Top 5 questions to ask your panel beater before smash repairs

In this blog, we’ll share the top 5 questions to ask your panel beater so you know you’re choosing a repairer you can trust.

Do you use genuine parts for smash repairs?

One of the first questions to ask your panel beater is whether they use genuine parts or cheaper aftermarket alternatives. While aftermarket parts might look like a cost-saving option, they rarely meet the strict quality standards set by manufacturers. Using non-genuine parts can compromise your vehicle's safety, performance, and even the resale value.

A reputable panel beater should always source genuine replacement parts that fit your vehicle’s specifications. These parts usually come with a manufacturer’s warranty and help restore your car to pre-accident condition.

How do you decide on the right repair process?

The next question to ask your panel beater is how they choose their repair process. A reliable repairer won’t take shortcuts or apply a “one size fits all” approach. Instead, they should follow the vehicle manufacturer’s approved repair methods and tailor the work to the damage, the type of vehicle, and the insurance requirements.

At Sheen, our team bases every repair on the manufacturer’s specifications. We also support customers through the claims process, ensuring the insurer covers all necessary steps. Asking about the process gives you confidence that the work will meet industry standards and restore your vehicle safely. All of our quotes and recommendations are completely independent, with no obligation to proceed. If required, our team can also negotiate directly with your insurer to ensure you get fair outcomes without added stress

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What experience and certifications does your team hold?

Another important question for your panel beater is their experience and certifications. A repairer with extensive industry experience is more likely to deliver high-quality repairs and provide guidance throughout the claims process.

Look for panel beaters who:

• Hold trade school qualifications and specialist training from organisations like I-CAR or BASF.
• Are accredited by the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC), which sets strict industry standards.
• Demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, such as Clean Green certification, which requires environmentally responsible repair practices.

It’s also worth checking online reviews to see what customers say about their workmanship and service. A reputable panel beater won’t hesitate to share proof of their qualifications and will take pride in showing their team’s skill set.

Do you offer a warranty or lifetime guarantee on repairs?

One of the most important questions to ask your panel beater is whether they provide a warranty on their work. While a limited guarantee is common among repairers, a reputable panel beater will back their workmanship with a lifetime warranty. This ensures that if a fault is found in the repairs, even years later, the repairer will fix it at no extra cost.

At Sheen, every repair is covered by a lifetime guarantee, giving customers complete peace of mind that their vehicle has been restored to pre-accident condition. By contrast, many smash repairers only offer short-term warranties, which may not protect you if problems surface later.

When comparing quotes, asking about warranty terms up front is important. Choosing a repairer who stands by their work helps ensure that the repair process is essential to maintaining your car’s safety and value.

Can you provide an accident replacement vehicle while my car is repaired?

Another key question to ask your panel beater is whether they can provide an accident replacement vehicle. After a car accident, you’ll likely need transport while your damaged vehicle is being repaired. A reputable panel beater should be able to organise a replacement car as part of their service, saving you from rental costs.

At Sheen, we provide a fleet of over 400 modern replacement vehicles, ranging from small cars to family SUVs and trade utes. This means you can get back on the road quickly while your smash repairs are completed. We also make it easy by delivering your loan car to your home, work, or another convenient location.

Having an accident replacement vehicle reduces disruption to your daily routine and reflects the level of service and customer care you can expect from the panel beater you choose.

Choose the right panel beater to repair your car

These are the top 5 questions to ask your panel beater if you want to avoid cheap panel beaters, poor workmanship, or non-genuine parts. Asking the questions you should ask up front helps you find the best panel repairer and ensures that your smash repairer provides quality work that restores your vehicle safely. Consulting Consumer Affairs Victoria's guide to car services and maintenance is also a good starting point.

Sheen Panel Service is also a proud VACC-accredited repairer, which means all of our panel beating services meet strict industry standards for safety, quality, and workmanship. Recognised as one of the best panel beating services in Melbourne since our founding in 1969, Sheen provides expert advice, towing, and smash repairs for major car brands such as Toyota, Mazda, and Hyundai.

We’ve spent decades building a reputation as a reliable panel beating service. Whether you need structural bodywork, dent removal, or a full smash repair, our qualified technicians follow manufacturer methods to repair your vehicle and restore it to pre-accident condition. We also provide an accident replacement vehicle from our 400+ fleet so that you can get your car back on the road without delay.

Call Sheen first for fast quotes, guaranteed workmanship, and trusted panel beating repairs that prioritise your safety and peace of mind.

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FAQs: Questions you should ask a panel beater

What are the top 5 questions to ask your panel beater?

The top five questions to ask include: Do you use genuine parts? What repair process do you follow? What experience and certifications does your team hold? Do you offer a warranty? Can you provide an accident replacement vehicle?

How do I choose the best panel beater to repair my car?

Look for a reliable panel with extensive experience in the smash repair industry, proper accreditation, and a clear guarantee. Reading reviews and comparing multiple providers also helps you select the right panel beater to repair your car.

Do all panel beaters use genuine parts?

Not always. Cheap panel beaters often use aftermarket parts, which may compromise safety. A reputable panel beater’s repair shop will always source genuine parts to ensure that your car is repaired to manufacturer standards.

Do panel beaters work with all insurance policies?

Most panel beaters can liaise directly with insurers, but it’s worth checking if they are approved by your provider. Ask your panel beater how they handle different insurance policies and whether they can help manage the claims process on your behalf.

How long will smash repairs take?

Repair times vary depending on the extent of the damage and the availability of parts. When you ask your panel beater, get a clear estimate of the turnaround time so you know when to expect your vehicle back.

Are panel beating services suitable for all types of vehicles?

Yes, professional panel beaters work across a wide range of automotive makes and models. When comparing providers, ask if they specialise in your vehicle type and can guarantee manufacturer-approved panel beating repairs.