We understand that being involved in an accident or arranging repairs can be stressful. Our goal is to make the repair process as simple, transparent and hassle-free as possible while repairing your vehicle to the highest possible standard.
This guide explains what you can expect while your vehicle is with us and answers some of the most common questions we receive.
Your repair estimate is prepared using the visible damage present at the time of inspection. Unfortunately, many modern vehicles have hidden damage behind bumpers, guards, trims and structural components that cannot be seen until repairs commence.
Once repairs begin and damaged components are removed, we may discover hidden accident damage, structural damage, previous repairs, poor workmanship, rust, corrosion or damaged components that were not visible during the initial inspection.
If additional repairs are required, we’ll contact you, explain what we’ve found, provide photographs where appropriate and discuss any changes before proceeding wherever practical.
Once repairs are authorised, replacement parts are ordered.
Parts may come from genuine manufacturers, approved aftermarket suppliers or recycled suppliers where authorised.
If parts are delayed due to supplier shortages or international shipping, we’ll continue to keep you updated as parts arrive and your vehicle progresses through each stage of the repair process.
Our technicians repair your vehicle using industry-approved repair methods and manufacturer repair procedures wherever available.
Safety always comes first, and we will never ignore hidden damage simply to stay within the original estimate.
After repairs are completed, your vehicle moves through our paint department where colour matching and refinishing are carried out using premium paint systems.
Blending into adjacent panels may be required to achieve a seamless factory finish.
Your vehicle is carefully reassembled and, where required, diagnostic scanning, ADAS calibration, wheel alignment, road testing and quality control inspections are completed before delivery.
Your estimate is based on visible damage only. Hidden damage may only become apparent once the vehicle is dismantled. If supplementary repairs are required, we'll explain what we've found and discuss the next steps with you before proceeding wherever practical.
Insurance repair estimates generally cover authorised repairs only. Col's Body Shop will clean repair-related areas of the vehicle as required; however, a full detail is not included unless specifically quoted. If a customer would like their vehicle professionally detailed before collection, we can arrange one of our detailing packages. Please ask our team when confirming your booking.
Please remove all valuables, cash, sunglasses, garage remotes, electronics, important documents and other personal belongings before dropping off your vehicle. While every care is taken, Col's Body Shop cannot accept responsibility for personal items left in the vehicle.
To protect the privacy of our staff, customers and contractors, we recommend disconnecting or disabling dash cameras and other recording devices before leaving your vehicle with us. Where necessary, Col's Body Shop may disconnect these devices while your vehicle is on-site.
Please present your vehicle in a clean and hygienic condition. Vehicles heavily contaminated with rubbish, excessive pet hair, mould, bodily fluids or other unhygienic materials may require cleaning before repairs commence. Additional cleaning charges may apply.
We stand behind the quality of our workmanship. If you have any concerns after collecting your vehicle, please contact us promptly so we can inspect the vehicle and resolve the issue.
We believe good communication is just as important as quality repairs. We'll continue to keep you updated as parts arrive and your vehicle progresses through each stage of the repair process.
Factors such as the type of vehicle and the availability of parts will impact on the length of time it takes to repair your vehicle, however we always aim to have your vehicle back on the road as soon as possible. As cars have become more complex, in most cases we will need to dismantle your vehicle to see if there is any additional damage during the repair process. This means added time to order parts and carry out repairs. We always give you our best estimate of the time required when we first write your estimate. During the repair process we will keep you informed of the progress of repairs and of any unforeseen matters that may cause a delay.
We will keep you informed throughout the repair process. You are welcome to contact us at any time to enquire about the progress of your vehicle repairs.
We clean repaired areas of your vehicle where required as part of the repair process. However, insurance companies generally do not allow or pay for a full vehicle wash or detailing following repairs.
If you would like your vehicle professionally washed or detailed before collection, we’re happy to arrange this as an optional service. Simply let our team know when confirming your repair booking or before collection, and we’ll discuss the available options.
We do have loan cars available subject to availability.
Col’s Body Shop will repair your vehicle using the correct repair procedure while ensuring the highest standard and safety within a timely matter.
Col’s Body Shop guarantees its smash repair works for as long as you own the vehicle. Parts and paint are guaranteed in line with manufacturer, distributer or supplier’s recommendations.
This warranty does not cover:
Yes you can. If you are unsure about the repairer you have been recommended to use, contact your insurer and request your chosen repairer. If they are hesitant, check your policy. Most policies allow for choice of repairer, even though this choice may not be given during the claims process. If your policy is one of the few that do not allow choice of repairer, you may wish to consider updating to a more flexible policy. Many insurance companies offer choice without any extra cost. If you are having difficulty with this process or are unsure how to tackle it, please feel free to contact us and we can assist you.
