Insurance Repairs in Tyne and Wear

An insurance repair is accident or bodywork repair paid for, in whole or in part, through a claim on your motor policy. The repair is the same kind of work as any other. What changes is the paperwork, the approvals and the order things happen in.

At Banks of the Tyne in Hebburn we handle accident and body repairs across Tyne and Wear. This page explains the process from a repairer's side so you know what is yours to decide.

How an insurance repair usually runs

You report the incident to your insurer, who tell you how they want the repair handled. The car is inspected, the damage assessed and an estimate prepared. Your insurer may need to agree it, or send an assessor, before work is authorised.

Hidden damage is common. A bumper can look fine while the reinforcement behind it is bent. When that turns up once panels are off, the estimate may need revising and agreeing again. That is normal.

What affects the repair and how long it takes

Cost and timescale depend on which panels are damaged, whether the structure is affected, parts availability and how much paint work is involved. Neighbouring panels often need blending so the colour looks even.

Waiting for insurer authorisation and for parts are the biggest causes of delay. Ask us at the estimate where we expect any waiting to come from.

• Number and type of panels affected
• Structural or hidden damage found on strip-down
• Parts availability
• Paint matching and blending
• Time taken for insurer agreement

What to have ready and what to ask

Bring your policy details, claim reference if you have one, and any photographs from the scene. Tell us exactly what happened, as it helps us look for damage that is not obvious.

Before work starts, ask what is covered, whether you owe any excess, and which parts will be used. Ask for the estimate in writing.

Your choice of repairer and when a car is not worth repairing

Your policy may suggest a particular repairer, but check your policy or ask your insurer what applies rather than assuming.

If repair cost is close to the car's value, the insurer may treat it as a write-off. That decision is theirs. We cannot promise a repair is possible until the car has been inspected.