Panel shop or mobile repair?

When our cars get damaged its often our first thought to call the insurance company, pay the excess and go through the motions to get it repaired. But is there a better way?

Well, it all depends on the level of damage and associated costs of repair. Importantly we have to consider the insurance excess cost and future increase of premiums because of a claim.

For example, if your excess is $750 and the repair quote has come back at $900, on the face of it, it looks cheaper to claim the insurance. However, the insurance cost will increase for the next few years because you have an at fault claim on your record. This could increase annual premiums by anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars. When we look at the bigger picture, it may be better to pay out of pocket.

Now we have to decide whether or not we take the car to the panel shop or have a mobile repairer come on site and repair the scratch or damage on the car.

With a panel shop which is the conventional way to have it done, you’d have to go to the panel shop, get a quote, then book in. Once you have a booking, you’ll have to take your car in, drop it off, have someone pick you up, or catch an uber home and then you’ll be without a car for several days. For some people who have multiple vehicles, this may not be an issue but for most of the population, they only have one car. It’s very hard to live without a car for a few days.

The alternative is a rental car. Or is there a better way?

What is a mobile repair?

A mobile repair is where a fully equipped van driven by a spray painter comes out to your home or place of work and repairs the car on site. The van usually has a full array of equipment that a panel shop would have but just shrunken down to perform minor repairs on site. This way the repair can be done in a matter of hours, not days. The process is remarkably similar to a panel shop too with the exception that there are not multiple people doing different things to the car at various parts of the shop. It’s just one Tech taking the car from start to finish.

Should a mobile repair be trusted?

As long as it is with a reputable company providing a warranty, it should be great. You should be looking for a company who has been around for a long time, so you know their warranty means something. A good mobile repairer will offer a lifetime warranty and use top tier products on your pride and joy to ensure the paint work they do lasts the lifetime of the vehicle.

In summary. A Panel shop should be used when the damage is significant. Where a mobile repairer can help is where you have a minor scratch, dent etc on say only one or two panels.

At this point it is much more beneficial to use a mobile repairer for cost and more so convenience.

Other helpful resources for you:

How does a mobile repair work?