Advice Centre
We're here to help.
Got questions? We’ve got answers. Read our Frequently Asked Questions or contact our Service team.
Always phone CARS before phoning your insurance company. We will guide you to the best outcome for you.
All information posted on our website is deemed true and accurate at the time of posting, but can be subject to change. Insurance policy terms differ from insurer to insurer, so always check the fine print. Don't forget, we're here to help with any queries you might have.
About Us
List of services
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What are your business hours?
Business Hours are from 8am until 5pm Monday to Friday. 8am until 10am Saturdays.
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Where is your main office?
Unit 2
Estate Road 8
South Humberside Industrial Estate
Grimsby
North East Lincolnshire
DN31 2TG
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How was CARS was founded?
CARS of Grimsby is a family-run accident repair centre and was founded in 2012 by Jason & Lisa Barker. Read the full story on our blog.
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Who makes up the team at CARS?
We've assembled a great team at CARS and will be bringing you more information soon. For now, why not read more about our team on our Meet The Team page.
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What Happens When I Bring My Car In For An Estimate?
Ever wondered what happens when you bring your vehicle in for an estimate? Our blog has the answer
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How is CARS of Grimsby going green?
We’re aiming to minimise our footprint and make positive change where possible. To find out how, read our blog.
Our Insights
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Car Repairs Near Me: The CARS vision
The main objective of CARS is to repair accident-damaged vehicles, including (but not limited to) cars, vans and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs).
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Accident Repair Centres in Grimsby and Cleethorpes
As a trusted industry voice, we like to share as much knowledge as possible and be transparent about the services offered by other local garages.
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How to take care of your vehicle
There are many simple things you can do to keep your vehicle in top condition. Read our blog to find out more.
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A guide to summer road safety
When the summer months approach, many of us get ready to head off on our annual summer holiday so, it’s important to ensure that you’re appropriately prepared for summer driving.
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The pros & cons of electric vehicles
The number of electric vehicle (EV) sales have risen dramatically in recent years. However, like everything, there are both positive and negative factors for you to consider. Read our blog to find out more.
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Things young drivers should consider when purchasing their first car
Many young drivers are eager to get on the road as soon as they can, celebrating their new found freedom. But what should they be looking for when purchasing a new car? Our blog has the answers.
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Pros and cons of buying a used car
Whilst often a more cost-effective option, buying a used car does involve some risks. Our blog covers some of the most common pros and cons for the different situations that you might buy a used car.
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Best practices for driving in winter
We're regularly told to drive to the conditions, but how should you adapt your driving to winter conditions? Our blog gives 5 key best practices to help you.
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Car dashboard warning lights: a guide
Ever found yourself wondering what that light on your dashboard means? Our blog looks at some of the most common warning lights and what they mean for your vehicle.
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A beginner’s guide to car jargon
If you're left scratching your head when people say certain things about vehicles, our beginner's guide to car jargon blog can help.
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Car safety checklist - Part 1
Want to know what you should be checking on a regular basis to ensure your vehicle remains safe and road-worthy? Then check out this blog
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Things I didn’t know before working in the motor industry
What has our Head of Marketing Ebony learned after a year in the motor industry. Read her blog to find out.
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Tips to avoid overnight vehicle burglaries
Wondering what steps you can take to help avoid the overnight burglary of your vehicles? Our blog has 5 helpful tips to avoid it happening to you.
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What should I do if I’m involved in a hit and run?
With the rise in the number of accidents with drivers fleeing the scene, it can be helpful to know exactly what you should do in that situation. Our blog has some helpful hints.
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How to prepare for a road trip
If you have a long road trip planned, it can be useful to know how to ensure you and your vehicle remain safe.
Our blog has some useful pointers to make those long journeys that little bit smoother and safer.
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How much does it cost to run a car? Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
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Top tips for new drivers
Excited to get behind the wheel after passing your test? Our blog has some of the key things you should consider as a new driver.
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What is a SORN?
SORN stands for Statutory Off-Road Notification. But what does that actually mean? Read our blog to find out.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
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What is ADAS?
Learn about the different components of ADAS by visiting our blog.
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What is autonomous emergency braking?
Learn more about Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), a type of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) by reading our blog.
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What is lane departure warning?
Lane departure warning is a driver assistance system designed to help avoid collisions that are caused as a result of drifting out of lane. The system detects lane markers and alerts the driver, usually via a warning light on the wing mirror and/ or vibration of the steering wheel.
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What is adaptive cruise control?
Adaptive cruise control is an increasingly common feature on modern vehicles, which typically operates using radar technology to automatically speed up or slow down a vehicle to keep pace with the traffic ahead.
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What is park assist?
