A good reputation

Ask people you trust or whose cars you admire about who they use for their panel beating or painting repairs. Personal recommendation is one of the best ways to find a reliable repairer. There may be a repairer in your area who is always busy, often a sign of a reputable business. It is acceptable to ask questions of any prospective repairers, including how long it might take for the type of work you are having done. This way you will know how long your car will be out of action and allows you to make alternative transport arrangements.

Clean and professional work environment

Visit a couple of workshops and have a look at the premises. Make sure the equipment looks clean, modern and well laid out. If you are having paintwork done, check that the business uses modern equipment. This includes dust free ‘cubicles’ for spray painting, proper drying machines and paint-matching tools, clean paint mixing area and spray gun nozzles. All these items are necessary to achieve a factory finish.

Vehicle type specialization

Different makes of cars have varying structures and requirements, as do older cars compared to modern ones. Make sure your panel beater has the know-how and access to parts required to repair your particular car. Japanese, German and American cars are all structured differently and vintage cars may require a slightly different process to achieve a factory finish. For some of these vehicle types it may be difficult to get replacement panels, meaning the panel beater may need to use more hands-on methods of repair, which are labour-intensive. If you have a specialty car it is important to check that the repairer has the appropriate skills to repair it. It is fine to ask to see some sample of the repairer’s previous work. The bodywork your car needs may also include re-spraying or painting. This requires some quite specific equipment in order to achieve a great finish.

Experience and professional code of conduct

Ask your prospective panel beater about the level of experience held by the team. Check around the workshop for current qualification displayed, or memberships to professional organizations. The Motor Trades Association Australia is the national organization for all motor trades, including panel beaters. There are various organizations at the state and territory level which your smash repair business may also be a member of. The panel beater should be a member of the Australian Motor Body Repairers’ Association (AMBRA). This is the national body for professionals dedicated to the repair and restoration of motor vehicles. These professional organizations have codes of conduct to which a professional smash repairer should conform.

Workmanship guarantees

Check to see if the panel beater you are considering has any stated guarantees on the work they undertake. This is a sign that the business is keen to protect its reputation. Choosing a professional panel beater for your car repairs can be a challenge. These types of repairs aren’t undertaken often, which can mean you may not have a regular smash repair professional in mind. If your repairs are being claimed on insurance you may also need to bear in mind the insurance company’s preferred repairers. A good panel beater will be happy to answer questions and talk about their business to help you make your decision.

Research a selection of local panel beaters to make sure your car is returned to a factory finish.