What to Do If Your Car Has Been Keyed: A Complete Guide

A keyed car is one of the most frustrating forms of vandalism a car owner can experience. The scratches can be deep, causing both cosmetic and, potentially, functional damage. Whether it’s a single scratch or multiple deep gouges, knowing how to deal with the situation efficiently is crucial. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to take when your car has been keyed, the best ways to repair the damage, and how to prevent future incidents.

1. Assess the Damage

The first thing you need to do when you discover your car has been keyed is to assess the damage. Carefully examine the scratch or scratches to determine how deep they are. The severity of the damage will influence how you proceed with repairs.

• Shallow Scratches: These are typically surface-level scratches that may not penetrate the paint layer. They can often be polished out or fixed with a touch-up paint kit.
  
  
• Deeper Scratches: If the scratch goes beyond the clear coat and into the paint or metal, it will require more intensive repair. This could involve sanding, priming, painting, and polishing.
  
  
• Multiple Scratches: Multiple scratches may indicate a more targeted act of vandalism. You’ll need to assess whether they’re isolated to one area or spread out across your vehicle.

2. Document the Damage

Once you’ve assessed the damage, it’s essential to document it thoroughly. Take clear, high-quality photos of the scratches from multiple angles. This documentation will be useful if you decide to file a police report or make an insurance claim.

If the keying is recent, the paint may still be wet, and the scratches may be more visible. Make sure to take the photos as soon as possible to capture the most accurate representation of the damage.

3. File a Police Report

Keying is considered a criminal act of vandalism, and it’s important to report it to the police. Not only is this a legal requirement in some areas, but it may also help you with your insurance claim. Provide the police with as much information as possible, including where the incident took place, when it occurred, and if you have any suspects in mind.

While the police may not always be able to catch the culprit, filing a report can give you peace of mind and provide necessary evidence should you choose to pursue a claim through your insurance.

4. Check Your Insurance Policy

Keying is often covered under comprehensive car insurance policies, but this can vary depending on the provider and your specific policy. Before jumping into repair costs, review your insurance policy to see if the damage is covered. If so, it might make sense to file a claim.

However, keep in mind that filing a claim may increase your premium, and you might need to pay an excess before the insurance kicks in. If the cost of repairs is lower than your excess, it may be more cost-effective to pay for the repair out of pocket. For example, smaller keying damages can sometimes be fixed for less than the cost of your insurance excess.

5. Consider the Different Repair Options

Once you’ve decided whether or not to involve your insurance company, the next step is to explore your repair options. The approach you choose will depend on the severity of the scratches and your budget.

DIY Repair (For Minor Scratches)

For smaller scratches that are just on the surface, you may be able to fix the issue yourself with a scratch repair kit. These kits usually come with a pen that matches your car’s colour, a rubbing compound, and sometimes a clear coat to seal the area.

Here’s a general guide for DIY repair:

1. Clean the Area: Thoroughly clean the scratched area to remove dirt and debris.
   
   
2. Apply Scratch Remover: Use a rubbing compound or scratch remover to polish the scratched surface. This can help to smooth out the scratch if it’s just a surface issue.
   
   
3. Touch Up the Scratch: If the scratch is still visible, use a touch-up paint pen. Apply thin layers and build up as needed. Be sure to match the colour of your car as closely as possible. Many car manufacturers provide paint codes that help ensure an exact match.
   
   
4. Buff and Polish: After the touch-up paint has dried, buff and polish the area to blend it with the surrounding paintwork.

While this method can work for minor scratches, deep or multiple scratches often require professional repair.

Professional Repair

For more severe damage or multiple scratches, professional repair is often necessary. A body shop can assess the damage and provide the appropriate treatment, which may involve:

• Sanding: To remove damaged paint and smooth out the surface.
  
  
• Priming: If the scratch has gone down to the metal, a primer will be applied to protect the area.
  
  
• Painting: A matching paint will be applied to the area to restore the original colour.
  
  
• Polishing: After the paint dries, the area is polished to achieve a glossy, seamless finish.

Professionals have the tools and expertise to ensure a flawless finish, and this is often the best solution if you want the car to look as close to new as possible.

6. Prevent Future Keying

While you can’t entirely prevent someone from keying your car, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of future vandalism.

• Park in Well-Lit Areas: Try to park your car in busy, well-lit areas where there are security cameras or a high volume of foot traffic. This can act as a deterrent for vandals.
  
  
• Install a Car Alarm: Car alarms are a great way to alert you to suspicious activity. Some systems can even send alerts to your phone if your car is tampered with.
  
  
• Use a Car Cover: If you don’t have access to a garage, consider using a car cover. While it won’t stop someone from keying your car, it can make it more difficult for vandals to target specific areas.
  
  
• Install Security Cameras: If you park your car in a driveway or a private space, installing a security camera can help deter criminal activity and provide video evidence if something does happen.

7. Final Thoughts

Being the victim of car keying can be disheartening, but knowing how to handle the situation properly can make the repair process smoother and less stressful. Whether you choose to repair the damage yourself or hire a professional, acting quickly to assess, document, and repair the damage is key to restoring your car. Additionally, being proactive about protecting your car can help reduce the chances of future incidents.

If your vehicle has been keyed and you’re unsure of the next steps, or if you’re seeking expert help with the repair, don’t hesitate to contact The SMART Repair People. You can find our more on our keyed car page here or simply submit a free quote request using the button below.