How to Choose the Right Accident Repair Specialist for Your Car | GVE London – Blog

If you’ve been involved in an accident and everyone is safe and sound, that alone is a huge relief. The real stress begins when you take a look at the damage. Your mechanical friend is now in need of a skilled repair specialist. But finding the right garage after a crash is not an easy decision, especially if you plan on filing a non-fault accident claim.

Choosing the wrong repair shop can lead to poor results, added frustration, and a car that never quite feels the same again. So let’s walk through how to choose a repair specialist who will treat your vehicle with the care it deserves, keep your insurer satisfied, and prevent any future complications.

Don’t Let Your Insurer Push You Around

First things first, you are not obligated to use the garage your insurer suggests. When you file a non-fault accident claim, you have the right to choose your own repair centre. This is particularly important if you own a luxury vehicle. Not all bodyshops are created equal. A Ford Fiesta and a Ferrari 488 should not share the same bay when it comes to repair quality, parts, or paintwork.

A certified car repair centre typically offers:

1. Manufacturer-trained technicians

2. Specialist tools and jig systems

3. Paint matching to factory specifications

4. Access to original parts rather than generic alternatives

These centres understand that something as minor as an uneven panel gap or mismatched paint can drastically reduce a high-end vehicle’s value.

Ask What Parts They Use

Regardless of the car you drive, many garages use aftermarket or reconditioned parts without informing you. Ideally, you want to stick with OEM parts to preserve the vehicle’s value and performance. Not all aftermarket parts are bad, but if the shop hesitates to answer questions about the origin or performance of the parts they use, that should raise concern.

Check for Warranty and Repair Guarantees

Car repair centres typically offer a warranty on their work, usually around three years or more. Most reputable garages will do the same. If a repair shop does not back its work with a warranty, it is worth reconsidering your options.

Read Also: Crash Repair vs. Accident Repair: What’s the Difference?

Reviews Matter

Reviews are one of the best ways to assess a repair centre’s reliability. Marketing can say anything, but customer reviews offer real-world insight. Google reviews are a good starting point, but take it further. Are they approved by vehicle manufacturers? Do they hold BS10125 certification, which is the British Standard for vehicle repair? Are they members of the Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association (VBRA)?

While customer feedback is important, accreditations show the shop maintains standards for safety, repair quality, and accountability.

Aftercare and Documentation

Once the repair is complete, you should receive:

1. A full repair breakdown

2. Warranty information

3. Paint codes and part details

4. Before and after photos, if available

This documentation is more than a formality. If you sell the car later, having a documented repair history helps maintain its resale value, particularly if the repair was part of a non-fault claim. It avoids surprises and builds buyer confidence.

Final Thought

Choosing the wrong repair shop can turn a minor incident into a long-term headache. Take the time to find a garage that suits your needs. Ask every question you can think of. A trusted centre like ours, GVE London, welcomes those questions. Our team is made up of enthusiasts turned expert technicians who care for your vehicle as if it were our own.

We can also assist you through the entire non-fault car accident claim process, making everything as smooth and hassle-free as possible. Furthermore, being enthusiasts, we not only perform the usual repairs and service but can work on customisation, modifications and detailing as well. To know more, hop on a call with us today!