Let’s face it: scratches on your car are more than just cosmetic blemishes. They’re annoying reminders of parking mishaps, rogue shopping carts, or just the general wear and tear of daily life. And when you start thinking about getting them fixed, the first question that pops into your head is almost always, “Okay, but how much is this really going to cost?”
The truth is, there’s a huge range of prices when it comes to car scratch repair. You could be looking at a quick DIY fix for a few dollars, or a more extensive (and expensive) professional job.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide. We’ll walk you through the different factors that influence how much you’ll pay to repair scratches on your car, explore your options, and help you decide whether to tackle the repair yourself or hand it over to the pros.
Types of Car Scratches and Their Severity
Before you can figure out how much it’ll cost to fix those scratches, you’ll need to know what kind of scratches you’re dealing with. Scratches are generally categorized by how deep they are, and the deeper the scratch, the more it’ll cost to repair.
Scuffs
These are shallow scratches that only affect the clear coat, which is the outermost layer of paint on your car. Scuffs often look like hazy or light marks.
Scuffs are usually the easiest and least expensive to repair.
Primer Scratches
Primer scratches are a little more serious, because they’ve penetrated the clear coat and gone as far as the primer layer. Because the primer is a different color than the clear coat, you may notice a different color showing through the scratch.
Primer scratches require more work to repair than scuffs.
Deep Paint Scratches
These scratches go all the way through the clear coat and the primer, down to the bare metal of your car. You’ll see the metal underneath, and the scratch will have a noticeable groove.
Deep paint scratches are the most complex to repair, because they require filling in the scratch, priming the area, and then painting it.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Car Scratch Repair
The cost to repair scratches on your car can vary widely, depending on a few key factors. Here’s a breakdown of what can drive the price up or down:
Extent of Damage
A minor, superficial scratch that you can barely see is going to be much cheaper to fix than a deep gouge that goes down to the metal. Larger scratches simply require more time, labor, and materials to repair.
Location of Damage
Scratches on flat, easily accessible parts of your car, like the hood or a door panel, are generally more affordable to fix. However, scratches on bumpers, curves, or along the edges of panels often require more specialized techniques and can bump up the cost.
Type and Color of Paint
Standard, common paint colors are easier to match, making the repair process simpler and less expensive. On the other hand, if your car has a metallic, pearlescent, or tri-coat paint job, it’s going to take a more skilled technician to match the color correctly, and that expertise comes at a premium.
Vehicle Make and Model
Believe it or not, the make and model of your car can also affect the repair cost. The availability of replacement parts and matching paint can vary, and some vehicles have more complex body designs that make repairs more challenging.
Average cost to repair car scratches
The cost to repair scratches on your car will depend on how extensive the damage is. Here’s a general overview of what you might expect to pay.
Average cost to repair a scuff
Scuffs are the least severe type of scratch, and the cost to repair them reflects that. You can probably expect to pay between $150 and $300 to have a scuff repaired. The repair typically involves buffing and polishing the area.
Average cost to repair primer scratches
If the scratch has gone through the paint and into the primer layer, you’re looking at a more involved repair process, which will be reflected in the price. Expect to pay between $500 and $1,000 to have these scratches repaired. The repair typically involves filling, sanding, priming, and painting the affected area.
Average cost to repair deep paint scratches
Deep scratches that go all the way down to the metal are the most expensive to repair. You could be looking at a bill of up to $2,500 for this type of repair. The process involves extensive bodywork, filling, priming, painting, and clear coating to ensure a seamless finish.
Panel painting costs
If the scratches are extensive enough to require repainting an entire panel, the cost will be even higher. Expect to pay between $1,170 and $1,770 per panel for a professional paint job.
DIY Car Scratch Repair: Options and Considerations
Want to try fixing that scratch yourself? Here are a few ways you might approach the job.
DIY Paint Repair Methods
- Toothpaste: For the shallowest of scratches, some people swear by toothpaste. The mild abrasives in toothpaste may buff out very minor scuffs.
- Scratch Remover Products: You can buy commercial scratch remover kits at most auto supply stores. These usually cost between $20 and $50.
- Touch-Up Paint: For small chips and scratches, touch-up paint that matches your car’s color can work wonders. Depending on the type of paint your car uses and where you buy it, you might pay anywhere from $20 to $100.
DIY Paint Repair: The Good and the Bad
There are pluses and minuses to doing it yourself.
On the plus side, DIY repair is generally cheaper than taking your car to a professional, and you can do it on your own schedule.
On the other hand, you might not get a perfect color match, and you could end up making the damage worse. A DIY job won’t come with a warranty, and it might not work well if the scratch is deep.
Professional Car Scratch Repair: Benefits and Processes
While DIY scratch repair can save money, professional paint repair offers a higher level of quality and expertise. Here’s a look at what you can expect.
Professional Paint Repair Methods
A professional auto body shop will use precise color matching, advanced techniques, and quality materials to repair your car’s scratches.
- Color Matching: It’s essential to get an exact color match between the original paint and the new paint to make the repair seamless.
- Advanced Techniques: Professionals use techniques like blending, feathering, and clear coating to make the repair undetectable and long-lasting.
- Equipment and Materials: Professional-grade equipment and high-quality paints are essential for a flawless finish.
Professional Paint Repair: Pros and Cons
Here’s a quick rundown of the advantages and disadvantages of professional scratch repair.
- Pros:
- High-quality finish
- Accurate color matching
- Warranty on the repair
- Effective for all types of scratches
- Premium paint products
- Cons:
- Higher cost than DIY
- Requires scheduling an appointment
- Longer repair time than DIY
Will insurance cover car scratch repair?
Sometimes! If the scratches happened because of a collision with another car or object, your collision coverage may pay for repairs. If someone vandalized your car, your comprehensive coverage may kick in. However, you’ll likely have to pay a deductible before your insurance covers anything.
A deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance company starts covering the costs. If the scratch repair costs less than your deductible, it doesn’t make sense to file a claim. Also, keep in mind that filing a claim could raise your insurance premiums in the future.
The best thing to do is read your insurance policy carefully and talk to your insurance provider to understand your coverage and options.
How to avoid scratching your car
Here are some things you can do to protect your car’s paint job:
- Park smart. Choose parking spots away from other cars and anything that might fall on your vehicle.
- Drive safely. Give other drivers plenty of room so you can avoid flying rocks and other debris.
- Wash by hand. Automatic car washes can scratch your paint.
- Use microfiber. When you wash or dry your car, use soft microfiber cloths.
Final Thoughts
The cost of repairing scratches on your car depends on a lot of things: the depth and size of the scratch, the kind of paint on your car, and whether you do it yourself or hire a pro.
Before you make a decision, figure out how bad the scratch really is and whether you have the skills and equipment to fix it yourself. If not, get quotes from a few different body shops. Look for a shop with a good reputation for quality work and fair prices.