Finding out your car has been keyed by a mischievous stranger is always an unpleasant surprise. However, by taking the right steps after discovery, you can go on to drive with confidence without too much inconvenience. From taking pictures to calling an auto body shop, use the following guide to restore your car to its former flawlessness.

3 Steps to Take If Your Car Is Keyed

1. Document the Damage

Use your smartphone to collect visual evidence of the crime, including the scratches and the area where you parked. Take pictures of nearby cars and anyone fleeing the scene. Call the police to report the  vandalism, and follow any instructions they provide.

2. Talk to Your Insurance Company

Next, phone your auto insurance company to explain the situation. Ask them if your policy will cover auto body shop repairs for the scratches. Provide any helpful information about the incident, and send the photos you took if asked to do so. They may offer tips on how to keep your vehicle safer from vandalism in the future.

3. Seek Out an Auto Body Shop

Contact an auto body shop—either one you find or your insurance company recommends. Verify their capability to perform scratch and paint repairs, and ask them to explain their approach and time frame. Find out how long they’ll need to keep your car so you can make arrangements for transportation.

If your car has been damaged by vandals, get in touch with Mark’s Auto Body of Cincinnati, OH. They have over 25 years of experience performing meticulous repairs, whether the result of intentional keying or accidental collision. They also offer free insurance claim estimates and will match the price of other auto body shops in the area. To learn more about their services, visit their website, or call (513) 731-4273 to schedule an appointment.