How to Save on Your Car’s Clear Coat Repair

Although clear coat products can be used on different surfaces, the most common use is to enhance and protect a car's paint. All cars manufactured after 1990 have a clear coat applied when they leave the factory. The factory-applied clear coat typically lasts 10 to 15 years; however, there are situations when you may need to repair your car's clear coat.

Environmental contaminants such as acid rain, tree sap, or ultraviolet rays can eat away at a clear coat causing it to peel. If your car is subject to ice melting agents, hard water, or bird waste, you will probably see some clear coat damage. Since clear coat damage caused by the environment is not covered under car warranties, you'll want to find the most cost-effective repair service. If the damage is the result of a car accident, reapplying clear coat may be covered by your insurance carrier.

How Much Do Clear Coat Repairs Cost?

Repair costs are calculated based on time and materials. Location also plays a part when calculating the cost of a clear coat repair. The following table provides a baseline for repairs:

Type of Repair	Cost
Scuff Repair	$50 to $70
Scratch Repair	$100 to $150
Rock or stone repair	$140 to $200
Clearcoat scratch	$150 to $300
Average scratch repair	$150 to $3,500
Average car clear coat	$3,000 to $10,000

Scuff, scratch, and stone repairs assume that the damage is minimal, and only the clear coat needs to be reapplied. More extensive damage may impact multiple car panels which adds to the repair cost.

What Factors Impact the Cost of Clear Coat Repairs?

Unfortunately, the variation in clear coat damage makes it difficult to determine what is a reasonable price for repairs. The following factors can impact repair costs:

Amount of clear coat used. Clear coat for small repairs come in aerosol cans costing less than $25.00.

Number of damaged panels. Cars are assembled in panels. If a scratch runs the length of your car, it will require more time than a single panel repair.

Size of vehicle. Obviously, it takes longer to fix a keyed mini-cooper than a full-size SUV.

Location of vehicle. Where you live probably has the most impact on pricing. The Midwest tends to have the lowest prices.

Time to apply clear coat. Since most repairs are based on labor and materials, the longer it takes to apply clear coat the higher the labor costs.

You may want to contact a dealership to get an idea of what the going rate is in your area. They probably won't be the least expensive, but they can provide a baseline for comparison. You should always get at least three quotes to ensure you are getting the best possible price.

Can You Repair Clear Coat Damage Yourself?

That depends on the damage. If the repair is for a scratch or dent that is localized to a single-car panel, you may be able to make the repair yourself. If you are short on time or patience, repairing the damage yourself may be a bad idea. A typical repair uses the following steps:

Prepare the damaged surface by sanding.
Clean the surface to remove all particles, dust, and contaminants.
Repair the damage using a clear coat repair kit.

Clear coat repairs require two coats with sufficient time between coats for the application to dry.

How DoNotPay Can Help with Clear Coat Repairs

How much time do you have to call around for price quotes to repair your car's clear coat? Using the following three steps, you can let DoNotPay do the work for you:

Search for Quote My Repair on DoNotPay.
Enter the details of the repair you need.
Let DoNotPay find competitive rates for that repair in your area and any relevant information to keep you from being overcharged.

DoNotPay can help with other car repairs such as windshield or window replacement.

How DoNotPay Can Help with Other Repairs

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