A rim scratched after a poorly negotiated kerb can cost between €60 and €350 depending on the finish — here is what you need to know before making a decision.
Repair is not always the right answer. Depending on the depth of the scratch, the rim finish and the vehicle's usage, the cost/benefit ratio can shift quickly. Below is a price guide based on observed rates in France in 2026, along with concrete criteria to help you decide.
Alloy wheel refurbishment: real prices by type of damage
The cost of a refurbishment depends on three factors: the severity of the damage, the rim finish and the workshop chosen (general body shop, wheel specialist, mobile service). The ranges below apply to work carried out on a 17- to 19-inch alloy wheel.
| Type of damage | Painted finish | Polished finish | Diamond-cut finish (two-tone) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface scratch (lacquer) | 60 – 90 € | 80 – 120 € | Not repairable locally |
| Deep scratch (bare metal) | 90 – 160 € | 120 – 200 € | 200 – 280 € |
| Kerb strike with minor deformation | 150 – 230 € | 180 – 260 € | 250 – 350 € |
| Severely damaged / buckled rim | Replacement recommended | Replacement recommended | Replacement recommended |
Beware of diamond-cut finishes: they require a CNC lathe to restore the original appearance. Mobile workshops cannot handle them. Allow 2 to 4 days of vehicle downtime at a specialist.
When repair is worth the cost — and when it is not
Repairing a scratched rim makes sense in three specific cases:
- The rim is at the end of a long-term lease or PCP agreement and you wish to avoid a return charge (often €80 to €200 per rim depending on the provider).
- The finish is standard painted and the damage remains superficial: the work is quick and the result acceptable.
- The vehicle has significant resale value and the rims contribute to the first visual impression.
On the other hand, repair loses its logic if:
- You have already had the same rim repaired: each intervention thins the metal, and a third refurbishment becomes structurally risky.
- You regularly drive in dense urban areas, where the risk of repeat damage within six months is high.
- The alloy wheel has a diamond-cut finish and the workshop does not have the appropriate lathe: an imprecise result devalues the whole wheel.
Repair, then protect: the sequence that breaks the vicious cycle
A repair without any protective measure immediately exposes the alloy wheel to the same type of kerb strike. The AlloyGator profile, fitted between the tyre sidewall and the wheel rim, absorbs contact with pavements and kerbs. It does not cover existing damage — it prevents the next damage from occurring.
Fitting a set of four alloy wheel protectors is carried out in approximately one hour by a professional from our network. The investment, around €99 for fitting, should be weighed against the cost of refurbishing a scuffed alloy wheel — often two to three times higher.
For owners of Audi alloy wheels or for BMW alloy wheels with a diamond-cut finish, this repair + protection sequence is particularly justified: a single refurbishment on these finishes can cost as much as several years of preventive protection.
Find an approved fitter near you to schedule fitting after your repair.
FAQ
Does a superficial scratch affect the safety of the alloy wheel?
No, provided it remains limited to the lacquer or paint without penetrating the metal deeply. A scratch that cuts into the alloy by several millimetres warrants an inspection by a specialist, especially on the load-bearing face of the rim. If visible deformation is present, the alloy wheel must be replaced without delay.
Is the price of alloy wheel refurbishment negotiable?
Specialist workshops generally apply a fixed price per wheel. General bodyshops are sometimes more flexible on a set of four wheels. Negotiation has more impact on volume than on the type of finish, whose cost is constrained by the equipment required.
Can an alloy wheel protector be fitted to an already-repaired wheel?
Yes, without restriction. The profile is fitted to the outer edge of the rim, regardless of the condition of the paint or lacquer on the surface. Ideally, the protector should be fitted in the days following the repair, before any further exposure to kerbs.
