For a scratch on the surface, you may be looking at $150. For those that go deeper, the average cost starts at $2500. To determine the type of scratch you have, look at the identifiers presented below.
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Types of Scratches
Identifying scratches is an art. Every day you may find new scratches here and there, some of them mysteriously appearing and others due to preventable accidents. Determining how much does it cost to fix a scratch on a car starts with identifying the type of scratch, three of which we’ll outline here.
Scuffs
Scuffs lie on the top layer of the paint and do not penetrate down below. These are the most common form of scratch and the least expensive to repair. Typical causes can be anything from debris to tiny rocks as you drive down the highway.
Primer Scratch
The primer scratch is a little deeper down, one that actually gets deeper into the paint. Though it doesn’t hit metal, it still leaves a visible scratch that becomes more costly to repair the deeper it goes down, the larger it is.
Deep Paint
As you might guess, deep paint scratches are the costliest type of scratch to repair. These scratches can reach multiple layers of paint and leave the metal of your car exposed. These types of scratches likely need the help of a professional to repair.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Scratch on a Car?
When trying to determine how much does it cost to fix a scratch on a car, there are a few things to consider. As mentioned above, the severity is a significant factor that affects the cost, increasing it the deeper the scratch goes. Prices per scratch can also fluctuate depending on your location, but a few average amounts you can expect are listed below.
Average Cost to Repair a Scuff
Scuffs are not classified as a real scratch and come with the lowest price tag. If you have a scuff, you’re looking at anywhere between $150 to $300.
Average Cost to Repair Primer Scratches
Primer scratches go a bit deeper and start moving up in terms of price. If you have a scratch that reaches the primer level, you’re looking at anywhere from $500 to $1000.
Average Cost to Repair Deep Paint Scratch
Deep paint scratches are the costliest on the list of scratches to repair. If you have a deep paint scratch, you’re looking at spending up to $2500.
*Note that these are estimates, and costs can go up depending on the severity of the scratch, the length, and the make and model of your vehicle.
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DIY: Can You Fix It Yourself?
With the internet, DIY projects are blowing up. When it comes to repairing a scratch, you might be able to use some of these techniques to fix it on your own. Of course, if it’s a severe scratch, you’ll need to seek professional help. If not, try these remedies to see if the scratches are taken care of.
Toothpaste
You can use toothpaste to repair a scratch as long as the scratch does not penetrate too deep into the paint layers. To take care of scratches with toothpaste, start by washing and drying the area. Then, proceed with the following.
- Add toothpaste (any kind) to a towel (preferably microfiber)
- Apply to the scratch in circular motions.
- Wipe off any excess
- Repeat, if necessary, until the surface is smooth and the scratch is gone.
Scratch Remover
Using a scratch remover is also effective if your scratch doesn’t go too deep. To repair your scratch on your own, start with a freshly washed car and then follow these steps:
- Using a cloth or microfiber, apply the product of your choice in circular motions.
- Clean away the excess if there is any
- Apply until the scratch is gone and the surface is smooth.
Paint Job
When scratches go deep, the best method is to paint over them. You may be able to do it yourself as long as you have the correct color. Like other methods, start with a clean car and then continue with the following.
- Sand down the scratch to remove the top layers
- Rinse away any debris that formed.
- Apply a bit of primer (this will attach the paint)
- Apply paint and add additional coats to get as close to your car color as you can
- Add some wax over the car to seal everything in.
You never know when scratches can appear. To prevent them, try to:
- Clean with microfiber
- Park away from others
- Use a paint protector
Quick Tips to Avoid Scratches on Your Car
While some scratches here and there are a normal part of vehicle ownership, there are several ways that will help prevent scratches from happening in the first place:
- Pick your parking spots wisely - You might be talented in parallel parking, but not everyone is. If you can help it, choose a parking spot that’s not next to a vehicle that’s not parked correctly. Contrary to popular belief, you’re no less of a driver by parking in an empty area of the parking lot.
- Give space when driving - This tip is more of a general safety rule, but it does help prevent scratches and automotive accidents, for that matter. Avoid being near other cars and stationary objects that could scratch your ride.
- Perform mindful car washing - Dirt and grime are abrasive and may cause nicks, swirls, and scratches on your car paint. Handwashing is the preferred method over an automatic car wash. However, you wash down the accumulated dirt first before handwashing.
- Don’t place objects on your car - Whether it’s groceries or a coffee cup, avoid putting any object on your car’s exterior surface. Any object you place may result in a scratch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can car scratches be completely removed?
A: This largely depends on the depth and severity of the scratch. Light scratches that only affect the clear coat can often be buffed out or treated with scratch removal products. Deeper scratches may require more intensive repair methods, such as sanding, applying body filler, repainting, and clear-coat application.
Q: Can I repair car scratches DIY?
A: For minor scratches, using a scratch-removal product or a rubbing compound can often yield good results. More severe scratches may be beyond the ability of most DIYers, and professional repair is usually the best option.
Q: Does car insurance cover scratch repair?
A: This depends on your policy and the cause of the scratch. If the scratch was due to an accident, collision coverage may cover the repair. If the scratch was due to vandalism, comprehensive coverage may cover it. In both cases, you would need to pay your deductible, and making a claim may affect your future rates. For minor scratches, the cost of repair may be less than your deductible.
Q: What factors affect the cost of fixing a scratch on a car?
A: Several factors can impact the cost of repairing a scratch on your vehicle, including the depth and severity of the scratch, the location of the damage, the make and model of your car, and your geographical location. Deeper scratches that penetrate multiple layers of paint will be more expensive to repair than superficial scuffs or scratches that only affect the clear coat.
Q: Is it worth fixing minor scratches on an older car?
A: The decision to repair minor scratches on an older vehicle depends on your preferences and the car’s value. If you plan to sell the vehicle soon, fixing the scratches may help maintain its appearance and value. However, if the repair cost exceeds the value added to the car, it may not be worth the investment.
Q: Can a body shop perfectly match the paint when repairing a scratch?
A: Modern body shops have advanced color-matching technology that allows them to closely match your vehicle’s original paint color. However, factors such as age, sun exposure, and previous repairs can cause slight variations in color. In some cases, blending the paint on adjacent panels may be necessary to achieve a seamless appearance.
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