The cost to fix scratches on a car ranges from a few dollars for a polish or touch-up kit to several hundred dollars or more for a professional repaint, and it depends mostly on how deep the scratch is. Light clear-coat scratches are cheap and often DIY-friendly. Scratches through the paint to primer or metal usually need a body shop, and prices climb with panel size, paint type and your location.
National price lists vary a lot and we could not confirm a single authoritative figure, so treat the ranges below as rough planning numbers. The surest way to know your price is to get written estimates from at least three shops, which is also what Chase advises in its scratch repair guide.
Last updated: October 25, 2026.
Cost to Fix Scratches on a Car by Depth
| Scratch Depth | How It Looks | Typical Fix | Rough Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface scuff or paint transfer | Mark sits on top; smooth to a fingernail | Wash, then polish | Low (DIY polish, a few dollars to a few tens of dollars) |
| Clear-coat scratch | Shallow line; paint color is unchanged | DIY polish or detailer machine polish | Low to modest |
| Into the color coat | Fingernail catches; color is missing in the line | Touch-up paint or small-area repair | Modest to several hundred dollars |
| Down to primer or bare metal | Gray primer or silver metal visible | Prime, paint and clear coat; possible blending | Several hundred dollars or more per panel |
| Scratch with a dent, rust or several panels | Bent metal, rust or damage across panel gaps | Body shop repair and refinish | Highest; get quotes |
These tiers are rough and unsourced. A dealership can cost significantly more than an independent shop, according to Chase’s scratch repair guide, which notes dealership hood or door repairs can cost up to twice as much.
How Deep Is the Scratch?
Car paint has layers: primer, a color coat and a clear coat on top. The depth of the scratch decides the repair and the price. AAA groups scratches into clear coat, paint and deep scratches that expose primer.
- Wash and dry the area so dirt does not hide or worsen the scratch.
- Look at it in bright light. Is the color still present in the groove, or do you see gray primer, silver metal or black plastic?
- Try the fingernail test. If a fingernail glides over it, it is probably light and cosmetic. If it catches, the scratch is deeper.
- Spray it with water. If the mark seems to vanish while wet, it is likely in the clear coat.
- Check for dents, rust or cracked plastic, which push the job toward a body shop.
DIY Car Scratch Repair
DIY works best on clear-coat scratches and small chips. Work in shade on a cool panel, start with the mildest polish and test it on a hidden spot first.
Polish or Scratch Remover
- Wash and dry the panel.
- Apply a small amount of polish to a clean microfiber pad.
- Work a small section with moderate pressure in overlapping passes.
- Wipe clean and check. Repeat gently if needed.
- Finish with wax or sealant to protect the paint.
Touch-Up Paint for Deeper Scratches
Touch-up paint will not make a deep scratch disappear, but it seals exposed metal and helps prevent rust. Use your car’s exact paint code, usually on a label in the driver’s door jamb.
- Clean the scratch and remove wax or oil.
- Apply primer if bare metal or plastic shows.
- Add thin layers of color, letting each dry as the product instructions say.
- Finish with clear coat and let it cure before polishing.
Follow the product’s instructions, including thin layers and the stated drying times. For product ideas, see our touch-up paint comparison.
Home Remedies to Avoid
- Toothpaste and household abrasives can dull or haze the clear coat. Use a product made for automotive paint.
- Oils, WD-40 or shoe polish only hide a scratch temporarily and can interfere with touch-up paint.
Safety: Do not spray primer, clear coat or solvent-based paint in a closed garage. Fumes can be harmful, so use proper ventilation and a respirator rated for the product.
Matte and satin paint: Do not polish or buff matte finishes. It can leave shiny spots, and damaged matte paint usually needs the panel refinished.
Professional Scratch Repair Options
- Detailer paint correction: Machine polishing levels light clear-coat scratches. For wider polishing work, see our guide to paint correction cost.
- Mobile or small-area repair: A technician fills and repaints a small spot at your home or workplace.
- Body shop refinishing: The shop sands, primes, paints and clear coats the panel, and may blend into neighboring panels so the color matches. Bumper damage is covered in our bumper repair cost guide.
What Affects the Cost to Fix Scratches on a Car?
- Depth: Clear-coat marks are cheaper than scratches through to primer or metal.
- Size and location: Long scratches, scratches across panel edges and bumper plastic cost more to fix.
- Paint type: Metallic, pearl, tri-coat and matte finishes are harder to match.
- Blending: Shops often repaint part of the next panel to hide color differences.
- Shop type and location: Dealerships and high-cost metro areas usually charge more.
- Extra damage: Dents, rust or nearby parts such as a side mirror add to the bill.
DIY or Professional?
| Situation | Better Choice |
|---|---|
| Scuff or shallow clear-coat scratch | DIY polish |
| Small chip or short scratch with missing color | DIY touch-up or small-area repair |
| Primer, bare metal or plastic exposed over a larger area | Professional |
| Matte, pearl or tri-coat finish | Professional |
| Lease return or car you plan to sell soon | Get quotes; a clean repair may matter |
Does Insurance Cover Car Scratches?
It can, depending on the cause. According to the Insurance Information Institute, collision coverage applies when you hit another vehicle or object, and comprehensive covers non-collision events such as vandalism and falling objects. Confirm with your insurer whether keying is covered.
Compare the repair quote with your deductible before filing. Chase notes that a claim may raise your premium, so a small repair is often cheaper to pay for yourself.
How to Prevent Car Scratches
- Wash with clean microfiber mitts and the two-bucket method, as AAA recommends.
- Do not wipe dry, dusty panels; use a quick detailer or rinse first.
- Park away from carts, narrow gaps and brush.
- Consider paint protection film on high-impact areas. Ceramic coatings add gloss and protection but do not stop physical scratches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Scratch On A Car?
It depends on depth. Light scratches can be polished for little money, while scratches through the paint often cost several hundred dollars or more to refinish. Get at least three written estimates for an exact price.
Can Car Scratches Be Buffed Out?
Light clear-coat scratches and paint transfer usually can. Buffing cannot restore missing paint, primer or metal, and matte finishes should not be buffed at all.
How Do I Know If A Scratch Is Through The Clear Coat?
Run a fingernail across it. If it catches, or you can see primer, metal or plastic, the scratch is past the clear coat.
Does Toothpaste Remove Car Scratches?
It is not recommended. Toothpaste is an abrasive not designed for automotive paint and can leave a hazy finish. Use a product made for car paint.
Should I Fix A Scratch That Shows Bare Metal Right Away?
Yes. Exposed metal can rust. Seal it with primer and touch-up paint or have a shop repair it.
Is It Worth Using Insurance For A Scratch?
Only if the repair costs well above your deductible. Claims can raise premiums, so ask your insurer before filing.
Bottom Line
Check the depth first. Shallow scratches are an inexpensive DIY job; deeper ones, especially on matte or pearl paint, are best quoted by a body shop. Get several estimates before you commit, and seal any bare metal quickly to prevent rust.
