FAQ's
Please find below some common questions we get asked about our vehicle accident repair services in Heybridge, Maldon, Essex. If you can’t find what you are looking for, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Heybridge, Maldon, Essex Bodyshop Frequently Asked Questions
Repair time depends on the level of damage, parts availability and any insurer approvals. Minor repairs may take a few days, while larger accident repairs can take longer.
Once the vehicle has been assessed, we can give you an estimated completion date. Timelines may change if hidden damage is found, parts are delayed, or further insurer approval is needed.
No two car repairs are the same. Occasionally there can be a delay in parts delivery, additional parts may be identified during the repair process, or your insurers may need to inspect your vehicle. In this case repair could be delayed in obtaining supplementary authorisation from your insurers.
Once repairs are authorised, you will be given a book-in date. This allows time for replacement parts to be purchased and minimises the length of time we need your car on site.
Our Customer Service staff will give you an approximate completion date, where possible, when the car is booked in. We will then contact you once repairs are complete.
You will be updated through the repair process by either SMS, email or telephone, dependant on your preference.
The repair process for insurance claims usually follows the following steps:
- 1. Initial Claim / Customer details received
- 2. Vehicle Assessment / Images Received
- 3. Estimate prepared & sent for insurance approval
- 4.Booking Date Arranged & Parts Ordered
- 5. Vehicle onsite fully stripped down & assessed
- 6. Estimated Completion date confirmed + additional parts ordered
- 7. Vehicle repair process: Structural, panel repair, Paint process & Refit
- 8. ADAS calibration / Geometry Resets where required
- 9. Cleaning and Quality Control
- 10. Vehicle handover (Excess / VAT Paid if applicable)
Yes. We can provide you with a vehicle while your car is being repaired.
Whether a courtesy car is free can depend on whether the job is insurance-funded, non-fault, retail, or linked to a specific insurer or mobility arrangement.
Yes, we can pick your vehicle up for repair locally, then drop it off after any repair work is complete.
Please empty the vehicle of personal belongings so technicians can access the repair area safely and efficiently. Technicians may need access behind trim, seats, boot areas or interior panels during the repair.
The workshop can also be dusty, and bodyshops are generally not responsible for personal belongings left inside the vehicle, so it is best to remove them before drop-off
Yes. As standard procedure we wash each vehicle at the end of the repair and vacuum the inside.
If you would like to upgrade this then please mention it to our reception staff, who will be pleased to explain further the extras we may be able to offer.
Repair cost depends on the damage, parts, labour, paint materials and whether the job is going through insurance or privately. If you are paying privately, we can discuss the repair cost with you.
On some insurance jobs, the insurer may ask us not to share full costing directly with the policyholder.
Your excess is paid once the repair is complete, before collection or delivery of the vehicle.
The excess on your policy is the first amount liable as part of the cost of vehicle repairs. The insurance companies ask us to collect this excess and deduct it from our invoice to them.
If you are VAT registered, you do have to pay the VAT and any applicable excess on the repairs. You will be invoiced for this and can claim the VAT back on your next VAT return.
We will advise you of the VAT amount and any applicable excess once the repairs have been completed and the invoice finalised.
No. It's entirely your choice legally on who repairs your vehicle in the event of an accident. Insurance companies usually direct policyholders to their 'approved' accident repair centres, however this may not necessarily be the best choice for your car.
Yes. We can usually provide a private repair quote if you prefer not to claim through insurance.
This is common for smaller repairs, cosmetic damage or where a customer wants to compare the cost of a private repair with making a claim on their policy.
Yes we are happy to provide you with private quotation for any additional damage. Please ask when we book your vehicle in or you have you pre assessment carried out and we can discuss your requirements with you.
If the vehicle is deemed a total loss, your insurer will normally discuss a settlement value and next steps with you. The insurer may inspect the vehicle at its location or at the repair centre before confirming that decision.
