The cost to repair a keyed car varies significantly, ranging from $50 for a minor scratch you can fix yourself to over $2,500 for a deep scratch requiring professional repainting of entire panels. The final price depends entirely on the scratch's depth, the car's paint type, and the repair method. A simple paint correction for a superficial clear-coat scratch is far cheaper than a respray needed for a deep scratch that has penetrated the primer and reached the bare metal.
Factors Determining the Repair Cost:
The biggest factor is scratch depth. Scratches are categorized by which layers of the car's finish they penetrate:
- Clear Coat Scratch: Only the top, protective layer is affected. This is the least expensive to fix, often through polishing or using a scratch remover kit.
- Base Coat Scratch: The scratch has gone through the clear coat and into the colored paint layer. This requires touch-up paint and professional blending.
- Primer Scratch: The scratch is deep enough to expose the primer layer. Repair is more involved and costs more.
- Bare Metal Scratch: The most severe type, exposing the metal panel to potential rust. This necessitates a full repaint of the panel to prevent corrosion.
Other critical factors include the car's make and model (luxury cars and those with specialized paints like tri-coat or metallics cost more), the panel's size and complexity (a door vs. a bumper), and labor rates in your geographic area.
| Repair Scenario | Average Cost Range (Parts & Labor) | Key Factors |
|---|
| DIY Scratch Repair Kit | $50 - $150 | Scratch depth, kit quality, your skill level |
| Professional Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) | $100 - $500 | Dent size/location, technician access |
| Professional Spot Repair (1-2 Panels) | $250 - $800 | Scratch depth, paint color match, panel size |
| Full Panel Repaint (e.g., Door, Fender) | $500 - $1,500 | Panel complexity, paint type (standard vs. pearl) |
| Multi-Panel/Body Side Repaint | $1,000 - $2,500+ | Number of panels, color blending requirements |
For minor clear-coat scratches, a DIY approach can be very effective. However, for anything deeper, seeking a professional estimate from a reputable auto body shop is crucial to ensure the repair is done correctly and your car's value is preserved. Always get at least three quotes before deciding.
