What to Do If Your Car Is Intentionally Scratched?

[OReese]

First, call the police to report the incident and gather evidence at the scene. If the area has surveillance cameras, review the footage to identify the perpetrator, then contact your insurance company to file a claim. For minor scratches, it's advisable to avoid filing an insurance claim if possible. You can try using toothpaste to repair the scratches.

[VonVictoria]

Last time my car got scratched, I was furious too. The first thing I did was take out my phone and take seven or eight photos from various angles, making sure to capture the surrounding environment clearly. Then I called 110 to report it to the police, who arrived quickly to take a statement. Remember to ask them for a case filing receipt—it's especially important for insurance claims. My insurance includes comprehensive coverage and an unidentified third-party special clause, which reduced my out-of-pocket share to 15%. The touch-up paint at the repair shop cost 800 yuan, but I was lucky it didn’t damage the primer. Next time I park, I’ll definitely choose a spot with surveillance or install a 24-hour dashcam myself. People who deliberately scratch cars are despicable, but we must follow through with all legal procedures and not just take the loss.

[LaRebecca]

It's really upsetting when your car gets scratched. Last month, I parked in my residential area and it happened to me. I immediately contacted the property management to check the surveillance footage, but unfortunately, it was in a blind spot and didn't capture anything. I suggest you also contact the management office first—many residential areas have public liability insurance that can help cover repair costs. If the surveillance catches someone, report it to the police directly, as intentional property damage can lead to detention. If there's no footage, don't panic—ask a mechanic at an auto repair shop. Some minor scratches can be fixed with polishing wax, which only costs a few dozen dollars. For deeper scratches, a full repaint is necessary, and remember to keep the repair invoice as evidence. Nowadays, I avoid parking in remote corners and try to park near security booths or streetlights.

[Barros]

Don't act impulsively in such situations. When I was younger, I also thought about staking out to catch the culprit, but later realized it's impractical. It's best to preserve the evidence chain: take photos or videos of the damage, keep the police report receipt, and photograph all repair invoices, storing them in the cloud. Getting scratches fixed at a reputable auto body shop is crucial—never opt for cheap, low-quality paint from roadside stalls, as it will yellow and peel over time. Many residential areas now have public surveillance cameras, so try to park in these monitored spots whenever possible. If you can't identify the perpetrator, file a claim through your own insurance—there are specific policies for car scratch damage. Keeping a contact number for moving your car visible can also reduce conflicts, as some people might key your car out of frustration for blocking their way.