How Much To Fix A Keyed Car Costs Options Insurance

Discovering your car has been keyed is incredibly frustrating. You’re likely wondering how much this act of vandalism will cost to fix and what your next steps should be. The answer depends heavily on the severity of the damage.

The average cost to fix a keyed car ranges from $150 to over $2,500 in 2025, depending on the scratch depth and repair method. For a single panel with a moderate scratch, expect to pay a professional body shop between $400 and $1,000. DIY kits can cost under $100 but are only suitable for surface-level damage.

Based on our analysis of real-world cost data from 2025 body shop invoices and insurance claims, this guide breaks down every factor influencing the price. You’ll discover how to assess the damage, compare repair options, and decide if filing an insurance claim is the right financial move for you.

Key Facts

• Deep Scratches Cause Rust: A scratch that penetrates the paint to the metal must be fixed to prevent moisture from causing rust, which leads to a much more expensive future repair.
• Insurance Coverage is Specific: A keyed car is considered vandalism and is covered only by the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance policy, not collision.
• Damage Lowers Resale Value: Unrepaired key scratches can lower your car’s trade-in or resale value by more than the cost of the repair itself, as it signals neglect to buyers.
• The Fingernail Test is Key: A simple, reliable way to check scratch depth is to run your fingernail over it. If your nail catches, the scratch has broken the clear coat and will require professional attention.
• Repair Time Varies Greatly: A professional body shop will need your car for 2-5 days for a proper repair, while a mobile service can often complete the job in 1-3 hours at your location.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix a Keyed Car in 2025?

The cost to fix a keyed car in 2025 typically ranges from $150 for minor, surface-level scratches to over $2,500 for deep scratches that span across multiple body panels. The final price of a vandalized car repair is a direct result of the damage’s depth and the chosen repair method. For a realistic estimate, it’s crucial to understand how these factors interact.

Based on real-world cost data, we can break down the expected keyed car repair cost into a few common scenarios. This gives you a clearer picture of the financial impact before you start getting quotes. Remember, these are averages, and your specific vehicle and location can influence the final invoice.

• DIY Repair Kits: For those comfortable with a hands-on approach, a DIY touch-up paint or scratch removal kit is the most budget-friendly option, costing between $30 and $100. This is only recommended for very light scratches that haven’t gone through the clear coat.
• Mobile Scratch Repair Service: A technician comes to you and repairs the damage on-site. This is a convenient middle-ground option for minor to moderate scratches on a single panel, typically costing $150 to $500.
• Professional Body Shop (Single Panel): For a deep key scratch on one car door or fender, a professional body shop repair will usually cost between $400 and $1,000. This involves sanding, priming, and respraying the entire panel for a perfect match.
• Professional Body Shop (Multiple Panels): If the keying damage extends across several panels (e.g., a door and a quarter panel), the cost increases significantly. Expect to pay $1,500 to $2,500 or more, as each panel adds considerable labor and material costs.

Now that you have a general idea of the costs, understanding what drives these prices is the next step. The depth of the scratch is the single most important factor.

What Key Factors Determine the Repair Cost for a Keyed Car?

The primary factor determining the repair cost for a keyed car is the scratch depth, followed by the number of damaged panels and the vehicle’s paint type. A scratch that only marks the top clear coat is far cheaper to fix than one that has gouged through to the bare metal. Understanding these variables will help you understand any quote you receive.

From years of analyzing repair invoices, it’s clear these factors are what separate a minor touch-up from a major body shop bill. Here is a breakdown of what professionals look for when assessing the damage.

1. Scratch Depth: Automotive paint has multiple layers: a top clear coat for protection, a base coat for color, a primer for adhesion, and the metal panel itself. The deeper the scratch penetrates these layers, the more labor and materials are needed to fix it. A scratch down to the primer or metal is significantly more expensive.
2. Scratch Length & Location: A short, six-inch scratch on the flat part of a door is simpler to repair than a long, jagged scratch that runs the entire length of the car. Scratches on complex body lines or plastic bumpers can also add to the labor cost.
3. Number of Damaged Panels: The repair cost multiplies with each panel that is keyed. If the scratch crosses from a door onto the rear quarter panel, a shop must repair and repaint both panels individually, doubling the work.
4. Vehicle Paint Type: Standard solid colors like white or black are the easiest and cheapest to match. Metallic, pearl, and special tri-coat finishes (common on luxury and modern vehicles) are much more difficult and expensive. The paint itself costs more, and it requires more skill to blend perfectly.

