what to do when someone keys your car

[AidenRose]

If someone keys your car, the immediate steps are to document the damage, contact your insurance company, and file a police report. Do not attempt to repair deep scratches yourself, as improper methods can cause further damage. The repair path depends entirely on the scratch depth, which a professional can assess with a paint depth gauge. For minor clear coat scratches, a professional detailer might polish them out. For deeper scratches into the primer or bare metal, a body shop will need to repaint the affected panel.

Start by taking comprehensive photos and videos of the damage from multiple angles in good light. Note the date, time, and location. This evidence is crucial for both the police and your insurance claim. Filing a police report creates an official record, which insurers require for a vandalism claim. Even if the police cannot find the culprit, the report is essential.

Next, contact your insurance provider. Vandalism is typically covered under comprehensive insurance, not collision. You'll need to pay your comprehensive deductible before coverage kicks in. Evaluate the repair cost estimates against your deductible. If the repair cost is only slightly higher than your deductible, it might not be financially worthwhile to file a claim, as it could potentially increase your premiums.

Repair Type	Scratch Depth	Typical Cost Range (USD)	Professional Solution
Clear Coat Scratch	Surface level, doesn't catch a fingernail	$150 - $400	Paint correction / polishing by a detailer
Base Paint Scratch	Through clear coat, visible color	$400 - $1,000	Touch-up paint, wet sanding, and repaint of panel
Primer/Metal Scratch	Deep, catches fingernail, may show rust	$1,000 - $3,000+	Sanding, priming, repainting entire panel; possible blend into adjacent panels

For minor scratches, a DIY touch-up pen from the dealership can be a temporary fix, but it rarely matches the factory finish. The best course of action is to get at least two estimates from reputable body shops to understand the true cost and make an informed decision about involving insurance.

[DiDawson]

Call the cops first thing to get a report on file. Then, take a ton of pictures before you even move the car. Your insurance company will want that report number and the photos. Check your policy—you’ll likely be using your comprehensive coverage, which means you’ll have to cover your deductible. If the scratch isn’t too bad, it might be cheaper to just pay out-of-pocket than risk your rates going up over a small claim.

[OKiara]

It’s a violating feeling, and your first reaction might be anger. Take a breath. The most important thing is to calmly document everything. Use your phone to take clear, well-lit photos and videos from every angle. This isn't just for insurance; it helps the repair shop give you an accurate estimate. I learned that even a small scratch can be complex to fix if it’s deep. Getting a professional opinion is always better than trying a quick fix that could make it worse.

[Valarie]

The financial aspect is key. Get a couple of free estimates from body shops first. Ask them to specify the scratch depth and the repair process. Then, look at your insurance policy’s comprehensive deductible. If the repair cost is, say, $800 and your deductible is $500, filing a claim only nets you $300 from the insurer. It’s often not worth the potential premium increase for such a small payout. Paying out-of-pocket can be the smarter long-term financial move for minor to moderate damage.

[GarrettDella]

Beyond the repair, think about prevention. After you get it fixed, consider where you park. Well-lit areas, security cameras, and even a dash cam with a parking mode can deter this from happening again. In my neighborhood, a few of us started parking closer to building entrances and it made a difference. It’s a hassle, but using this as a reason to be more cautious with your parking spots can save you from a repeat headache down the road. A good detailer can also apply a protective wax or sealant after the repair to help the new paint.