How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Scratch on a Car?
Last Updated on February 5, 2026
Car scratch repair can cost anywhere from about $125 to $2,000+, depending on how deep the scratch is and how much repainting (or parts replacement) is needed. Light scuffs may buff out quickly, while scratches that cut into the paint or metal often require professional refinishing to prevent rust and restore the finish.
Below is a clear breakdown of common scratch types, what repairs usually involve, and when it makes sense to pay out of pocket versus filing an insurance claim.
- Scratch Repair Costs Depend on Depth: Light scuffs may polish out, while scratches into paint, primer, or metal usually require professional refinishing.
- Multi-Panel and Color-Match Work Drives Price: Blending paint into adjacent panels and matching specialty finishes can increase labor significantly.
- Deep Scratches Can Become More Than Cosmetic: Exposed primer or metal can lead to rust and deterioration if the area isn’t sealed and repaired.
- Claims Should Be a Math Decision: Compare the repair estimate to your deductible and potential renewal impact before filing a collision or comprehensive claim.
The Typical Cost of Scratch Repair
Scratch repair pricing varies because the fix isn’t always “just a scratch.” Body shops may need to polish, wet sand, repaint, clear-coat, and blend into nearby panels so the color matches. If a scratch is severe enough, a shop may recommend replacing a damaged panel (which can be far more expensive than repainting alone).
If the damage requires replacing a body part instead of refinishing it (for example, replacing your door), the total cost can jump significantly.
Types of Car Scratches
The most accurate way to estimate cost is to identify how deep the scratch goes. Many scratches look bad in direct sunlight but are still limited to the clear coat. Others cut through the paint layers and require refinishing to prevent corrosion.
| Scratch Type | What It Usually Looks Like | Common Repair Approach | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scuffs & Scrapes | Transfer marks or light scratches on top of the finish | Clean, polish, and buff (often without repainting) | $125 to $500 |
| Clear Coat Scratches | Visible lines without a noticeable color change | Compound/polish, wet sanding, and re-polishing as needed | $150 to $250 (small areas) |
| Primer & Paint Scratches | Color change or visible primer; scratch “catches” more easily | Touch-up for small chips, or panel refinishing for larger damage | $500 to $1,200 |
| Deep Paint Scratches | Down to bare metal or deep gouges; often silver/gray showing | Professional repair: fill, sand, repaint, clear coat, and blending | $1,200 to $2,500+ |
Quick tip: If the scratch catches your fingernail or shows a different color (primer or metal), it usually won’t “buff out.” That’s a sign you may need paintwork—not just polishing.
Factors That Impact the Cost of Scratch Repair
Two scratches can look similar and still price very differently. Here are the most common reasons:
| Cost Factor | Why It Changes the Price |
|---|---|
| Depth of the scratch | Clear coat damage may be polished; paint/primer/metal damage usually needs refinishing and blending. |
| Size and location | Long scratches and high-visibility areas may require more prep and blending to match the factory finish. |
| Number of panels affected | Scratches crossing multiple panels can require paintwork on each panel for a consistent appearance. |
| Paint type and color matching | Tri-coat, pearl, metallic, and matte finishes can require additional labor and blending expertise. |
| Vehicle make/model | Luxury vehicles and specialty finishes tend to be more expensive to repair correctly. |
| Local labor rates | Body shop rates vary by region and shop specialization. |
| Insurance vs. cash pay | Choosing to pay out of pocket versus filing a claim can change what you pay today and what you may pay later at renewal. |
How to Fix Minor Scratches Yourself
DIY repair can work well for light scuffs and some clear coat scratches. The key is using the right product for the right depth and avoiding aggressive methods that can dull the finish.
Start With a Proper Wash and Inspection
Before doing anything else, wash and dry the area. Many “scratches” are actually paint transfer, grime, or surface scuffing that looks worse than it is. Inspect the scratch in bright light to see whether the color changed or metal is visible.
Use a Scratch Remover or Polishing Compound for Clear Coat Damage
For light clear coat scratches, a quality scratch remover or polishing compound and a microfiber towel can often reduce visibility significantly. Work in small sections with light pressure, then wipe clean and reassess. It’s safer and more predictable than using household abrasives.
Use Touch-Up Paint for Small Chips That Reach Paint or Primer
If the scratch goes through the clear coat into the paint (or shows primer), touch-up paint can help protect the surface. Touch-up work may not look perfect up close, but it can reduce the risk of further damage and corrosion when applied correctly.
When to Skip DIY and Go to a Body Shop
If bare metal is visible, the scratch is wide/deep, or the damage spans multiple panels, professional repair is usually the best option. Deep damage often needs filling, sanding, and refinishing to restore the protective paint layers and match the surrounding finish.
Why Scratch Repair Is Important
Scratches aren’t always “just cosmetic.” When a scratch exposes primer or metal, moisture and road salt can start corrosion. Over time, that damage can spread under the paint and become more expensive to repair.
If you’re worried about long-term deterioration, this guide explains how corrosion and rusting can become a bigger issue than the original scratch.
As a rule, the deeper the scratch, the more important it is to seal and repair it quickly—especially if you can see metal.
Should You File an Insurance Claim for Scratch Repair?
Car insurance may cover scratch damage, but filing a claim isn’t always the best financial move. A good rule of thumb is to compare the repair estimate to your deductible and consider the possibility of a rate increase—especially for collision-related claims.
If you decide to use insurance, follow your carrier’s process and document the damage. This guide walks through the proper way to file an insurance claim after an accident.
Scratch damage can be covered under different parts of your policy depending on how it happened:
| How the Scratch Happened | Coverage That May Apply | What to Know Before You Claim |
|---|---|---|
| Backing into a pole, scraping a wall, or another at-fault accident | Collision coverage | A deductible typically applies, and your premium may increase at renewal. See how much rates can rise after a collision claim. |
| Vandalism (keyed car), falling branches, animal-related damage, weather-related incidents | Comprehensive coverage | Coverage is usually designed for non-collision losses, and a deductible applies. Rate impact varies by insurer and state—see whether comprehensive claims raise rates. |
| Hit-and-run damage where the other driver can’t be identified | Uninsured motorist coverage (where available and applicable) | Rules differ by state and policy, and a deductible may apply depending on coverage. Rate impact varies—see whether uninsured motorist claims raise rates. |
Final Word on Car Scratch Repair Costs
Car scratch repair typically runs from about $125 to $2,000+, with pricing driven mainly by depth, panel involvement, paint matching, and whether the damage requires refinishing or replacement.
For the best outcome, get estimates from a few reputable body shops, ask whether the repair requires blending into adjacent panels, and compare the total cost to your deductible before deciding whether to file an insurance claim.
