3 March 2020

What to Look For in a Panel Beater

A car accident can be such an emotionally upsetting time - especially if you were not at fault! Let’s not even mention everything that you need to get sorted  - from your car insurance claim process, to who pays for damages and of course, getting your car fixed at a reputable panel beater.

We’ve put together a list of things that you should look out for when looking for a panel beater. The Carbiz team has built up an extensive and reputable network to assist you from the accident scene all the way until we drop off your newly repaired vehicle - contact us first!

  • A good reputation

    Let’s face it - reputation matters. It’s important to find out more about the prospective panel beaters before getting any repair work done. At Carbiz, we have an extensive network of reputable businesses - that will ensure that your car gets the best treatment! Together with a great reputation, it’s important to find out more from a prospective repairer - such as how long it will take to fix the damage or if they are familiar with your type of vehicle. Using a reputable repair workshop will also help with your insurance claim process.

  • The work environment

    A clean and professional work environment is important to achieving a professional finish to your repair work. How the equipment is laid out or how modern the equipment should also be considered.

  • What type of parts they use to repair vehicles with

    Cheap panel beater quotes seem great at first - but have you considered that perhaps they are using non-genuine aftermarket replacement parts or poor workmanship practices? Consider the safety impacts of using parts that don’t come with a quality guarantee.

  • Workmanship guarantees

    Will your repair come with any guarantees on the work that has been done? This is an important question to ask - you will also need to find out if your insurer has any preferred repair workshops or indications prior to committing.

Not at fault in an accident or not, our team at Carbiz takes pride in ensuring the entire accident management process is taken care of - from helping at the accident scene, managing your insurance claim process and getting your vehicle taken to a reputable repair workshop or panel beater.

1300 889 256

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What To Do If Someone Hits Your Parked Car

Coming back to find your parked car damaged is never fun, but knowing how to respond correctly can save you time, money and stress.

Firstly, understand that getting upset is natural, but taking a deep breath will help you make better decisions. Examine your car thoroughly and document any visible damage, taking multiple photos from different angles, including close-ups of dents, scratches or broken parts, and capturing the surrounding area, such as road signs and markings, for context.

Next, see if you can locate the driver responsible. Sometimes, people leave a note with their contact information and insurance details. If there’s no note, look for witnesses nearby who may have seen what happened. You can also check for CCTV from nearby businesses, homes or on the street, as some areas have coverage. If you’re unsure, consider contacting the local council to find out whether cameras are in place that might have captured the accident.

If the driver didn’t leave a note, or if they did but are unresponsive or the information they provided seems incorrect, contact the police to report the accident and provide all the information you have, including photos, footage and witness statements. Be sure to request a copy of the police report, as it can be useful when dealing with insurance.

If you’re still having a hard time getting a hold of the at-fault driver and therefore cannot claim directly through their car insurer, it’s time to lodge a claim with your own insurance provider, if you have one. Provide them with as much information as possible, including the police report. From there, your insurer can determine whether your coverage, along with the information you have, will cover the damage to your car.

If your car insurer happens to find information about the at-fault driver and is able to have them lodge a claim so the costs of the damage are recoverable, you can contact Carbiz for a replacement car while your car is being repaired or until it’s been deemed a total loss. This ensures you’re not left without a car during this time, giving you peace of mind and the ability to keep your life moving.

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What It Means When Your Car Is Declared A Write-Off After An Accident

If your car has been involved in an accident, you may hear the term “write-off” from your insurance company or repairer. But what does it actually mean when your car is declared a write-off? Understanding this process can help you make informed decisions about your car, repairs and costs.

A car is considered a write-off when the cost to repair it after an accident is too high compared to its market value. Insurance companies often calculate the repair cost and compare it to the car’s value prior to the accident. If the repair cost is more than a certain percentage of the car’s value, typically around 60–75%, the car may be classified as a write-off. This doesn’t always mean your car is completely destroyed; sometimes the car could technically be repaired, but the cost would outweigh the benefits.

There are different types of write-offs. A total loss write-off is when the car is so badly damaged that repairing it is not financially viable. A repairable write-off is when the car can be fixed, but it requires significant repairs. In either case, the insurance company will usually pay out the car’s value at the time of the accident, minus any applicable excess or deductions.

The cost implications of a write-off can vary. If your car is declared a write-off, you may need to consider the cost of replacing it with another car. Some car owners opt to keep a repairable write-off, but this comes with the added repair costs, which can be substantial depending on the extent of the damage. Repair costs can quickly add up, especially if the accident involved structural damage or expensive parts.

It’s also important to understand that a car that has been written off may have a lower resale value even after repairs. Future buyers often view written-off cars as higher risk, which can affect the cost of insurance and overall value.

If your car is declared a write-off after an accident, speak with your insurance provider to understand your options. You may receive a payout for the car’s value, and in some cases, you can negotiate repair costs or even retain the car if it is repairable. Knowing what a write-off means, how it affects repair costs, and how it impacts the car’s value can save you time, money and stress after an accident.

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