To get a more accurate idea of your specific repair cost, you first need to determine the scratch’s depth. Luckily, there’s a simple test you can do yourself.

How Can You Tell if a Key Scratch Is Deep? (The Fingernail Test)

To determine if a key scratch is deep, gently run your fingernail across the damaged area. If your nail glides over it without catching, the scratch is likely confined to the top clear coat layer. If your nail catches in the groove, the scratch has penetrated the clear coat and will require a more extensive and costly repair.

This simple diagnostic is used by professionals and is the most reliable way for you to do an initial assessment. Here’s how to perform the test correctly:

1. Clean the Area: Gently wash the scratched area with soap and water and dry it thoroughly. This ensures dirt and debris aren’t giving you a false reading.
2. Run Your Fingernail Across It: Lightly drag the tip of your fingernail perpendicular to the scratch. Pay close attention to the sensation. A smooth pass means it’s a surface-level scratch.
3. If Your Nail Catches: A distinct “catch” or “click” feeling means the scratch has a physical edge and has cut through the clear coat. This is a deep scratch.
4. Check the Color Inside the Scratch: Look closely at the color inside the scratch. If it’s a lighter shade of your car’s color, you’re likely through the clear coat. If you see white or grey, you’re down to the primer. If you see shiny silver, you’re at the bare metal—the most serious type of scratch.

Once you know the depth, you can explore the most suitable repair options for your budget and quality expectations.

What Are The Repair Options for a Keyed Car and How Do They Compare?

The main repair options for a keyed car are DIY repair kits, mobile scratch repair services, and professional body shops. DIY kits are the cheapest but riskiest solution, suitable only for the lightest scratches. Professional body shops offer a permanent, high-quality fix but are the most expensive. Mobile repair offers a convenient middle ground.

Choosing the right path depends on your budget, the severity of the damage you just assessed, and how perfect you need the final result to be. This comparison table breaks down the key differences to help you decide.

Feature	DIY Repair Kits	Mobile Scratch Repair	Professional Body Shop
Average Cost	$30 – $100	$150 – $500	$400 – $2,500+
Best For	surface level scratch	Minor to moderate scratches (not to metal)	deep key scratch, multiple panels
Skill Required	Basic to Moderate	None	None
Time Required	2-4 hours	1-3 hours	2-5 days
Result Quality	Good (prevents rust, but may be visible)	Very Good (often undetectable)	Perfect (factory finish)

What Are the Pros and Cons of DIY Repair Kits?

DIY keyed car repair kits are a cost-effective solution for very minor, surface-level scratches, typically costing under $100. However, they require patience and a steady hand. Improper application can easily make the damage look worse than the original scratch, creating a visible “blob” of touch-up paint.

If your fingernail test revealed only a light surface scratch, a DIY kit might be a viable option. Before you buy, consider the realistic outcomes.

Pros of DIY Repair:
* 💰 Cost: This is the cheapest way to fix a keyed car, with most kits costing less than $100.
* 📝 Convenience: You can perform the repair at home on your own schedule, usually within a few hours.
* 🛡 Rust Prevention: Even an imperfect repair will seal the scratch from moisture, preventing future rust issues.

Cons of DIY Repair:
* 🤸 Skill Required: It’s easy to apply too much paint or use the wrong technique, resulting in a repair that’s more noticeable than the scratch.
* 👀 Imperfect Finish: A DIY repair will rarely match the flawless finish of the surrounding paint and is often visible on close inspection.
* ❌ Not for Deep Scratches: These kits are completely ineffective for scratches that have reached the primer or bare metal.

