Auto body repair & detailing: Swirl marks in clearcoat on Black 2006 Volvo S80, automatic car wash, 2006 volvo s80

Question
Mark,

I recently purchased a 2006 Volvo S80 with 14,000 miles on it.  The color is "Black sapphire metallic."  A few weeks after I bought it, I noticed that there were fine scratches all over the entire car.  I took it in to a professional detailer for a wax.  The scratches are still there.  Since this is all over the entire vehicle, including the chrome trim pieces, I would like to contact my insurance company to file a claim.  This is a used vehicle, bought from a reputable Volvo dealer with a great warranty but I know they will say I bought it "as is."  Can you offer any advise if my insurance will cover a claim for damage to the clearcoat and chrome trim?

Thanks,

Debbie  

Answer
Debbie-

I am not sure if your insurance company will cover swirls or fine scratches on the car. I have had claims for rock chips but never the fine scratches you are describing. All black cars and dark metallics will show swirls after a few car washes, worse when the car is taken to an automatic car wash. I have owned black cars myself- many of them. Here are a few tips. 1) Try to keep the car washed often. The more dirt that gets on the car the worse it will be scratched when washed. The dirt acts as an abrasive. 2) Find a detailer that is good with a buffer and more importantly, good with black cars. Make up your mind to have the car detailed/polished a couple of times a year- more or less depending on your climate. 3) Try to hand wash the car with a quality soap and PLENTY of water. Keep it as wet as possible when washing even if it means holding the hose over the panels as you go. Don't scrub hard! Scrub lightly and keep the wash mitt clean and rinsed as you go. Enjoy the car- just remember that a perfectly maintained finish such as this is a great amount of work and/or expense to keep looking its best. Mark