hi sound-silver...
ouch!
the definative cure is panel replacement. side panels are the easiest to do...
but still expensive, and way more than most insurance deductables...
for very superficial scratches, megs scratch X will do wonders, followed by a poly sealant wax.
IF the scratch is down to bare metal (does a finger nail catch in it?) it does need to be covered....
start with meg' scratch x or a very light 3m compound (1200)s or finishing polish.
Meguiars SCRATCH X
3M Perfect- It Rubbing Compound restores mild to moderate paint imperfections so that your vehicle looks like new.
clean parallel to (lengthwise) the grove and then exactly perpendicular, avoid a circular pattern.
once it's cleaned you will need to decide HOW MUCH of the grove edge to remove...
buffing just a small amount is the safest approach, but the scratch will be more visible.
taking enough material off to get it smooth, will remove MORE protective clearcoat in the surrounding area (not good)
3m sells a 'scratch repair kit' that includes small amounts of several grades of compound.
this site also has high quality polishes and compounds...
Compounds, Polishes & Glazes
i like the menzerna's and 3m and meguiars products.
and here is a chart comparing the polishes/compounds...
Compound Polish Glaze Comparison Chart
and a simple 'how to' on scratch removal...
How can I remove paint scratches?
after completing the 'removal' stage, some protective coating must be applied...
poly sealant waxes or waxes with 'fillers' will work temporarily and must be reapplied 1-3 times yearly.
clear coat touch up paint, or clear nail polish can be applied directly into the blemish, and lasts longer..
a/s also sells a clear 'acrylic touch up' in a spray can for 10-12$ which may last longer too....
IF you reapply any of these clearcoatings, do it in very thin layers with plenty of drying time between coatings...
mask off the surrounding skin and apply as narrowly as possible to the specific defect area.
when finished, the surface may be raised and more annoying than the original gouge,
if that is the case, consider polishing the clear coat patch, again with the lightest compound (1200 or 2000 or 3000)
best of luck, and the decals aren't a bad idea either!
cheers
2air'
the info above appies to the newer ALCOA clearcoated aluminum panels, NOT the plasticoat applied by a/s up till '99 or so....