Car scratch? Here’s how to tell if you can fix it yourself

It only takes a second. A shopping trolley brushes against your car, you misjudge a tight parking space, or someone opens their door a little too enthusiastically. And just like that, there’s a scratch that definitely wasn’t there this morning. The question is, can you sort it out yourself, or do you need to call in the professionals?

How deeply a scratch has penetrated these layers can help determine whether a DIY repair is an option. Sloman suggests a simple first check: gently run your fingernail across the scratch.

If your fingernail catches in the groove, the scratch is likely too deep for a simple DIY polish and will require professional repair.

For damage that needs more than a little polish, The Unlimited’s Scratch and Dent cover helps members fix eligible light scratches and minor dents on their car’s exterior, subject to the cover’s terms and conditions.

But having the right cover can take some of the frustration out of those unexpected moments.