my car got keyed

[illusion123a]

Well I walk out of the bar this evening to find a nice little surprise, my car (an 02 accent) got keyed from before the drivers side door all the way back. The cop who looked at it said that the entire side of my car will need to be re-paintded, is this the norm? also how much do you think this would cost? I just went on my own insurance less then 6 months ago, and I am worried that my payments will go through the roof (i have GEICO) and was thinking that maybe i could pay for this out of pocket. wow what a shitty night

[Igovert500]

Wow, sorry to hear that. I really hate to think people are such pricks that they take it out on other people's cars.

The amount of necessary repairs really depends on how deep the scratches go. They may be able to buff them out. If you can feel it with your fingernail however, even the best detailer wont be able to buff them out completely, only lessen their appearance.

Touchup paint maybe an option.

Finally, if you do get it repainted, a detail shop maybe able to wetsand and repaint only the damaged areas for cheaper than it would cost to repaint the entire car.

As far as insurance, it is a tough call. First you have to figure out what your deductible is...because that is what you will have to pay, no matter what (unless you find a nice shop that 'adjusts the estimate') Now, I have heard from an insurance agent on this board, that if you file a claim for under $1,000 they can't raise your rates. I'm not sure if this is true, or what the limitations are, and I have never tried it, so I really can't say.

Bottom line, your best bet would be to
a) post in the auto detailing section of AF, it is under 'cars in general' and then 'car detailing'. There are some knowledgable people there that can offer more advise

B) find local detail shops and ask on the phone if they give free estimates. Have them take a look and see what they think they can do for you.

[illusion123a]

well i already called my insurance, its a deep cut, all the way down through the paint, I have read that becasue its a comprehensive claim my insurance wont go up much if at all, and if it does i doubt it will be more then the cost to fix it (i'll also be 25 in 11 months, and hopefully it will go down then). I am also glad that i have the rental insurance, so while my car is in the shop i'll have something to drive

[illusion123a]

Oh and my comp deductable is only $100

[ct91rs]

if your sure about the amount you said your rates will increase, and your deductabe is only $100, i would claim it and get the panels repainted.