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Does Insurance Cover Key Scratches on Your Car?

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cooperativ
5 Min Read
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Yes — comprehensive insurance covers key scratches (vandalism). But whether you should file depends on the damage cost vs. your deductible and potential rate impact.

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What Coverage AppliesRecommended: fix scratches yourselfGet 3 free quotes from local body shopsShould You File?Paying too much for auto insurance?Related GuidesRelated guides you may find useful

What Coverage Applies

Recommended

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Meguiar’s ScratchX 2.0
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Chemical Guys VSS Scratch & Swirl Remover
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Best OEM color match
Dupli-Color Perfect Match Touch-Up Pen
Manufacturer-matched touch-up paint for scratches through the color coat.
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Wet-sand for deep scratches
3M Wet Sanding 2000/3000 Grit Kit
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  • Vandalism = comprehensive (weather, theft, and malicious damage all fall here)
  • No-fault: Your rate should not increase in most states
  • Deductible applies: Usually $250-1,000
  • Police report often required for vandalism claims over $500
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Should You File?

Rule of thumb: If damage exceeds 2x your deductible + $500, file. If under, pay out of pocket.

Damage Typical Cost Deductible $500 Verdict
Single panel key scratch $400-800 Pay out of pocket
Multi-panel keying $1,800-4,500 File
Whole car keyed $4,500-9,000+ File
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