How to choose the right panel beater to repair your car in South Africa

Most motorists have experienced an accident in their driving career and as a result, have had to deal with panel beaters. Like every profession, you’ll come across some panel beaters who are not professional. You don’t want to make a mistake and go through the pain of trying to rectify all that went wrong. This article explains how you could possibly choose the right panel beater to repair your car in South Africa.

What does the panel beater’s repair shop look like?¹

A well organised, tidy and clean repair shop belongs to a professional panel beater. This kind of atmosphere promotes excellence and shows the client that the panel beater takes his work seriously.

Is the panel beater certified?¹

Professional panel beaters display their national certificates of competency, including insurance verification at reception. This is to inform the client that they are not just a backyard panel beater. The displayed certificates must be up to date, and if absent, ask the manager to show them.

Look at reviews and recommendations¹

Go online and find out from reviews and recommendations which panel beaters are reputable. Your family and friends may be able to share their experiences with you and recommend a professional panel beater.

Ask for an accurate quote¹

Professional companies will provide you with an itemised breakdown of a quote. But they must first obtain your authorisation before proceeding with repairs. If they come across anything that requires a change in the quote, they must first inform you before continuing. Be highly suspicious of low quotes where panel beaters omit to quote on certain services so that they can clinch a deal. In the end, you may pay much more than the original quote. If necessary, obtain several quotes and compare them.

Informing you well in advance¹

In some cases, the panel beater will only know what to repair once they have dismantled a particular item. A professional panel beater will warn you if this happens.

How do they treat you?¹

It’s all about the customer. When you arrive at the professional panel beater’s premises, there is usually someone to greet you and show you where to park your car. Then they will show you how to get to reception where you provide the necessary information. Courtesy and transparency go a long way.

Do insurers use their own panel beaters?¹

Please remember to check with your insurer first before looking for a panel beater to fix your vehicle. Your car insurance company might have a list of panel beaters that you should choose from for your car’s repairs.

Many reputable car insurers have made up a list of their approved panel beaters. An insurer only approves a panel beater when the company meets all their standard requirements. This two-way relationship is crucial because it ensures the panel beater of continued business. The insurer in turn knows that the panel beater company will always strive for excellence because they can’t afford to lose business.

So don’t hesitate to ask your insurer to send your car to one of their approved panel beaters. Some reputable insurers automatically inform you which approved panel beater you can use.

Disclaimer

This article can only provide you with information because car insurance is too complicated. Because of this complexity, you should first consult a certified financial advisor before buying any car insurance.

Sources:

1. 1. CHOOSING THE BEST PANEL BEATER NEAR YOU