WRC Collision repairs car scratches for Los Angeles drivers at 6926 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood. Clear-coat scratch polishing runs $150-$300, base-coat scratches $300-$600 per panel, and deep scratches to metal $500-$800 per panel with full refinishing. Most scratch repairs finish in 1-2 days. Free estimates — call (818) 765-8500.
A scratch is the kind of damage you see every single time you walk up to your car. Whether it came from a key, a hedge, a shopping cart, or a sloppy parallel parker, WRC Collision makes scratches vanish — not with a cover-up, but with proper paint correction and refinishing that restores your factory finish. We handle everything from light clear-coat swirls to deep gouges that have reached bare metal, and our computerized color matching guarantees the repaired panel is indistinguishable from the rest of the car.
The Three Levels of Car Scratches
Your car's paint has three layers, and repair cost depends on how deep the scratch goes. Clear-coat scratches only mar the transparent top layer — they feel smooth to a fingernail and can usually be wet-sanded and polished out the same day. Base-coat scratches reach the color layer and need spot refinishing with color-matched paint. Primer or metal-deep scratches — the kind that show white, gray, or silver at the bottom — require the full treatment: sanding, priming, base coat, and clear coat. If you're unsure which you have, run a fingernail across it: if it catches, the scratch has broken through the clear coat.
Why DIY Scratch Kits Disappoint
Scratch remover pens and kits work on exactly one thing: very light clear-coat scuffs. On anything deeper they leave a hazy, mismatched patch that often looks worse than the scratch — and metallic and pearl finishes, which most modern cars wear, are nearly impossible to blend by hand. Professional repair uses your vehicle's factory paint code plus computerized tinting to account for sun fade, then blends the finish across the panel so there's no visible edge. The difference is a repair you can find versus a repair you can't.
Key Scratches and Vandalism
Deliberate key scratches are usually the worst kind — long, deep, and crossing multiple panels. The good news: comprehensive insurance typically covers vandalism, subject to your deductible. We document the damage for your claim, work directly with your adjuster, and refinish every affected panel with factory-matched paint. Many of our vandalism customers are surprised that the final result looks better than before the incident, because refinished panels come back with fresh, unfaded clear coat.
Scratch Repair That Protects Your Car's Value
Scratches aren't just cosmetic — broken clear coat lets moisture reach metal, and in LA sun, exposed paint edges oxidize and spread. A $300 scratch repair today prevents a $900 rust and respray job later, and it matters at resale: appraisers and private buyers discount visibly scratched cars far beyond the actual repair cost. If you're returning a lease, repairing scratches before turn-in is almost always cheaper than the lease company's damage charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does car scratch repair cost?
At WRC Collision, light clear-coat scratch polishing runs $150-$300, color-coat scratches $300-$600 per panel, and deep scratches that reach primer or metal $500-$800 per panel including full refinishing. Multi-panel key scratches are quoted per job. Estimates are always free and take about 15 minutes.
Can deep scratches on a car be fully repaired?
Yes. Even scratches down to bare metal can be repaired invisibly with proper preparation: the area is sanded, primed, painted with computer-matched color, cleared, and blended into the surrounding panel. The repair is permanent and covered by our lifetime workmanship warranty.
Does insurance cover scratch repair?
If the scratch resulted from vandalism or a collision, comprehensive or collision coverage typically applies, minus your deductible. For small scratches below your deductible, out-of-pocket repair usually makes more sense. We'll give you the exact repair cost first so you can decide.
How long does scratch repair take?
Clear-coat polishing is typically same-day. Scratches requiring refinishing take 1-2 days per panel so paint and clear coat cure properly. Multi-panel vandalism repairs generally run 3-5 days.
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Contact WRC Collision for a free estimate on your car scratch repair needs.
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Last updated: July 25, 2026