What is a colour coat scratch across multiple panels?
The mark shows your own colour, but duller or lighter than the paint beside it. That is the colour layer itself, exposed. The clear coat above it has been cut through, which is why the line has no shine.
What kind of repair does it need?
Painting each panel it crosses. Polishing cannot put back clear coat or colour that is gone. Each panel is prepared, colour matched, sprayed and clear coated, and blended into the panels beside it.
This is where insurance becomes a real question. Get each panel priced on its own as well as together. Dropping one lightly marked panel can change the total.
What to do next
This is where insurance becomes a real question. Put the repair price next to your excess before you decide. A claim costs your excess plus any effect on your premium and no claim bonus. Get two quotes. Ask for each panel priced on its own as well. Dropping one lightly marked panel can keep it under your excess.
Sources
- Moneysmart (ASIC)government
Generally, if you're at fault and you make a claim, you'll either lose your bonus or it will be reduced.
- Moneysmart (ASIC)government
Generally, you have to pay an excess when you make a claim whether you're at fault or not.
- BASFpaint maker
BASF recommends blending into an adjacent undamaged panel whenever the panel…
- Sherwin-Williams Automotivepaint maker
Sand and featheredge damaged areas to remove chips, then refinish
- Standoxpaint maker
Micro/Spot repair or complete refinishing is necessary for true rectification
- Chemical Guysproduct seller
If you catch the scratch with your fingernail, it likely extends into the paint layer.
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