How much does car scratch repair cost?
Buffing out a light clear-coat scratch costs $50 to $150. A scratch deep enough to reach the paint or primer needs a panel repaint at $300 to $800 per panel. A key scratch running down several panels can reach $1,000 to $3,000.
The test: run a fingernail across the scratch. If it does not catch, it is usually in the clear coat and can be polished out. If it catches, the scratch has gone through the color and needs to be filled and repainted.
Cost breakdown
| Repair | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Polish out a light clear-coat scratch | $50 – $150 | Buffing / detail |
| Touch-up a small chip or short scratch | $100 – $300 | Spot repair |
| Repaint one scratched panel | $300 – $800 | Through the color coat |
| Repaint multiple panels | $800 – $2,500 | Blended across panels |
| Deep key scratch along one side | $1,000 – $3,000 | Several panels + blend |
What affects the cost
Scratch depth
Clear-coat-only scratches polish out. Scratches through the color or into primer or bare metal need filling and repainting.
Number of panels
Cost scales with each panel the scratch crosses, plus blending into the panels on either side.
Paint type
Metallic, pearl, and three-stage finishes are harder to match and add paint time.
Panel location
Doors and fenders are straightforward; scratches across a bumper, mirror, or curved quarter panel add masking and prep.
Rust risk
A scratch to bare metal that is left will start to rust, turning a cheap fix into a bodywork repair later.
DIY or professional?
A light clear-coat scratch is a reasonable DIY job with a polishing compound and some patience — expect $20–$40 in materials.
Scratches through the color coat are hard to hide with a touch-up pen. A shop repaint blends the repair so there is no visible edge, which is why it costs $300+ per panel.
A malicious key scratch down one side of the car is often worth an insurance claim once several panels are involved and the total passes your deductible.
Frequently asked questions
Will a scratch buff out?
If your fingernail does not catch in the scratch, it is likely in the clear coat and can be polished out for $50–$150. If it catches, it needs paint.
How much to fix a key scratch?
A key scratch across one panel is $300–$800. Down the full side of the car, crossing several panels, expect $1,000–$3,000.
Are scratch repair pens any good?
They can make a small scratch less visible up close but rarely disappear it, and the color match is approximate. They are best for tiny chips, not long scratches.
Does insurance cover a keyed car?
Vandalism is covered under comprehensive, subject to your deductible. Weigh the repair total against the deductible and possible premium impact.
Should I fix scratches before trading in?
Light scratches, yes — a cheap polish improves the first impression. Deep multi-panel scratches often cost more to repaint than the trade-in bump, so disclose and discount instead.
Get a repair estimate for your exact car: take a few photos of the damage and the app returns an itemized cost and labor-time breakdown in your currency.