Fixing a car scratch costs $50 for DIY touch-up paint, $150-450 for shop scratch removal, or $400-800 for a full panel repaint. The right answer depends on scratch depth. Here’s the honest 2026 breakdown.
Scratch Cost by Type
| Scratch Type | DIY Cost | Body Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Clear coat scratch (fingernail passes over) | $10-25 | $150-300 |
| Through paint (fingernail catches) | $25-50 | $300-600 |
| Deep gouge (metal visible) | Not recommended | $500-900 |
| Full panel repaint | Not DIY | $700-1,600 |
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How to Test Scratch Depth
Run your fingernail across the scratch. Passes right over = clear coat only, DIY fixable. Catches slightly = through paint, marginal DIY. Deep catch or visible metal/primer = body shop only.
DIY Options by Product
- Meguiar’s ScratchX 2.0 — clear coat scratches ($10-15)
- Dupli-Color Perfect Match — through-paint scratches ($10-18)
- Wet Sanding Kit — leveling touch-up ($15-25)
Insurance Considerations
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For scratches, filing an insurance claim rarely makes sense — repair cost is usually under $600, and premium increases typically total $1,200+ over 3 years.
Full guide: Best Car Scratch Remover 2026
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