There’s nothing worse than walking out to your car, whether it’s parked on the street or in a parking lot, only to find that someone has scratched your vehicle. Whether it was a malicious act of vandalism or simply a careless mistake, dealing with a keyed car can be frustrating and disheartening, no matter what.

Not only does keying damage affect the appearance and value of your vehicle, but it can also be costly and stressful to repair. However, with the right approach and help from trusted professionals like Bumper Buddies, you can get your car back to its former glory in no time — and without breaking the bank. If your car has been keyed, here are some key steps to make the process as easy as possible:

Assess the Damage

The first step when dealing with a keyed car is to assess the damage. Take a careful look at the scratch and determine how deep it is. If it’s just a superficial scratch on the clear coat, it may be easier to repair. However, if the scratch has gone deeper into the paint or the panel itself, it may require more extensive repair work.

You should also inspect the rest of your vehicle to see if there is any additional damage. While most people only key cars in one area, a particularly perturbed vandal could cause damage to multiple parts of your car. Walk from one end of your vehicle to the other, using your phone’s flashlight to help highlight any scratches or other damage. Look for uneven paint, faint lines, or small patches where the color seems off.

Take Photos of the Damage

Once you’ve identified all the damage the vandal has caused, it’s important to thoroughly document it. Take photos and videos of all the scratches and dents using your phone camera. Make sure to capture the damage from different angles and with close-ups so you can clearly see the full extent of the scratches.

These photos will serve as evidence if you decide to file an insurance claim or police report. They’ll also be used by your mobile bumper repair company when they provide an estimate, so it’s important to have thorough, accurate photos to ensure an accurate initial repair quote.

Contact the Police

While it may seem trivial to report a keyed car to the police, it’s still important to do so. Not only is it a criminal act of vandalism, but reporting it can also help with insurance claims. If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, vandalism damage may be covered. However, some insurance companies require a police report as part of the claims process.

Additionally, filing a police report can help with the investigation and potentially lead to the perpetrator being caught. When you speak to the authorities, provide them with the photo and video evidence you’ve collected, especially if you have any video footage that catches the perpetrator in the act.

Find a Trusted Bumper Scratch Repair Provider

Now that you’ve collected and filed all of the necessary documentation and evidence, it’s time to find a trusted bumper scratch repair professional to make your vehicle look like new again. After dealing with such a frustrating experience, it’s important to find a repair service that will minimize hassle and ensure that the process is as headache-free as possible. That’s why many drivers choose Bumper Buddies for mobile scratch and paint repair services.

At Bumper Buddies, we make the repair process seamless and hassle-free. We come to whatever location is most convenient for you, whether it’s your home or office, and repair your vehicle on-site in just a matter of hours. Due to our lack of overhead and service specialization, we’re also able to minimize our costs and pass maximum savings on to you. We offer some of the most competitive rates in the industry, charging just a fraction of what traditional auto body shops charge, but with the same superb quality and proven techniques.

Dealing with a keyed car can be frustrating and stressful, but it’s important to stay calm and take the necessary steps to repair it. By finding a trusted mobile bumper repair provider like Bumper Buddies, you can significantly reduce the hassle and stress associated with scratch and paint repair and ensure your car looks as good as new in no time. Don’t let a keyed car bring you down; contact Bumper Buddies today and get your vehicle back to its pristine condition. To receive a free repair estimate, give us a call today at 888-711-5074, text us at 949-799-1413, or contact us online.