Repairing a car scratch using a DIY repair kit can cost between £10 and £25. Professional repairs of deep scratches can cost between £150 and £500, depending on labour costs, the extent of the damage, and the type of paint your car has. 

Scratches happen. Whether it’s from a rogue shopping trolley or an annoying stone chip on the motorway, a scratch on your car can eventually grow into an entirely new problem if you leave it long enough. So, how much does it cost to repair a scratch on a car? And more importantly, how do you know if it’s worth it? This guide breaks it all down – the types of scratches, repair process, average cost, and how to save yourself from expensive trips to the garage.

Jump to:

• How much does it cost to fix a car scratch?
• What factors affect car scratch repair costs?
• Should you repair a car scratch yourself or go pro?
• How to save money on car scratch repairs

How much does it cost to fix a car scratch?

The cost of fixing a car scratch depends on the level of damage and the type of scratch you’re dealing with. 

For small scratches

Light, superficial scratches that only affect the top layer of paint are cheaper and quicker to fix. You may only need a simple buffing tool or DIY scratch repair kit, which shouldn’t cost you more than £25.

If you choose to go to a professional repair shop, this could increase to anywhere between £60 and £150. So, if you’re on a budget, you might want to give the DIY solution a go. With that in mind, professional repairs are always recommended for the best results, especially if your car is on lease or finance.

DIY repair cost: £10-£25

Professional repair cost: £60-£150

For deeper scratches

For deep scratches that cut through the topcoat and down to the base layer or even the base metal – well, these are a different story. 

A DIY kit probably won't do much to repair a deep scratch unless you want to spend upwards of £100+ on a high-end kit. These include:

• Sanding pads
• Buffing tools
• Primers
• Touch-up paint
• Clear coat sealers

…and may do enough to hide the damage on your car. 

If you think the scratch needs a professional’s touch, you’re probably looking at a price tag of around £200 to £500.

DIY scratch repair cost: £50 to £100

Professional scratch repair cost: £200 to £500

What else affects car scratch repair costs?

The type of scratch and whether you go for a DIY fix or professional repairs are two factors in how much your scratch repair will cost. But what else can impact the final price?

• Extent of damage: A single odd scratch is cheaper than widespread paint damage or structural integrity issues caused by deeper scratches.
• Labour rates: Some garages charge a higher hourly rate, especially for quality repairs done in more expensive areas like big cities. 
• Type of paint/finish: If your car has a special finish – like a metallic or custom colour – it’s harder and more expensive to match, and will bump up the cost.

Need a professional? Don’t stress about the cost. With our car repair finance, you can spread the cost of scratch repairs into easy, interest-free monthly instalments. Applying takes minutes – start now! 

Should you repair a car scratch yourself or go pro?

If you’re not sure whether it’s worth asking a professional to repair your car scratch, keep the following in mind:

Is it a surface scratch?

For minor damage like superficial coat scratches, you don’t always need to rush to a repair shop. A scratch repair kit can be a cost-effective solution for bringing back some of your car’s external finish.

Use a clean cloth and a bit of scratch remover, rubbing the scratch in circular motions. This helps smooth out the scratch and blend it into the surrounding paint layer for a nearly invisible repair. This also protects the car’s coat layer from getting worse over time, so you can avoid more expensive repairs down the line.

Or is it a deeper scratch?

For more severe scratches, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. DIY fixes on a deep car scratch often just lead to bigger, more expensive repairs if done incorrectly – and there’s even a risk of causing more damage to the paint layer.

On the other hand, trained technicians follow proven repair methods to carefully rebuild each coat layer, resulting in a more seamless match with the rest of your car’s paint. 

How to save money on car scratch repairs

When it comes to repairing a car scratch, no one wants to pay more than they have to. Here’s how to keep the cost of car scratch repairs down:

Get multiple quotes

If you’re going the professional route, don’t settle for the first quote you get. Shop around to get a clearer idea of the average cost and compare what each repair shop includes in their service. Some may offer extras like warranties or free touch-ups, helping you get better value for your money.

Fix minor damage ASAP: 

Minor scratches might seem harmless at first, but they can quickly get worse if left untreated for long enough. Moisture, dirt, and road salt can turn a simple surface scratch into a deeper problem that can eventually damage the base metal. Spending a little on a DIY scratch repair kit might just save you from spending hundreds more later on. 

Get car repairs sorted the easy way with Bumper 

Unexpected scratches can be a nuisance, but paying for repairs doesn’t have to be. With Bumper’s car repair finance, you can spread car scratch repair costs into manageable, interest-free monthly payments. Applying takes minutes – you can do it online or at one of over 5,000 trusted garages and get back on the road sooner. Start now!