18 May 2021
 Categories: , Blog

Panel beaters will help restore your vehicle after an accident. Choosing a panel beater can be daunting since most clients would want high-quality workmanship. In the excerpt below, you will learn the considerations to make when choosing a panel beater over the other. 

Availability Of Insurance Repairs

You should not have to pay for car repairs if your vehicle has comprehensive insurance coverage. Therefore, inquire if the panel beater has accreditation to conduct insurance repairs. If they do, ask how long they take to commence repairs. For instance, panel beaters that have long-term relationships with insurance companies will start repairs immediately and send a quote later. 

Repair Protocol 

Your panel beater should: 

• Inspect the car to determine the extent of the damage. Remember, the impact of the collision could damage the vehicle's interior or engine.
• Inform you of the available repair options. For example, minor dents could be repaired using paintless dent removal. In other cases, the panel beater could either straighten the panels or install new panels.
• Determine how to conduct the paint works. Typically, they could paint the damaged panel or opt to repaint the whole car to ensure consistency.
• Use high-quality paints. Other than the standard solid paints, the mechanic should consider metallic and pearlescent paints to give your vehicle a unique finish. 

Availability of Extra Services

Your panel beater should offer a wide array of services. For example, if your vehicle requires mechanical repairs, you should not have to take it to another garage. Some panel beaters will go the extra mile to ensure your comfort. For instance, they could offer a courtesy car for you to use before they complete repairs. 

Pricing

Ask the panel beater to break down their quote. It will help you to understand the pricing strategy. For instance, some panel beaters will charge a storage fee. The secret to negotiating is asking the panel beater to consider cost-saving strategies. For example, instead of using new panels, the panel beater could buy used body panels from a wrecking yard. Additionally, you could opt to forego non-essential cosmetic upgrades. For example, a ceramic coat could be applied at a later date. Once the repair costs are within your budget, ask the panel beater to give a discount. 

When hiring a panel beater, inquire about the availability of insurance repairs, the repair protocol, extra services and pricing. Remember to examine the professional's experience, reputation and licencing.