Park assist is an extremely common advanced driver assistance system. The way park assist operates will differ from car to car, but in most cases, it is a system which uses sensors to aid with parking and other manoeuvres.
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What is blind spot detection?
Changing lanes when driving is the cause of many incidents, especially when travelling at high speeds. Even after checking your internal and external mirrors, it is still possible to miss a vehicle in your blind spot.
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What is traffic sign recognition?
Traffic sign recognition systems use camera technology to scan the road ahead for traffic signs.
Service and Repair
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How long does a service take?
A service usually takes between 1 to 2 hours.
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Can I wait while my car is serviced?
The Bronze service takes around 1 hour. Feel free to sit and have a coffee while you wait.
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Will my warranty be affected if I don't use a main dealer for servicing?
Your warranty is unlikely to be affected, as long as you take your vehicle to a VAT-registered garage or repairer. Please call us prior to booking your service if you are unsure.
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Will you contact me first if any additional work needs doing?
Yes, we will always contact you prior to completing any additional work which hasn't already been agreed.
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Why is it important to service my car?
While not a legal requirement, regularly servicing your vehicle helps to maintain its value and warranty, amongst other benefits.
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What are the benefits of using a local repairer?
Ever wondered why you should choose a local repairer compared to perhaps an insurance approved repairer further away? Our blog gives you the benefits of keeping things local.
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Common reasons for MOT failure
Could you avoid an MOT failure before your vehicle is tested? Our blog highlights some of the most common reasons a vehicle fails to that you can take preventative action.
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MOT tests explained
If you've got any questions around MOTs, our blog has the insight you're looking for.
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What is a service history?
Ever wondered what is meant when people say a "service history"? Our blog explains things and answers the question of why you need one.
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Car maintenance tips to prevent expensive repair costs
In this blog, we share our top vehicle maintenance tips to prevent expensive repair costs.
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The legal minimum tyre tread depth
You should check your tyre tread depth at regular intervals to ensure your safety whilst out on the roads. Having worn tyres can increase the chance of being involved in an accident and you could be fined or face penalty points for driving a car with bald tyres.
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New vs. Used Parts
Many repair centres may look to use second-hand or non-genuine parts to repair a vehicle in order to keep costs low. However, in some cases, this may not be safe or ethical. Ultimately, any vehicle returning to the road following an accident or other damage should be both safe and road-worthy.
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Parts: Repair or Replace?
We understand that due to inflation, people are trying to reduce costs where possible. One unforeseen cost that may arise could be when something goes wrong with your vehicle that requires immediate attention.
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What happens if my car fails its MOT?
An MOT involves several checks on your vehicle from safety components such as seatbelts, to mirrors, lights, and the braking and fuel systems. A standard MOT test usually takes between 45 to 60 minutes for a technician to complete.
Insurance
List of services
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What does XYZ mean?
If you're confused by some of the terminology involved in car insurance, you can view our car insurance jagon buster blog.
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Do I have to take my vehicle to one of my insurer's approved repairers?
Insurance companies often state that damaged vehicles must be taken to one of their approved repairers but you have the legal right to choose.
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How are car insurance premiums calculated?
The cost of your insurance premium is based on factors that assess how likely you are to make a claim. Want to know what factors?
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How do I choose the right insurance company for me?
Selecting the right insurance company can be a difficult task, especially without any professional industry knowledge. Luckily, we've prepared a blog to give you the answers.
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How will vehicle modifications impact my insurance premium?
Any modification is likely to impact your regular premiums as they can be more costly to repair or replace.
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What happens if I make a claim on my car insurance?
Each vehicle and incident should be analysed on a case-by-case basis to determine whether you should make a claim. Get all the facts in our blog.
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What should I look out for when purchasing car insurance?
Car insurance is essential in giving you financial protection in the event of an accident, but the terminology can make it a little confusing. Find out exactly what you should be looking for in our blog.
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Will the points on my license affect my car insurance premium?
A big fear for many drivers is how license penalty points will affect their car insurance premium. To find out how, check out our blog page.
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What can I do if my insurer writes my car off?
If your car has been written off by your insurer, it can be confusing to understand why and what your options may be. For more in-depth guidance, check out our blog
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Will having a dash cam reduce the cost of my car insurance?
Knowing whether the investment in a dash cam will significantly reduce the cost of your insurance premium can be difficult to determine until after the fact. Our blog can help you make the decision before the investment.
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How can I reduce the cost of my car insurance as a young driver?
Young drivers who have recently passed their driving test are likely to pay more for car insurance due to the increased risk they pose to the insurance company. But there are steps you can take to reduce your premium, read our blog to find out more.
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Is the cost of car insurance going up?
With the increased cost of living in the UK, many motorists feel they’re paying too much for their vehicle cover. Find out why by checking out our blog.
