Breaking Down the Average Car Paint Repair Cost

Q: How much does it cost to fix the paint on a car?

The cost to fix car paint depends on the extent of the damage. For small scratches, it may cost around $50 to $150 for touch-ups. Larger areas requiring professional repair can range from $300 to $1,000 or more, depending on the paint type, labor, and vehicle model.

Q: Can you use a personal loan to cover car paint repair costs?

Yes, you can use a personal loan to cover car paint repair costs, as personal loans are generally unsecured and can be used for various expenses. However, consider the loan interest rates and repayment terms before borrowing, as they might increase your overall costs compared to other financing options.

Q: Can you use your auto insurance to cover car paint repair costs?

Yes, you can use auto insurance to cover car paint repair costs if the damage is due to an insured event, such as a collision or vandalism. However, you may need to pay a deductible, and your premiums may increase after filing a claim, depending on your policy and insurer.

Breaking Down the Average Car Paint Repair Cost

Austin KilhamUpdated March 13, 2025

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Editor’s note: Lantern by SoFi seeks to provide content that is objective, independent and accurate. Writers are separate from our business operation and do not receive direct compensation from advertisers or partners. Read more about our Editorial Guidelines and How We Make Money.

Car paint repairs can range from minor touch-ups to extensive refinishing jobs, and understanding the average cost of these repairs is essential for any car owner. The cost of car paint repair will depend on factors like the extent of the damage, the type of paint used, and the make and model of your vehicle. In general, paint repair costs include labor, materials, and any necessary preparation work, such as sanding or priming the affected area. Here’s what you can expect to pay and ways to help fund car paint repair costs.

Average Car Paint Repair Cost

How much does it cost to touch up car paint? In general, costs for repainting a car can range from $150 to $5,000 or more. For a basic paint job on a sedan that includes a single coat of synthetic enamel paint, you might pay $300 to $700. A more comprehensive job with multiple coats of paint and wax will run you closer to $1,000. The more elaborate the paint job, the higher the car paint repair cost. Multi-color, custom paint jobs that include features like metal flake or candy coat paint are on the highest end of the cost spectrum. For most people who aren’t entering their vehicle in a car show, paint jobs like these won’t be necessary. You might also consider painting your car at home. The process can be involved, however, and you’ll want to make sure that you have a well-ventilated area to work in with little dust and debris. Depending on what supplies you already have, costs for an at-home job can range from $20 to $1,000 or more.Recommended: 11 Most Expensive Car Repairs

Things That Impact Car Paint Repair Costs

The cost of painting your car can vary significantly. Here’s a look at some of the factors that can have a big impact.

Location

Where you live affects car paint repair costs. If you’re in a pricey urban area, you might pay more to have your car painted than if you live in a suburban area with multiple auto body shops to choose from.

Color of the Paint

The least expensive paint colors are common shades like black, white, and gray. You’ll end up paying more for specialty colors, especially if they’re rare or from a premium auto manufacturer. It will also cost you more money to change the color of your car, since the painter will need to do extensive, more detailed work.

Paint Quality

Paint quality has a big impact on price. The higher quality and longer lasting the paint, the more expensive it will be. A single coat of synthetic enamel paint can cost as little as $300 and up to about $1,000. Multiple coats of high-quality paint, on the other hand, can cost thousands of dollars.

Size of the Vehicle

The size of a vehicle has a big impact on how much repainting will cost you. There’s more surface area to cover on an SUV compared to a compact car. That extra size requires more paint and more time. Similarly, vehicles with more complicated body shapes may also cost more. For example, a truck, which can be large and irregularly shaped, will likely cost more to paint than a sedan.

Body Work

If your car has rusted out patches or dents, these may need to be fixed before it is repainted. Body work can add several thousand dollars to the price of a paint job, and can cost as much as $3,500.Recommended: Covering the Cost of Dent Repair on a Car Door

Service Provider

A new paint job can be pricey, but in many cases, it can be worth it since it can help extend the life of your vehicle and give its value a boost. If you don’t have the cash to pay for your new paint job out of pocket, here are some other options to consider.

