A keyed car almost always needs sanding, primer, color and clear coat across the damaged panel, because key scratches cut deep and run long. Vandalism may be covered under comprehensive coverage, so document the damage before anything is repaired.
Key takeaways
- Keying cuts through clear coat and color.
- Photograph before repair and file a police report.
- Repair is normally a full panel refinish.
Why keying is hard to fix
A key leaves a narrow, deep groove. Filling it with touch-up paint leaves a visible line, and polishing will not reach the bottom. Proper repair sands the panel, fills where needed, applies primer, color and clear coat and blends the finish.
Document it first
Photograph the scratches from several angles and note the location, date and time you found them. If you suspect vandalism, a police report can support an insurance claim. Do not wash or wax the area before documenting.
Insurance considerations
Vandalism is normally a comprehensive claim, with its own deductible. A long scratch on two panels can reach a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, so compare our estimate with your deductible.
Doors and body lines
The most common keyed panels are doors and quarter panels. Because color and clear coat must match the rest of the side of the car, we often refinish the whole panel and blend into the next.
Prevention
Park in lit areas and cameras where possible. Dash cams with parking mode can help. Around Valley Fair and event lots, a dash cam helps with both vandalism and hit-and-runs.
Do not scrub, do not wax
After a key scratch, resist the urge to rub it with polish or cover it with wax. Wax can fill the scratch so it looks better, and it can also trap dirt and make the repair harder. Rubbing may spread the damage.
Photograph it first. Then cover it with a clean cloth if it will be a few days before you can bring the car in.
What proper repair looks like
The panel is sanded to remove the damage, filled if the groove is deep, primed, painted in your car's color and finished with clear coat. The edge between old and new is blended so the new finish matches the rest of the panel.
For a scratch that runs across a door, repainting the whole door is normal because stopping the new color in the middle of a flat panel would show.
Get a free estimate in Santa Clara
Questions about scratch & paint repair? Read our Scratch & Paint Repair page, call (408) 243-2530, or send photos through the estimate form. International Auto Center Body Shop, 1499 Lincoln St, Santa Clara, CA 95050. Open Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Frequently asked questions
Can a keyed car be fixed without repainting?
Rarely. Key scratches are usually too deep to polish out.
Will my insurance cover a key scratch?
Often under comprehensive coverage, less the deductible.
Do I need a police report?
It can support the claim. Ask your insurer.
How long does the repair take?
Paint needs curing time, so allow several days.