How Does a Professional Body Shop Actually Fix a Keyed Car?

A professional body shop fixes a keyed car through a precise, multi-stage process that includes sanding, priming, color-matching, painting, and blending to restore a factory finish. This methodical approach is why professional repairs are so durable and seamless, but also why they cost significantly more than a simple touch-up.

Understanding what you’re paying for can provide peace of mind. Here’s a breakdown of the meticulous process an ASE certified technician follows, which is far more than just “spraying some paint.”

1. Damage Assessment & Disassembly: The technician assesses the depth and length of the scratch. Handles, trim, and moldings on the damaged panel are often removed to ensure clean paint lines.
2. Sanding & Feathering: The scratched area is sanded down to remove the damage and create a smooth surface. The technician then “feathers” the edges, a technique that creates a gradual, tapered transition from the repair area to the original paint.
3. Priming & Curing: A high-quality automotive primer is applied. This is a critical step that prevents rust on exposed metal and creates an ideal surface for the new paint to adhere to. The primer is then cured, often under heat lamps.
4. Color Matching & Application: Using your vehicle’s specific car paint code, the shop computer-matches the exact color. The base coat (color) is then applied in several thin, even layers.
5. Clear Coat Application: After the color coat has “flashed” (partially dried), two to three coats of durable clear coat are applied. This layer provides UV protection and the glossy shine that matches the rest of the car.
6. Blending & Polishing: This is the art of the repair. The technician will often lightly spray the new paint onto the adjacent panels—a process called blending the paint—to create an invisible transition. Finally, the entire area is wet-sanded and polished to a perfect, factory-like shine.

Will Car Insurance Cover a Keyed Car and Should You File a Claim?

Yes, a keyed car is covered under the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance policy, but you should only file a claim if the repair cost is significantly higher than your deductible. Keying is an act of vandalism, which falls under comprehensive coverage, not collision.

Deciding whether to file a claim is a financial calculation. An insurance claim is not “free money”; you must first pay your deductible, and the claim could potentially impact your future premiums.

Pro Tip: Comprehensive claims (like vandalism or hail) generally have a much smaller impact on your insurance rates than at-fault collision claims (where you hit something).

To make the right choice, follow these steps:

1. Get a Professional Quote: First, get at least one or two quotes from reputable body shops to determine the real-world repair cost.
2. Know Your Deductible: Check your insurance policy for your comprehensive deductible amount. This is typically $250, $500, or $1,000.
3. Do the Math: Subtract your deductible from the repair quote. The result is your potential savings.

Here’s a simple worksheet to illustrate:

Line Item	Example A (Worth It)	Example B (Not Worth It)
A. Professional Repair Quote	$1,800	$750
B. Your Comprehensive Deductible	-$500	-$500
C. Your Potential Savings (A – B)	$1,300	$250

In Example A, filing a claim is clearly worthwhile. In Example B, saving just $250 is likely not worth having a claim on your record. A crucial step before you call your insurance company is to file a police report. Insurers almost always require a vandalism police report as proof that the damage was not your fault.

FAQs About how much to fix a keyed car

What happens if you don’t fix a keyed car?

If you don’t fix a keyed car, scratches that have penetrated to the bare metal will expose the panel to moisture and lead to rust. While a minor clear coat scratch is purely a cosmetic issue, a deep scratch will eventually cause the surrounding paint to bubble and can lead to very expensive rust remediation in the future.

How long does it take to fix a keyed car?

A professional body shop typically needs your car for 2 to 5 days to properly fix a keyed panel. This duration allows for the necessary disassembly, sanding, priming, painting, and curing time between each coat. In contrast, a mobile repair service can often do the job in 1-3 hours, while a DIY fix might take 2-4 hours of your time.

Does a keyed car decrease its value?

Yes, a keyed car with visible, unrepaired damage will significantly decrease its resale or trade-in value, often by much more than the actual cost of the repair. A noticeable scratch suggests neglect to potential buyers. A professional repair restores the vehicle’s value, whereas a poorly done DIY job can still be a red flag.

