Expert: Mark Haben - 10/12/2006

Question
Rental van got slight scratch on one door (very superficial).  How much to touch-up?

Answer
It can be as much as 3-6 hundred dollars per panel for refinish work. That is to bring it back to where it was before. More if blending adjacent panels is necessary to match the color. If the scratch can be touched up with just a brush stroke some shops may do it free of charge or charge a small fee. If the scratch is not too deep, generally one that you can't catch with a fingernail, they can usually be polished out. Most shops would only charge a small fee this also. Did you pay for the damage waiver? If so you will not have to be responsible for any damage to the van. It is always a good idea to purchase this coverage in my experience. Ten dollars a day is a small price to pay- if anything happens to the vehicle you simply walk away from it. Good Luck! Mark