Getting the Funds to Cover Car Paint Repair Costs

A new paint job can be pricey. But in many cases, it can be worth it since it can help extend the life of your vehicle and give its value a boost. If you don’t have the cash to pay for your new paint job out of pocket, here are some other options to consider.

Car Insurance

If you’re repainting your car for cosmetic reasons or to spruce it up after normal wear and tear, your car insurance won’t cover it. However, if you’ve been in an accident and have a good collision policy, your insurance company may pay for the cost of new paint. And a comprehensive insurance policy may cover the cost of repairing a paint job damaged in a natural disaster.

Personal Loans

A personal loan is something you may want to consider for car paint repair. A personal loan is typically an unsecured loan offered through a bank, credit union, or online lender. You get a lump sum of money, which you pay back in monthly installments with interest over time. To qualify for a personal loan, lenders will typically look at your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, proof of income, and whether or not you’re offering collateral. The interest rate you can get typically depends on your credit history and credit score. The higher your credit score, generally, the better the terms and interest rates you’ll be offered. Borrowers with poor credit scores may get higher interest rates. Personal loans for auto repairs can help you cover the cost of a car paint job. Borrowers can usually find loans for anywhere from a few hundred dollars up to $50,000, though it’s important not to borrow more than is actually needed to avoid unnecessary debt. Recommended: How Much Can You Borrow With a Personal Loan?

Credit Cards

Credit cards allow users to borrow up to a certain amount, making payments at the end of the billing cycle. Borrowers who pay off their credit card bill on time will owe no interest. However, if you carry a balance, interest will start accruing, and credit cards tend to carry relatively high interest rates. What’s more, credit card interest compounds, so the longer you have a balance, the more your debt will grow. As a result, credit cards may be a good choice if you know you will be able to pay them off on time and in full, or if you can get a credit card with a promotional 0% APR. As long as you pay off the balance before the promotional period ends, you won’t owe any interest.

How Does Financing a Car Paint Repair Work?

To finance car paint repair costs, first check with your car insurance company. If your car needs to be painted because it was in an accident or damaged by a natural disaster, car insurance may cover it.Otherwise, you can finance the paint job with a credit card by charging the amount and then paying it off later. Or, you can take out a personal loan to pay for the cost of painting the car, which you repay in monthly installments.

Determining Which Financing Option Is Right for You

To decide which financing option is best for your needs, you can weigh the pros and cons of each. If a credit card is convenient and you know you can pay off the balance before the billing cycle ends to avoid paying interest, you may want to consider that option. If, however, getting a lump sum of money you can repay over a longer period of time is more doable for you, you may want to opt for a personal loan.Recommended: Personal Loans: The Pros and Cons Explained

Using Personal Loans for Car Repairs

To use a personal loan to finance car repaint costs, you apply for a loan with a lender. Once you’re approved and receive the money, which usually happens quickly, you can use it to pay for your car paint job. You then repay the loan over time in fixed monthly installments.Recommended: Personal Loan Preapproval Explained With Tips

The Takeaway

When considering repainting your car, find out if your car insurance will pay for it, especially if your car has been in an accident. If not, and you don’t have the cash on hand to pay the cost upfront, you may want to use a credit card or a personal loan to pay for repainting your car. If you’re looking for a personal loan, Lantern by SoFi can help. Simply fill out one application and be connected to top lenders in our network to compare personal loan rates and terms.

Photo credit: iStock/rusak

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to fix the paint on a car?

Can you use a personal loan to cover car paint repair costs?

Can you use your auto insurance to cover car paint repair costs?

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About the Author

Austin Kilham

Austin Kilham is a writer and journalist based in Los Angeles. He focuses on personal finance, retirement, business, and health care with an eye toward helping others understand complex topics.

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