November 22, 2022

4 Types of Car Scratches and How Much Their Repairs Typically Cost

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Nobody likes seeing a scratch on their vehicle, but the truth is they’re almost unavoidable. Whether it’s a light scuff from a tight parking space or a deep gouge caused by harsh weather conditions, every scratch comes with a price tag. Here we’ll explore the four most common types of car scratches, what you can expect to pay for repairs, and why addressing them quickly is crucial. And if your car’s seen better days and repairs just don’t feel worth it, you’ll also learn how donating your scratched-up vehicle can make a real difference in the lives of veterans.

You can try to keep your car looking great, but small scratches are bound to happen. That’s just how it goes over time.

A small scratch may not be a big deal, but it can still mess with your car’s look, especially if it’s in a spot everyone can see. Even tiny scratches can hurt your car’s value.

The good news? Scratches don’t have to stay. There are many ways to fix them and bring back your car’s shine. Just know that the cost depends on how big and where the damage is.

Try to fix small scratches as soon as you spot them. Waiting too long could lead to bigger bills later.

The cost to fix a scratch depends on a few things, especially the kind of damage. At Veteran Car Donations, we’ve laid out what most repair shops charge for different types of scratches.

Types of Car Scratches and Repair Costs

1. Scuffs
   Scuffs are light scratches that are cheap and easy to fix. They usually happen when your car rubs against another painted surface. Scuffs don’t usually change the paint color, so they can be hard to notice. You might have to look closely to find them. You can fix scuffs by polishing or buffing them out. Most shops charge under $100 to take care of them.

2. Clear coat scratches
   Clear coat scratches only affect the top layer of paint. They can come from weather or when something rubs against the surface, like a branch or car door. These scratches aren’t too bad, but you can’t remove them completely. You can only polish them down. It usually costs $150 to $300 to fix.

3. Paint scratches
   Standard paint scratches go past the clear coat and may hit the primer. The primer is often a different color, so these scratches stand out more. If a scratch reaches the primer, you’ll need touch-up paint. If it’s deeper, it’ll need sanding, buffing, and repainting. Even a small one can be costly. Repairs like this can run from $400 to over $1,000 depending on the size of the damage.

4. Deep paint scratches
   Deep scratches expose the metal underneath. These are the most expensive to fix and should be taken care of quickly to avoid rust. You’ll need sanding, primer and full repainting to fix deep scratches. A pro might charge between $1,500 and $2,500.

Prevention and DIY Care Tips

Before jumping into repairs, it’s important to closely inspect the scratch to determine its depth. Minor surface-level scratches usually affect only the clear coat and can often be treated at home with a DIY scratch remover or even household items like toothpaste. However, if the scratch reveals a different paint layer or exposes bare metal, it’s a sign of deeper damage that should be handled by a professional. Leaving deep scratches untreated can result in further issues down the line.

Preventative care plays a big role in avoiding scratches altogether. Regularly washing your vehicle helps clear away dirt and debris that can cause abrasions, while applying wax creates a protective barrier that not only guards the paint but also makes light scratches less noticeable. Keeping your car clean and waxed extends the life of the paint and reduces the need for frequent touch-ups.

In short, a little routine maintenance can go a long way in preserving your car’s finish and saving you money in the long run.

Use Your Unwanted Car to Become a Champion for Struggling Veterans

Not worth spending a fortune to fix up your old car? If it’s scratched up, dented, or just not worth keeping, donate it to Veteran Car Donations.

We’ll tow your automobile for free, and your donation will help struggling veterans get the support they need for a better life.

We’ll fix up your car and auction it off. Then we send the funds to trusted veteran nonprofits that help veterans dealing with homelessness, disabilities, job issues, and mental health struggles.

These nonprofits use the money to give vets housing, health care, job training, mental health support, and more.

When you donate your car, we tow it for free from anywhere. You’ll also get the highest possible tax deduction. Even better, you’ll feel great knowing you helped veterans in need live better, safer lives.

Got something else to give? We accept many types of vehicles, not just cars. Donate anything from trucks to SUVs to sedans and electric vehicles.

Questions on how to get started? Visit our FAQs page. You can also contact us or call 877-594-5822 anytime.

Our Suffering Heroes Need Your Support Today!

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Veterans gave so much for us. Give back today by donating your vehicle. Call 877-594-5822 or use our quick and easy online form now.

Veteran Car Donations operates in all 50 states.

Donate Now
Or call (877) 594-5822!

Last Updated: June 23rd, 2025