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I’ve had an accident, do I have to pay my excess?
Is claiming on your insurance the right option after an accident? Learn the facts and help determine your next steps by checking out our blog.
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What car insurance should I buy?
There are multiple types of car insurance policies available, each offering different levels of cover.
To find out the difference, check out our blog.
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What is low mileage car insurance?
The price you pay for car insurance can be impacted by your annual mileage, with low mileage car insurance policies typically available for drivers who do fewer miles than the national average. To find out more, read our blog.
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How do I challenge a car insurance write-off?
Following an accident or other damage, your insurance company may decide that your vehicle is a ‘write-off’. In some circumstances, you do not have to accept this decision and are entitled to challenge your insurer. To find out how, read our blog.
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Why should I use CARS instead of my insurer’s approved repairer?
There are many advantages to using an independent body shop over an insurance approved repairer. But why should you choose CARS? Read our blog to find out.
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Should I auto-renew my car insurance?
Many insurance policies now auto-renew to ensure that you remain covered, but could you be missing out on a better deal? Read our blog to find out.
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How can I reduce my car insurance costs?
Want to know if there is anything you can do to reduce the cost of your car insurance? Then you need to read our blog.
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What is multi-car insurance?
If you have more than one vehicle in your household, colud a multi-car insurance policy be a better option for you? Our blog has the answers.
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What is No Claims Discount?
We often hear the phrase when it comes time to renew our car insurance, but what exactly does it mean? Our blog can explain more.
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How do insurance companies determine liability in an accident?
Are you to blame? If not you, then who? Our blog helps you to understand just how insurance companies determine liability following an accident.
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Common car insurance myths
Bewildered about car insurance? You're not alone. But our blog can help you to understand some common myths that are widely, but wrongly believed about car insurance.
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5 ways you could be invalidating your car insurance
If you don't read the fine print, you could be invalidating your car insurance without even realising. Our blog covers the 5 most common ways you could accidentally invalidate your insurance.
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Do I have to phone my insurance company as soon as I’ve had an accident?
In a highly stressful situation, it can be difficult to know when you should inform your insurance company following an accident. Our blog has some guidance to help if you ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation.
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When am I entitled to a courtesy car?
When deciding where to take your car for repair, a huge deciding factor is usually whether the repairer offers a courtesy vehicle as part of their service. Our blog lets you know some of the conditions and whether they affect your chances of receiving a courtesy car.
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Will my car insurance go up if I move house? Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
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Is CARS of Grimsby linked to any insurance companies?
In the accident repair industry, it’s not uncommon for insurance companies to have approved repairers. But if you find yourself wondering if CARS is affiliated with any insurance companies, our blog has the answer.
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What is black box car insurance?
Black box, or Telematics insurance, lets insurers monitor your driving skill and style using a box-like GPS device. This allows them to adjust your insurance premiums based on your score. To find out more, read our blog.
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What is an insurance-approved repairer?
An insurance-preferred repairer, otherwise known as an approved repairer, is one which is authorised by your insurance provider to repair your car in the event of a claim. For more information, you can check out our blog.
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Car insurance explained
What to know what people mean when they talk car insurance? Our blog takes you through all the common terms and jargon to leave you better informed on the topic.
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Do insurers provide courtesy vehicles?
You might assume that you'll be provided with a courtesy vehicle folowing an accident, but that isn't always the case. Want to know more, then read our blog.
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What is GAP insurance?
Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) is an insurance type which provides financial cover for the depreciation in a vehicle’s value and is usually purchased alongside new vehicles.
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Evidence to take from the scene of an accident
Following an accident, you may need to make an insurance claim and/ or determine liability. There are a few things you can do at the scene of the accident to make this process easier.
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Does the value of my car impact the cost of my car insurance policy?
The value of your vehicle will be considered by your insurer when your policy is being underwritten.
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Should I admit liability after an accident?
When customers phone us after an accident, we always tell them never to admit liability in the first instance. Whilst you can try and predict how you’ll react after an accident, you’ll never really know for sure until it happens.
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What is car insurance fronting?
With the ever-increasing cost of living, we’re all on the hunt for ways to save money wherever we can.
Car insurance costs have been on the rise for some time, especially for 17- to 24-year-olds. To ease these costs, it’s not uncommon for young drivers to add an older and more experienced driver, such as a parent or carer, to the policy.
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Things to look out for in your car insurance policy fine print
Although we deal with car insurance claims and repairs on a daily basis, we understand that purchasing car insurance can be bewildering and stressful at the best of times. For a start, there are many myths around consumer entitlement.
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What is a non-approved repairer excess?
