What To Do When You Scratch Your Car

Scratching your car is one of those small but stressful moments every MN driver deals with sooner or later. Whether it happened in the Mayo Clinic parking ramp, pulling too close to a garage door, or on a gravel road outside town, the next steps matter. Here’s a clear, local-friendly guide to help you figure out what to do right away, what you can safely ignore, and when it makes sense to get a professional repair.

Start With a Quick Assessment

Before you worry about insurance or repair costs, take a close look at the scratch in good lighting. You’re trying to figure out two things: how deep it is and whether it has broken through the clear coat.

A surface scratch usually looks white or gray and feels smooth when you run your fingernail across it. A deeper scratch will catch your nail and may show primer or bare metal. Bare metal is important because Minnesota winters, road salt, and humidity can lead to rust if the area stays exposed.

What You Can Safely Do At Home

If the scratch is only in the clear coat, you can often clean it and use a light polish. For many Rochester drivers this is enough to make a minor mark almost disappear.

Here are simple at-home steps:

• Wash the area so you’re not rubbing dirt into the paint.
• Dry it completely.
• Use a small amount of scratch remover or a polishing compound and a microfiber cloth.
• Buff gently until the mark blends with the surrounding paint.

If the scratch still shows metal or feels rough after cleaning and polishing, that’s a sign it needs professional repair.

When A Scratch Needs Professional Attention

In Southeast Minnesota, deeper scratches become a problem faster than people expect because of winter salt and temperature swings. Any scratch that reaches the primer or metal should be repaired before rust sets in.

A collision repair shop can:

• Sand and refinish the damaged area
• Use factory matched paint so the repair blends cleanly
• Check for underlying dents or stress marks you may have missed
• Seal the repair so it holds up through Minnesota winters

Rossi Collision Center handles scratches like this every week for Rochester drivers, and everything is done in house including paint, refinishing, and minor bodywork.

Should You File An Insurance Claim For A Scratch

Many local drivers ask if a scratch is worth a claim. The answer depends on the repair cost and your deductible.

If the cost to repair the scratch is less than or close to your deductible, most people pay out of pocket. For deeper scratches that require repainting a panel, it may make sense to check coverage. Some policies cover damage from parking lot incidents or minor collisions even without another driver involved.

How Long Will A Scratch Repair Take

Small refinishing jobs are usually quick. Many single-panel repairs can be completed in a day or two depending on paint curing time and how busy the shop is, especially during hail or deer season.

Tips To Prevent Scratches In SE Minnesota

• Be careful in tight Mayo Clinic ramps and downtown parking lots
• Avoid brushing against the car with winter coats or bags covered in road salt
• Rinse your car often during winter to keep salt from creating micro scratches
• Give yourself more room around garage doors and retaining walls, especially when snowbanks hide them

Commonly Asked Questions

What should I do first when I notice a scratch on my car

Clean the area and check the depth of the scratch. This helps you understand whether it’s a cosmetic mark or something that could rust.

How do I know if a scratch needs professional repair

If your fingernail catches on the scratch or you see a different color such as primer or metal, it’s time for a repair shop to look at it.

Can I drive with a scratch in the winter in Minnesota

You can drive with a surface scratch. If the scratch exposes metal, fix it soon so salt and moisture don’t start rusting beneath the paint.

Where can I get a scratch repaired near Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN

Rossi Collision Center is just a few blocks from Mayo and handles everything from light scratches to full repaints. You can request an estimate or schedule a visit whenever you’re ready.

If you scratched your car and want a clear answer on repair options, feel free to ask us for a quick estimate. Local drivers rely on expert shops because a small scratch today can become a bigger problem once winter hits.