Can you buff out a key scratch?

You can only buff out a key scratch if it is shallow and has not penetrated the clear coat layer. If your fingernail does not catch when you run it across the scratch, a good quality polishing compound and a buffer can often remove it or at least hide it significantly. If the scratch is deep, buffing will not work.

How do I report my car was keyed?

You should call your local police department’s non-emergency line to file a vandalism report as soon as you discover the damage. An officer will likely come to document the damage and take your statement. This official police report is crucial if you plan to file a comprehensive insurance claim, as most insurers require it as proof of vandalism.

What is the cheapest way to fix a keyed car?

The absolute cheapest way to fix a keyed car is with a DIY touch-up paint pen or a small scratch repair kit, which can cost as little as $20-$50. This method is only effective for very minor scratches and primarily serves to seal the exposed metal from the elements to prevent rust. The final cosmetic result will likely not be perfect.

How much to fix a car keyed all the way around?

The cost to fix a car that has been keyed on all panels is extremely high, typically ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 or even more. This extensive level of damage requires a full respray of the entire vehicle. It is almost always a situation that should be handled through a comprehensive insurance claim, as the cost far exceeds any typical deductible.

Can a detailer fix a keyed car?

A professional detailer can only fix very light key scratches that are confined to the top clear coat of the paint. They use advanced techniques called paint correction, involving compounding and polishing, to carefully level the clear coat and remove the appearance of the scratch. They cannot fix scratches that have reached the color coat or primer.

Can toothpaste or WD-40 fix a keyed car?

No, common household products like toothpaste and WD-40 cannot fix a keyed car. Toothpaste is a mild abrasive that might temporarily dull the edges of a microscopic clear coat scuff, making it less visible. WD-40 is a lubricant that fills the scratch, making it disappear until it washes away. Neither provides a permanent or effective repair for broken paint.

How much to fix a keyed car without insurance?

Fixing a keyed car without insurance means paying the full body shop price out-of-pocket, which can range from $400 for a single damaged panel to over $2,500 for multiple panels. The final cost is determined by the severity of the damage. For deep scratches, this can be a significant expense, which underscores the financial value of having comprehensive coverage.

Key Takeaways: How to Handle a Keyed Car

Facing a keyed car is stressful, but having a clear plan can make all the difference. After assessing the damage and weighing your options, these are the most important points to remember as you decide how to proceed with the repair.

• Cost is Dictated by Depth: A shallow surface level scratch in the clear coat might be fixed for under $150, while a deep key scratch down to the metal on one panel will cost $500-$1,000+ due to the labor-intensive sanding, priming, and painting required.
• Use the Fingernail Test: To quickly assess the damage, run your fingernail across the scratch. If it doesn’t catch, it’s likely a surface scratch you can polish. If it catches, it’s a deep scratch that has broken the clear coat and needs a more serious repair.
• Compare Three Main Options: Your choices are a DIY vs professional repair vs. a mobile service. DIY kits ($30-$100) are for minor scratches only. A professional respray ($400+) offers a perfect, permanent fix. Mobile repair ($150-$500) is a good middle ground for moderate damage.
• Insurance is for Major Damage Only: Use your comprehensive insurance only when the repair quote is significantly higher than your deductible. For a $1,500 repair with a $500 deductible, filing a car insurance claim makes sense. For a $700 repair, it’s often better to pay out-of-pocket.
• Don’t Ignore Deep Scratches: A scratch that exposes the primer or bare metal must be repaired to prevent rust. What starts as a cosmetic issue can quickly become a serious corrosion problem that bubbles the paint and requires a much more expensive future repair.
• Always Get a Police Report: If your car is keyed, file a vandalism police report immediately. This is not for catching the culprit, but as essential documentation required by your insurance company to process a comprehensive claim.
• A Professional Repair is a Multi-Day Process: A high-quality body shop repair isn’t a quick job. It involves precise sanding, priming, computer-matched painting, clear coating, and blending the paint into adjacent panels, a process that can take 2-5 days to complete correctly.

Last update on 2025-12-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API