Home/Advice
Advice
Car body repair advice, in plain English
Straight answers to the questions people ask us before they book a repair. Each article names its sources.
After an accident or a claim
What should I do after a minor car accident?
Stop in a safe place, check everyone is unhurt, swap names, addresses and registration numbers, and take photos.
Read the answer
Should you claim on insurance for a scratch or a dent?
For small damage, compare the repair price with your excess first.
Read the answerCan I choose my own repairer for an insurance claim?
In most cases you can use a repairer that your insurer has not approved, but your policy may change some terms if you do, such as a higher excess or no courtesy car.
Read the answer
What should a car repair quote include?
A good written quote lists each panel or part, the labour, the paint, any parts to be fitted and VAT, and says what happens if more damage is found.
Read the answer
What should I ask a body shop before I hand over my car?
Ask for a written quote, how the paint will be matched, what parts will be used, when the car will be ready, and who deals with the insurer.
Read the answerHow repairs work
How does a body shop repair actually work?
A typical repair goes in a set order: assess the damage, take parts off, repair the panel, prepare and prime it, paint it in a booth, polish, refit and check.
Read the answer
Do I need a respray, or just a repair?
Most damage does not need a full respray.
Read the answer
How does a body shop match the colour of your car?
A paint code tells the shop which colour your car left the factory in.
Read the answer
Should I repair or replace a damaged bumper?
A plastic bumper with scuffs, small cracks and splits can often be repaired by plastic welding, filling and painting.
Read the answer
Paintless dent repair or filling and respraying?
Paintless dent repair works from behind the panel and keeps your original paint, so it suits smaller dents with unbroken paint.
Read the answerWheels, lights, paint and selling
What should I do about kerbed alloy wheels?
Scuffs and scrapes on the rim edge are usually cosmetic and can be refurbished.
Read the answer
Why do headlights go cloudy, and can they be restored?
Most modern headlight lenses are plastic with a protective coating from the factory.
Read the answer
How do you look after new paint on your car?
Treat new paint gently.
Read the answer
Which cosmetic repairs are worth doing before you sell your car?
It depends on the car.
Read the answer
What should you do if you find damage after airport parking near Gatwick?
Check the car before you leave the car park, photograph everything, and tell the operator at once, then follow up in writing.
Read the answerStill not sure?
Send a photo on WhatsApp and ask. We will tell you what we think, and there is no charge for asking.