Scratches and chips are the smallest work an auto body shop does and the most common reason people walk through the door without an insurance claim behind them.

Depth decides everything

Automotive finish is layered: primer on the metal, color above it, clear on top. Where a scratch stops determines what fixing it involves.

Marks confined to the clear can frequently be polished out entirely, because material is being levelled rather than replaced. Once a scratch reaches color, polishing cannot help and the area needs refinishing. Once it reaches primer or bare metal, it needs attention promptly, since exposed steel in a climate with road salt does not stay unaffected for long.

The fingernail test is the rough version: if it catches, the scratch is through the clear.

Stone chips

The leading edge of a hood, the mirror caps, and the area behind the front wheels collect them. Vermont roads produce more than their share, between sand and grit spread all winter and frost damage every spring.

Individual chips can be filled and levelled. Once the leading edge of a hood is peppered rather than spotted, refinishing that panel gives a better result than dozens of separate repairs.

Keyed panels and lot damage

A key mark usually runs deep enough to need refinishing, and it typically crosses more than one panel, which brings blending into it. We will tell you honestly whether it is worth claiming or better paid directly, since on many policies the deductible exceeds the repair.

Do not wait on bare metal

A chip through to steel is worth addressing before winter rather than after. Call (802) 782-5373 or stop by and we will look at it.