Choosing a Bodyshop in Tyne and Wear: What to Ask

Ask how the estimate is put together

A good estimate is an itemised list of work, not a single line. It should say which panels are being repaired and which replaced, how much paint and prep is involved, and whether parts are new or otherwise. Ask what is not included, such as hidden damage that might only show once the car is stripped.

Be wary of a quote given from a photo alone for anything beyond a small scratch or dent. Someone needs to see the car in person, ideally in good light and with the bumper or trim lifted where necessary.

• Is the estimate itemised for labour, parts and paint?
• What could change it once the car is stripped down?
• Is it a repair or a replacement for each damaged panel?
• How long is the estimate valid for?

Paint matching and finish

Paint matching is where a repair either disappears or sticks out. Ask how colours are matched to the car's existing paint, which fades and changes with age and weather. A good painter will blend the new paint into neighbouring panels so there is no visible edge in daylight.

If you want to know what the finish will be like, ask to see examples of completed work, or look at the car in daylight at handover. Ask also about paint correction, which can bring back shine on panels that are dull but not damaged.

It is also fair to ask who does the painting and polishing, and whether the car is kept indoors while paint cures. These details tell you something about how seriously the process is taken, and a confident shop will answer without fuss.

Parts, panels and what is being fitted

When a panel needs replacing, parts come in different grades and origins. Ask what will be fitted and why. Some repairs are better done by repairing the existing panel through dent removal or welding, while others are better handled by replacing it, particularly where the metal is badly creased or corroded.

For anything near the structure, such as sills, chassis legs or crumple areas, ask how the work is carried out and checked. Welding and structural repairs need proper skill and equipment, so it is entirely reasonable to ask about the process.

If you drive a van or run a small business vehicle, mention it. Van bodywork repairs and van panel and paint repairs have their own demands, such as cargo area damage and the need to get back to work, and the workshop should be able to talk you through what is involved.

Timescales and keeping you informed

Ask for an expected timescale, but treat it as an estimate. Parts availability, hidden damage and paint curing can all move the date. What matters more is how you will be kept informed. Ask who your contact is, how updates are given and what happens if something unexpected is found.

If you rely on the vehicle for work, say so at the start. A van owner has different needs from someone with a second car, and a straight conversation up front lets the workshop plan around it.

Ask also how you will get your car back to you in a usable state. If the repair means the car cannot be driven, find out whether recovery or collection can be arranged, rather than discovering the problem on the day.

Insurance work and workmanship cover

If an insurer is involved, ask whether the bodyshop handles insurance repairs and how the process works with your claim. Your policy and insurer may have their own requirements, so check what applies to you rather than assuming.

Finally, ask what cover is offered on the workmanship and paintwork, and ask for it in writing. Do not assume it exists. A reputable shop will be happy to explain what it will put right if something is not as it should be, and for how long.

• Do you deal with insurance repairs, and how does that work?
• What workmanship cover is offered, and is it written down?
• What happens if a paint fault appears later?

Frequently asked questions