Car Scratch Repair Cost in the UK

“Oh, it’s just a little scratch,” said no one ever after seeing a dent or mark on their car.

We’ve all been there. A scratch on your car is a headache for any owner, especially if you’re planning to sell later. But what if you’re leasing? It gets even trickier. If you don’t fix it, you could end up paying extra wear-and-tear fees when the lease is up. No one wants that.

In this post, we’ll explore how much to repair a car scratch and walk you through some of the most common car scratches.

Understanding the Types of Car Scratches

So, you’ve noticed a scratch on your car, and now you’re on a mission to get it looking sharp again. Before you rush to fix it, you need to figure out what kind of scratch you’re dealing with. This will determine the method and cost to repair it.

Light Surface Scratches and Scuffs

These car scratches only affect the top layer of paint, so they’re the least serious. Scuffs and clear coat scratches typically happen when small rocks or debris fly up from the road. It’s nothing major, but it’s still something you’ll want to fix.

• If you’re feeling handy, you can pick up a scratch remover kit for under £20 and buff the mark out yourself.
• But if you don’t want to deal with it, a pro can do the job. The average cost to repair it is around £90 when professionally fixed, and it’ll usually take between 2 to 5 days.

Primer Scratches

These scratches go deeper than the clear coat and reach the primer layer, but they don’t hit the metal. Repairing them is a bit more involved and will cost you around £150. The car repair will take 4 to 5 days.

A primer scratch is caused by things like minor accidents or scraping against tree branches. You could fix these yourself using a buffing tool and paint pen.

Deep Paint Scratches

The most serious of the bunch, a deep car scratch, cuts all the way through the paint and into the metal. This isn’t a DIY job — you’ll need professional repairs, or you risk rust forming and causing even more damage.

Deep scratches are usually the result of bigger accidents, so if you’ve got one, it’s time to head to a body shop right away. To fix this kind of damage, expect to pay about £300, and it will likely take 4 to 7 days to complete.

Cost Factors in Car Scratch Repair

Now, let’s talk about the factors that make up the price you’ll be quoted for car scratches.

Key Factors Influencing Repair Costs

Here are some of the main considerations:

• Size and severity of the damage — The bigger or deeper the scratch, the more it’ll cost to fix. A small, deep scratch ends up being pricier than a larger, lighter one because it’s tougher to repair.
• Location of the scratch — Hard-to-reach areas, like around the wheels or near the trim, will be more expensive to fix since they take extra time and attention.
• Type and quality of car paint — Not all paints are the same. If your car needs special or higher-quality paint, it’s going to bump up the price.
• Your location — If you’re in a big city like London or Edinburgh, expect to pay more due to the higher living costs. Smaller towns or rural areas usually offer cheaper repairs.

Cost Comparison by Scratch Type

Here’s a breakdown of the average costs for a car scratch repair, depending on the damage and the type of repair needed:

Repair Methods and Options

We’ve briefly touched on professional vs. DIY car scratch repair methods, but there’s actually more to it.

DIY Repair Methods for Minor Scratches

Sometimes, you don’t have to rush to the repair shop. A little toothpaste or a DIY kit might do the trick. These are perfect for small marks, and with some careful polishing, you can restore your car’s look to what it was.

Just be careful not to overdo it — rubbing too much can make it worse. If you’re unsure, skip the DIY method.

Professional Scratch Repair

If the scratch is deeper or bigger, it’s probably best to leave it to the experts. Sure, minor scratches can be fixed yourself, but anything more serious requires a proper repair job. The pros will assess the damage, give you an accurate quote, and make sure the fix is done right.

Mobile Scratch Repair Services

If you don’t want to leave home or your office, there is a great repair method: mobile scratch repair.

• For a fair price, professionals come to you and fix the scratch on-site.
• It usually costs between £90 and £300, depending on the damage.

SMART Repair Technology

Also, for smaller car scratches, consider SMART (Small to Medium Area Repair Technology) repairs:

• This method focuses on just the affected area, so you won’t have to repaint the entire panel.
• It’s quicker, cheaper, and gives a professional finish with colour matching that’ll make the scratch disappear.
• The starting cost to repair is around £50. Even better, you can get mobile SMART repair, so the pros come to you.

Specialised Scratch Repairs

Specialised repairs are a great option when the damage goes beyond basic touch-up paint.

Stone Chip Repairs

Stone chips are something that nearly every car owner has to deal with at some point — but thankfully, they’re a pretty straightforward fix. The cost of fixing stone chip damage will depend on how bad it is and how many chips are involved. On average, you’re looking at around £150 to get the paint layer fixed up and looking fresh again.

Alloy Wheel Scratch Repairs

If your alloy wheels have also taken a beating, expect to pay about £90 per wheel to get them back in shape. Just like with paintwork, the cost to repair alloy wheels varies depending on:

• How much damage there is
• Where it’s located

Does Insurance Cover Car Scratches?

Insurance is the easiest way to cover the cost of fixing a scratch, but whether your insurer will foot the bill depends on how the damage happened and what kind of policy you’ve got.

• If the scratch is from an accident, your insurance will likely cover it. You need to have comprehensive cover (not just basic third-party or fire and theft).
• If it’s something like a stone chip or rock hitting your car, you’ll also need comprehensive insurance to handle it. And if the scratch is from a collision, you’ll need collision coverage at a minimum, with the responsibility falling on whoever’s at fault.
• Even if you’re not planning to make a claim, a lot of insurers expect you to report any damage, even small stuff. It’s best to let them know straight away. If you fail to do so, it could mess with your policy and cause issues with future claims.

Tips for Preventing Car Scratches

Obviously, the best way to protect your car is by staying one step ahead of the damage. In other words, prevent scratches from happening to begin with.

1. Park a bit further from other cars or anything that might cause a door ding.
2. Only use microfibre cloths when cleaning to protect your paint.
3. Consider applying a paint protection film for an extra layer of defence.
4. Don’t park next to trolley shelters at the supermarket.
5. Set up cameras to catch vandals or at least deter them from causing any trouble.
6. Be mindful of tree branches and avoid getting too close to thorny bushes.

And, of course, always drive carefully!

Checklist for Scratch Repair

If you want to handle the scratch situation like a pro, do this:

1. See if it’s just the clear coat that’s scratched or if it’s deeper into the paint.
2. If it’s a light scratch, a DIY kit could be all you need to fix it.
3. Don’t hesitate to get some advice from your local repair shop. They’ll know what’s best.
4. Take your time comparing prices to make sure you’re getting a good deal.
5. Always go with someone who’s qualified and knows their stuff — experience matters!

How We Can Support You in Car Scratch Repair and Maintenance

At Carplus, we go beyond just car finance to support you in maintaining your vehicle. If you’re dealing with car scratches or any other maintenance issues, we’ll offer extended warranties and vehicle protection plans. Our plans help you manage car repair expenses, both for small scratches and larger paintwork damage.

At Carplus, you get the flexibility and support to keep your car in great condition, along with financial help when needed.

Conclusion

To sum it up, it’s helpful for car owners to be aware of the different types of scratches and how much they cost to fix. If you deal with scratches sooner rather than later, you can avoid bigger, pricier repairs down the road. Also, try to prevent scratches by parking carefully and following the other tips we talked about earlier.

If you’re looking for peace of mind, Carplus offers services like warranties and protection plans that make repairs easier and help keep your car in great shape.