{"id":3218,"date":"2021-11-19T11:37:16","date_gmt":"2021-11-19T11:37:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/scuffdoc.co.uk\/?p=3218"},"modified":"2026-02-09T13:30:25","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T13:30:25","slug":"what-to-do-if-someone-keys-your-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scuffdoc.co.uk\/?p=3218","title":{"rendered":"What to do if someone keys your car"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Discovering that someone has deliberately keyed your car can be both frustrating and upsetting. Keying is when someone scratches the bodywork of your vehicle using a key or another sharp object. Unlike accidental scratches, deliberate damage can feel personal, leaving you wondering if you inadvertently upset someone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Deliberate scratches are, in fact, the most common type of intentional car damage in the UK, accounting for 41% of all vandalism offences. While this may feel overwhelming, it\u2019s important to stay calm and understand your options. <\/span>Experiencing keying can be emotionally taxing, but understanding the right steps to take can help reduce stress and prevent further issues. By knowing your options, you can respond quickly and protect your vehicle\u2019s appearance and value.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this blog, we will cover what steps to take immediately, repair options, preventative measures, legal actions, and additional tips to protect your car.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Who to tell if your car has been keyed?” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:32|text_align:left|line_height:40px” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Since keying a car is an act of vandalism, the ball is in your court regarding whether you wish to contact the police or not. If you do wish to contact the police, you can call the 101 non-emergency number. Even if nothing comes of the case, it\u2019s worth noting on a record in case it happens to you again, or if somebody in your area also gets keyed. The police will then provide you with a crime reference number from which you can make an insurance claim.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some car insurance policies will cover vandalism, while others will not. You will have to get in touch with your insurance provider to find out the verdict. If your insurance provider does protect you against vandalism, you will then have to decide whether you wish to take the insurance or not. You will need to consider how bad the damage is, how much the value of your car is affected by appearance and how much excess you will have to fork out. If your excess costs are more than the repair costs, making a claim will not benefit you.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s also important to document the damage thoroughly. Take clear photos from multiple angles, note the date, time, and location, and keep all evidence safe. This documentation is helpful for both insurance claims and any legal action you may choose to pursue.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”How much will it cost to repair the paint?” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:32|text_align:left|line_height:40px” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]If you have some DIY skills up your sleeve, it might be worth seeing if you can repair the damage yourself. Depending on how deep the scratches are, you may be able to buff them out using a DIY scratch repair kit. Bear in mind that DIY doesn\u2019t come without risks, if you want a sleek finish, it\u2019s best to get the professionals in like Scuff Doc.<\/span><\/p>\n

A good way to know whether to get the professionals in is by looking at whether the metal is showing behind the paint. If you can see the metal, it\u2019s probably not worth doing it yourself. Deep scratches can leave the metal exposed and more prone to rust and corrosion, meaning it\u2019s best if someone takes a look at it straight away. Paintwork can be expensive, but this might be covered by your insurance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Professional repairs can range in cost depending on severity. Minor scratches can start around \u00a350\u2013\u00a3300, while deeper scratches or full panel repainting may cost \u00a3800\u2013\u00a31500+. In some cases, combining minor scratches with <\/span>alloy wheel refurbishment<\/span><\/a> or other paintwork repairs can be a cost-effective solution.<\/span><\/p>\n

DIY repair kits are best for superficial scratches only. If the metal is exposed, or if the scratch is extensive, professional intervention is necessary to prevent long-term damage and maintain the car\u2019s resale value.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”How do I prevent my car from being keyed again?” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:32|text_align:left|line_height:40px” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_single_image image=”3548″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]It\u2019s natural to be worried if someone keys your car, but there are a few tips and tricks to make sure that it doesn\u2019t happen again:<\/span><\/p>\n