Car Repairs Leicester

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need to tell my insurer about an accident if I'm not claiming?

  Usually, yes. Most car insurance policies require you to report any accident, even if you don't intend to claim and plan to pay for the repair yourself. Reporting it isn't the same as making a claim. If the other driver later claims against you and your insurer didn't know about the accident, you could be in breach of your policy. Check your policy wording (or ask your insurer) if you're unsure.

• Should I claim on my insurance or pay for the repair myself?

  For minor damage, paying privately can work out cheaper once you weigh up your policy excess and the effect a claim could have on your no-claims discount and future premiums. Ask us for a free quote first, then compare it with your excess before you decide. If the damage is more serious, or someone else was at fault, a claim usually makes more sense.

• What happens if the accident wasn't my fault?

  The repair costs should be recovered from the other driver's insurer. You can still choose us to repair your car. Let your insurer know you'd like us to do the work, and we'll liaise with everyone involved so you're not stuck in the middle.

• Will an independent repair affect my manufacturer's warranty?

  No. UK competition law (the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption) lets independent garages repair and maintain cars without invalidating the manufacturer's warranty, provided the work is done properly with parts of matching quality. You don't have to go back to a main dealer.

• Will the new paint match the rest of my car?

  Yes. We mix paint to your car's exact colour code, then adjust it to match how your paint has aged. Where needed, we blend the new paint into the panels next to the repair, so there's no visible line between old and new. This matters most with metallic and pearl finishes.

• What's the difference between a SMART repair and a full panel repair?

  A SMART (small to medium area repair) fixes just the damaged spot, such as a scuff or small scratch, so it's quicker and cheaper. A full panel repair refinishes the whole panel and is needed for larger dents, deep damage or anything that's spread across the panel. We'll recommend whichever gives the best result for the lowest cost.

• Is it worth fixing a small scratch or stone chip?

  Usually, yes. Once a scratch or chip goes through to bare metal, moisture gets in and rust can start to spread under the paint. Fixing it early is far cheaper than repairing corrosion later, and it protects your car's resale or lease-return value.

• Can I drive my car with a damaged bumper?

  It depends on the damage. A loose bumper or one with sharp, jagged edges can be dangerous to other road users and can fail an MOT. Damage near lights or sensors can also prevent safety systems from working properly.

• My car has parking sensors and cameras in the bumper. Can you still repair it?

  Yes. Many modern cars have sensors and cameras in the bumpers and windscreen for parking aids and driver assistance systems. After a bumper repair these may need checking or recalibrating so they work correctly. We'll let you know if your car's systems need recalibrating after the repair.

• Will the repair show up on a vehicle history check?

  A normal accident repair doesn't appear on a vehicle history check. Checks show things like outstanding finance and whether a car has been recorded as an insurance write-off (such as Category S or N). A good-quality repair also protects your car's value when you sell it.

• What counts as “fair wear and tear” on a lease car?

  Most leasing companies follow the BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear Standard. As a rule of thumb, light surface scratches up to about 25mm that polish out and very small dents with unbroken paint are acceptable.
  
  Dents on the roof or along a body line, damage that breaks the paint, and kerbed or dented alloy wheels are usually charged for. Damage repaired to a professional standard before you return the car is generally accepted.

• When can I wash and wax my car after a paint repair?

  You can gently hand wash your car straight away. Freshly applied paint keeps curing for several weeks, so hold off on wax, sealants and pressure washing close to the repaired area. We'll tell you exactly how long to wait for your repair when you collect your car.