An accident can leave your car (and pocket)
wrecked or with only minor damage. Either way, you will more than likely need
the services of a reputable motor body repairer to get your car back in shape.
Richard Green, national director of the South
African Motor Body Repairers Association (SAMBRA), a proud association of the
Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), says to avoid any unhappy surprises
later on, it is important to ask the right questions upfront.
Who is going to repair the damage will be the
last thing on your mind if you’re involved in an accident. Priorities on the
scene are things like checking for injuries, getting the other driver’s
details, finding out if anyone witnessed the accident and speaking to your
insurance company.
In truth, the scene of an accident is often
chaotic. Before you know it your car is towed away – to who knows where really
– without you having a clue what the actual damage is.” Tow truck companies will
often refer a motorist to certain workshops for repairs. Green says this is not
always due to the high quality of service provided but because tow truck
companies receive commission for jobs referred. ”SA motorists involved in
accidents should not be forced into making ill-considered decisions. The
motorist has the right to choose who should assist in the recovery of the
vehicle.
There can be many hidden costs in car repairs,
even if you are insured, but you can soften the blow significantly by ensuring
you get quality workmanship.
One way of doing this is to only use an
accredited motor body repairer.
A good motor body repairer will fix any
external and internal damage to the body and structure of a car, like repairing
a bumper, a door, a bonnet, a fender, aligning the structure or respraying. If
there is any mechanical work to be done, most reputable repairers have a
specialist mechanic on site that can tend to any accident related mechanical
repairs.
Any motor body repairer worth their salt will
expect customers to ask questions and be able to put their minds at ease with
comprehensive answers.
Six important questions to ask your motor body
repairer
1.
Which automotive
associations does your business belong to, and is your business an accredited
member of that association?
2.
Does the company have
a good reputation and do you use authentic, high-quality parts and
materials? Do your research and check the social channels for satisfied
or disgruntled customer comments.
3.
Will you supply me
with a detailed description of repairs and what methods will be used to repair
my car?
4.
How experienced is the
team who will be working on my car?
5.
Do you offer a
guarantee on workmanship, paint and parts?
6.
How long will it take
to repair my car and will you keep me posted when delays occur?
Ultimately, the owner wants their car repaired
professionally and without it losing any value – as, unfortunately, any
accident repair is deemed to cause depreciation. This is why issues of good
workmanship, new and factory approved repair parts and fair pricing, as well as
quick turnaround on repairs is what consumers should request and expect. By
using an accredited repairer with SAMBRA, you know they can be held accountable
for the quality of workmanship and that you have recourse from RMI or the
Ombudsman if things go wrong
To find out if your chosen panel beater is
SAMBRA approved please visit our website www.esbrokers.co.za
Written by Richard Green, South African motor body
repairers Association (SAMBRA)