What Does Keying a Car Mean? [Explained]

Published: 09/14/22 •  4 min read

What does keying a car mean? Keying a car is the act of purposefully damaging the vehicle by hitting it with one’s key. Keying refers to scratching or gouging out material, usually paint. If you are not sure what this term means, here is an explanation in detail:

People do this often for jealousy of the car owner. Or they feel angry and want to release their frustration on something that cannot fight back. They may be frustrated with their job or school life and take out these frustrations on someone else’s property because they know that person will have to deal with it after them.

What Does Keying a Car Mean?

Keying a car is when someone scratches the paint on a car with a sharp object, most commonly a key. This can be done to any part of the car but is often done to the driver’s side door or hood.

Why Would Someone Key a Car?

The reasons behind keying a car can vary. Some people do it as an act of vandalism, while others may do it if they are angry at the owner of the car. Keying a car can also be considered a form of property damage and can lead to criminal charges being filed against the person who did it.

What Should You Do if Your Car Has Been Keyed?

If you find out that your car has been keyed, there are several steps you should take. The first is to document the damage by taking photos or videos of the car. You should also notify your insurance company and try to obtain quotes for the repairs you will need in order to get an idea of how much money it may cost you.

The Consequences of Keying a Car

If you are caught keying a car, the consequences can be severe. You will most likely face criminal charges and could even serve jail time depending on how bad your case is considered to be.

The Cost of Being Keyed

The costs of having your car keyed vary greatly from case to case, but it can add up quickly if you need to pay for paint repairs or replacement parts such as doors and hoods that have been scratched by someone’s keys.

How to Fix Scratches on Car

If your car has been vandalized with scratches, there are ways to repair the damage without spending too much money. One way is to use a DIY scratch remover kit, which can be found at most stores that sell car supplies. These kits usually come with a polishing compound and a buffer, and they are designed to remove light scratches from the surface of your car’s paint job.

If the scratches on your car are more severe, you can always take it to a professional auto repair shop. Most of the time, they will be able to buff out any deep scratches that are causing your car’s paint job to look unappealing. You can also follow this guide to Fix a Keyed Car.

Ending Note

Scratches on your car can be a major annoyance and cause for concern if they were made by someone intending to do damage. If you think you have been keyed, it is important that you take some simple steps right away so the problem doesn’t get worse.