If you're like most people, your car is one of your biggest investments. So if you have a keyed car, it can feel like a personal attack. And unfortunately, this type of damage is all too common. However and why it was keyed may always remain a mystery. If you're like most people, you take great care of your car. You wash it, wax it, and make sure to park in a spot that's out of the way of other cars. But sometimes, even with all of your precautions, bad things can happen. Like when someone keys your car. So what do you do now? Read on for some tips on how to handle this situation. But don't worry - there are things you can do to minimise the impact and get your car looking good as new again. Continue reading our blog post: Key scratches - Transform your car! to get an idea of what you need to do to help get rid of them.

HELP! my car has been key scratched!

If your car has already been key scratched, the first thing you should do is stay calm and assess the damage. If the scratches are shallow and only affect the clear coat, you may be able to remove them with a buffer and polishing compound. However, if the scratches are deep or affect the paint itself, you will need to have your car repainted. In either case, we recommend taking your car to a professional for the best results.

Key scratch damage is unfortunately all too common. However, there are things you can do to minimize the impact and get your car looking good as new again.

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Mobile smart Car Repairs

Some mobile car body repair companies specialize in the latest technology in repair procedures and have extensive technical training. Smart (small to medium area repair technique) techniques are used in automotive repair for small areas of car body damage like vandalism, scratches, and keyless car panels. SMART repair employs specialist paints and materials to blend repairs with the surrounding surface, making the process much faster and less costly than the typical body shop repair. SMART repairs allow them to concentrate on a smaller area instead of needing to replace or repair the whole panel.

downside of using a Mobile SMART Repairer?

The downside of these types of repairs is that whilst the technician is completing the repair because he works outside and not inside a body shop, he will be affected by the elements of air and rain, and sometimes no matter how good a job you almost do & quickly for the client, when the rain or wind start then it can ruin the work you've already completed so you must redo this work which can make the job double the work for the technician and double the time for the customer. By taking your car to a Car Body Repair Shop, you are ensuring that the quality of the workmanship is top-notch and that your client is not left waiting for their car for hours.

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cost to repair a key scratch

The cost of fixing a car keyed scratch can vary depending on the severity of the damage and the type of vehicle. For example, a small scratch on a plastic bumper may only cost a few hundred pounds to fix, while a major scratch on a metal door could cost several thousand dollars. In most cases, it is best to consult with a professional car detailer or body shop to get an estimate of the repair costs.

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Can key scratches be buffed out?

Yes, key scratches can be buffed out in most cases. However, it is important to note that this will require some time and effort on your part. Additionally, you will need to have access to the right tools and materials. If you are not confident in your ability to complete the repair, we recommend taking your car to a professional.

Tools to repair key scratch yourself

1) To remove key scratches from your car's paintwork, you will need to gather the following supplies:

-A buffer

-Polishing compound

-Wax

-A clean cloth

-or a keyed car repair kit - these can be found on the internet

Steps to remove key scratches

Begin by washing your car with a mild soap and water solution. Be sure to rinse the car thoroughly afterward.
Next, use the buffer to apply the polishing compound to the scratched area. Buff the area until the scratches are no longer visible. Be gentle while buffing.
Finally, apply a thin layer of wax to the area and buff it out with a clean cloth until it is shining. This will help protect your paintwork from future damage.
If the scratches are deep or affect the paint itself, you will need to have your car repainted. In either case, we recommend taking your car to a professional for the best results.

claim for key scratch

In most cases, you will not be able to claim your car being keyed on your car insurance policy. This is because key scratch damage is typically classified as cosmetic damage, which is not covered by most insurance policies. In some cases, you may be able to file a police report and receive compensation through the criminal justice system. However, this is often difficult to do and is not guaranteed to result in any financial compensation. If you have a fully comprehensive car insurance policy then most of the time you can opt in to add Cosmetic Insurance to be added to your Car Insurance policy then you would be able to claim for your car being keyed. Or there are Cosmetic Insurance Companies out there who will cover key scratches.

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Cosmetic Insurance considerations

-Most comprehensive car insurance policies will not cover keyed car scratch damage.

-There are Cosmetic Insurance Companies out there that will cover key scratches

-Adding Cosmetic Insurance to your policy will typically increase the premium

-Before making a claim, be sure to check with your insurer to see if the damage is covered.-In most cases, it is best to consult with a professional car detailer or body shop to get an estimate of the repair costs.

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does a key scratch claim affect your car insurance premium?

Expect your car insurance premium to increase. Premiums for all car insurance claims always increase the following year. The alternative to this to protect your premium is to pay for the repair yourself and not go through your car insurance company.

cost to repair car key scratch

The cost of repairing a car that has been keyed can vary depending on the severity of the damage and the type of vehicle. For example, a small scratch on a door may only cost £30 to £50 to fix if it can be buffed out, while a deep gauge scratch on the door could cost a couple of hundreds of pounds, maybe more if it has gone the whole length of the car, across each panel. Touch-up paint may be an idea but this may make it look worse. Each panel will need repairing. In most cases, it is best to consult with a professional car detailer or body shop to get an estimate of the repair costs.

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Is scratching a car criminal damage?

Yes, keying a car is considered criminal damage in most jurisdictions. If you are caught and convicted of keying a car, you may face fines, jail time, or both.

How do I find who has keyed my car?

Ask neighbours and anybody who lives locally and check local CCTV. This evidence will be helpful with your Car Insurance Claim.

How do you fix deep car key scratches?

Deep key car scratches can be difficult to fix and will usually require professional help. In most cases, the best option is to take your car to a body shop or detailer and have them repair the damage.

11 Ways to avoid Scratched Car Paintwork

1. Park in a garage or covered parking area whenever possible.

2. Avoid parking next to other cars, especially in tight spaces.

3. Be careful when opening your car door – do not swing it too wide.

4. Keep your car key in a safe place and do not loan it to anyone.

5. Do not leave your car unlocked or unsecured, even for a short period.

6. When washing your car, use a soft cloth or sponge and avoid scrubbing too hard.

7. When waxing or polishing your car, use a gentle touch.

8. Avoid driving in areas where there is a lot of debris on the road.

9. Do not drive too close to other vehicles, and be careful when passing.

10. Inspect your car regularly for any new scratches or damage. If you find any, take care of them right away.

11 Park in a well-lit area. This will deter would-be vandals from targeting your car.

how to deal with your keyed car Scratch?

It’s not the end of the world if you get a car keyed scratch. It might be something that you can repair yourself fairly easily and for a fraction of the cost of taking it to a professional. However, if you do have any major damage or want to explore your options for repairing cosmetic damage on your car, give us a call today. We can provide you with an estimate of how much it would cost to get your car looking good as new again and help you file an insurance claim if necessary.

Our FREE Insurance Liaison is worth its weight in gold as it saves you time, stress, and hassle of administering your Insurance claim to a conclusion. All that you need to do is bring your car to us for a quote and if you are happy to move ahead with the repair, then contact the Car Insurance company to give them Authority to speak to us and we will do the rest. The next thing is that you will receive a call asking you to collect your car after the repair has been completed.

So if you are looking for help to carry out the repair or the advice, contact CPR Car Body Repairs today. We also supply the following services:

Alloy Wheel Refurbishment

Body Shop Repairs

Classic Car Restorations

Car Paint Repairs

Car Scratch Repairs

Detailing & Paint Correction