How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Keyed Car? – Understanding Repair Costs and Insurance

Discovering your car has been keyed is more than just a minor annoyance; it’s a frustrating experience that can come with a surprisingly hefty repair bill. Vandalism, like keying, can leave deep scratches that not only ruin your car’s appearance but also potentially decrease its value. Many car owners are immediately concerned with the cost implications: How Much Is It To Fix A Keyed Car? This article breaks down the expenses associated with keyed car damage, explores how insurance can help, and guides you through the best course of action to restore your vehicle.

Will Car Insurance Cover a Keyed Car?

The good news for insured drivers is that damage from vandalism, including keying, is typically covered under comprehensive car insurance. Comprehensive coverage is designed to protect your vehicle from damages that aren’t the result of a collision, such as theft, natural disasters, and, importantly, vandalism.

Filing a comprehensive insurance claim can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses for repairing a keyed car. However, it’s important to remember that you will still be responsible for paying your comprehensive coverage deductible. This deductible is the amount you agree to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. The process for a keyed car claim is similar to any other comprehensive claim.

If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, or if the repair cost is less than your deductible, you’ll need to pay for the repairs yourself. Alternatively, if you can identify the person who keyed your car, you have the option to pursue them in small claims court to recover the repair costs, irrespective of whether your insurance covers the damage.

Will a Keyed Car Claim Affect My Insurance Premium?

While filing an insurance claim for a keyed car can help cover repair costs, it’s worth considering the potential impact on your insurance premiums. It’s possible that your insurance rates may increase after you file a claim for vandalism. The degree of this increase often depends on factors like your driving history and prior claims.

Generally, a vandalism claim, like one for a keyed car, will have less impact on your premiums compared to an at-fault accident. However, if the repair cost is only slightly higher than your deductible, it might not be financially wise to file a claim. This is because even a small payout from your insurer could be overshadowed by a subsequent rise in your premiums.

The likelihood of your premiums increasing after a keyed car claim is higher if you have filed other claims within the past one to two years. Insurance companies often view multiple claims within a short period as an indicator of higher risk, potentially leading to increased rates.

Keyed Car Repair Costs: Depth Matters

The expense of repairing a keyed car can vary widely, primarily depending on the depth of the scratch and its length across your vehicle’s body. Car paint typically consists of three layers: a clear coat for protection, a color coat for the hue, and a primer layer underneath. The deeper the scratch penetrates these layers, the more complex and costly the repair becomes.

• Clear Coat Scratches: If the key scratch only affects the clear coat layer and hasn’t penetrated deeper, the repair is usually the least expensive. These scratches can often be buffed out, either as a DIY job or professionally for around $150 to $300.
• Clear Coat and Color Coat Scratches: When the scratch goes through the clear coat and into the color coat, the repair becomes more involved. An auto body shop will typically need to reapply the clear coat, which can bring the cost to between $400 and $1,000.
• Primer or Bare Metal Scratches: The most severe and costly damage occurs when the scratch reaches the primer layer, or even exposes bare metal or plastic. These deep scratches often necessitate professional repair work, potentially costing from $800 to $1,500 or more.

The final cost will also be influenced by other elements such as the length of the scratch, the specific color of your car (certain colors require more complex paint processes), and your chosen comprehensive deductible. Keep in mind that these prices are generally for repairs to a single body panel. If the key scratch extends across multiple panels, such as doors and fenders, the total repair cost will increase accordingly.

Factors Influencing Keyed Car Repair Costs

Beyond the depth of the scratch, several other factors can affect the final cost to fix a keyed car:

• Length of the Scratch: A longer scratch will naturally require more time and materials to repair, increasing the overall cost.
• Complexity of Car Color: Some car colors, particularly tri-coat or metallic finishes, are more challenging and expensive to match and repair than standard colors.
• Your Comprehensive Deductible: If you choose to file an insurance claim, your deductible amount will directly impact your out-of-pocket expense. A higher deductible means lower premiums but more you pay upfront for a claim.
• Number of Panels Affected: As mentioned, scratches spanning multiple body panels will significantly increase labor and material costs compared to a scratch isolated to a single panel.

Is Fixing a Keyed Car Worth It?

Given the potential expense, it’s sensible to evaluate whether repairing a keyed car is worthwhile in your situation. Consider these points when making your decision:

• Resale Value: Cosmetic damage like key scratches can negatively impact your car’s resale value. If you plan to sell your car in the future, repairing the damage might be a good investment.
• Personal Preference: If you are bothered by the scratch and take pride in your car’s appearance, fixing it might be worth the cost for your personal satisfaction.
• Risk of Further Damage: Deep scratches that expose bare metal can lead to rust and further deterioration over time. Repairing these scratches promptly can prevent more extensive and expensive problems down the line.
• Car’s Overall Value: Compare the repair cost to your car’s value. For a car worth $4,000, spending $1,000 (or your deductible amount) on cosmetic repairs might not be financially sensible, regardless of resale plans. However, for a car valued at $30,000, a $1,000 repair is a smaller percentage of the vehicle’s value and more likely to be a worthwhile investment to maintain its condition.

If professional repairs are not feasible, consider DIY scratch repair kits as a more affordable alternative. While DIY repairs might not achieve a flawless factory finish, they can effectively cover exposed metal, preventing rust and improving the car’s appearance at a lower cost.

What to Do When Your Car is Keyed

If you discover your car has been vandalized with key scratches, taking swift action is essential. Here are the recommended steps:

1. Document the Damage: Immediately take photos of the keyed areas. Also, examine the surrounding area for any potential evidence like security camera footage or witnesses who might have seen the incident.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company: Initiate the claims process with your insurance provider, even if you’re uncertain about filing a claim. They can advise you on your coverage and the claims procedure. An adjuster may need to inspect the damage in person, as vandalism claims are sometimes associated with fraud.
3. File a Police Report: Report the vandalism to the police, providing details of when and where it occurred. A police report is helpful for insurance purposes and can assist in legal action if the perpetrator is identified.
4. Get an Auto Shop Estimate: Take your keyed car to a reputable auto body shop to get a professional repair estimate. This is crucial for understanding the full extent of the damage, including any less visible issues like bumper cracks that you may have missed.

Once you have gathered all the necessary information and estimates, you can make an informed decision about proceeding with the repairs, whether through your insurance or out-of-pocket. If you proceed with an insurance claim, the repair shop will typically handle the repairs, and your insurer may pay the shop directly, requiring you only to pay your deductible. In other cases, your insurer might reimburse you directly, and you will be responsible for paying the repair shop.

By understanding the costs associated with fixing a keyed car, the role of insurance, and the steps to take after discovering such damage, you can navigate this frustrating situation effectively and make the best decisions for your vehicle and your wallet.