A non-approved repairer excess is an additional sum that will be charged in the event that you do not use one of your insurer’s approved (preferred) garages when you make a claim. The non-approved repairer excess is commonly in the region of £250, and is charged on top of the compulsory and voluntary excess.
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What is protected no-claims discount?
Many insurance companies use no-claims discount (NCD) to reward their drivers for not making a claim during a specified timeframe, usually a policy year. This, in turn, encourages sensible driving behaviour.
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What is young driver excess?
For many young drivers, the cost of car insurance is extremely steep to begin with. This is because insurers view young and new drivers as a risk given their lack of experience, meaning that the potential for a claim being made is quite high.
Accident Repairs
List of services
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Do you carry out insurance repairs?
Yes, we carry out insurance repairs and take over all communication with our customers' insurance companies.
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Is the work guaranteed?
Yes, the work is guaranteed for as long as you own the vehicle subject to an annual bodywork inspection.
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How do you match the colour?
We use the latest camera system to scan the paint and provide us with an exact colour match.
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Can you replace my paint protection?
Yes we can. Our valeting team have been trained to re-apply most specialist coatings.
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Do I have to pay for a loan car?
At CARS, we have hybrid loan vehicles available to our customers where required, free of charge.
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How fast can I get my vehicle repaired?
Once agreed, we book our customers in for the nearest time we have available and always aim to complete any work within a desired timeframe.
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Do you repair other vehicles such as motorhomes and caravans?
Yes we do, we are one of the very few bodyshops in the area that have a spray booth large enough to accommodate these types of vehicles.
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Is the work on classic cars guaranteed?
Due to the design of most older vehicles and the modifications that have to be made during restoration, we are unable to offer warranties on these types of repairs.
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How much will it cost to repair my car?
The truth is, there are several variables which can impact the cost of a repair. Find out more about the different factors in our blog.
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What should I do if I’m involved in an accident?
We've put together a simple guide on what to do if you're involved in an accident on our blog.
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Why do repair costs vary from garage to garage?
There are many factors affecting the difference in repair costs such as the quality of materials and attention to detail. For more on all of the key factors, check out our blog.
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What is a SMART repair?
SMART stands for ‘Small Medium Area Repair Technology’. SMART repairs have gained immense popularity within the automotive sector over the last 20 years. There are a range of different services under the SMART repair banner. To find out more, visit our blog.
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Can all bumpers be SMART repaired?
The short answer is no, and this is where due diligence is required to see if a SMART repair is the best option. For the longer answer, check out our blog.
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Will I have access to a courtesy vehicle whilst my car is being repaired?
We all rely on our vehicles to get us from A to B, so when your vehicle is out of action, what do you do? Read our blog to find out if you could have access to a courtesy vehicle whilst yours is repaired.
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Tips to avoid potential car accidents
Want to know our three top tips for helping you to avoid potential car accidents? Then read our blog using the link below.
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Questions to ask about your vehicle repair guarantee
Vehicle repair guarantees can be subject to many terms & conditions. Our blog covers some of the most common so that you know what to ask should you find yourself in that situation.
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Why are car repairs taking longer?
Is your car repair taking longer than expected? There may be a very good reason and our blog might just have the answer.
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Why are timely vehicle repairs important?
Timely vehicle repairs are important for several reasons, ranging from safety considerations to legal implications. Our blog breaks things down in more detail.
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How do I find a trust-worthy and reliable accident repair centre?
Whilst it might be tempting to go with the cheapest repair quote you receive, you can’t put a price on safety! Our blog has all the key factors you should look for in order to find a trust-worthy accident repair centre.
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Common myths about car repairs
There is a lot of contradicting evidence floating around in the car repair industry, and not knowing which to believe can be overwhelming. Luckily, our blog is here to help.
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How is technology transforming the accident repair industry?
We’ve seen first-hand how technological advancements are starting to mould and shape the accident repair industry. Want to know more? Read our blog for some expert insight.
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The biggest mistakes people make after having a car accident
There are some things that you really shouldn't do following a car accident, but it can be difficult to know what these are. Luckily, our blog is here to tell you.
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Can my car be repaired with second-hand parts?
Whilst it may be tempting to repair a vehicle with second-hand parts to keep costs low, it is more important that the vehicle returns to the road in the way that the manufacturer intended when the vehicle was initially produced.
Have you had an accident? Know your rights!
Many insurance companies will try to have repairs carried out at a garage of their choice, despite the location and reputation of the garage. But if the worst should happen, it's important for you to know that you are free to choose.
Did you know it is your right to have your car repaired at a garage of your choice? Somewhere close to your own location and with a reputation for quality repair work that you can review yourself?
The sooner you call CARS after your accident the better. Calling us before you call your insurer is better again. We can act on your behalf to ensure you stay in control of your recovery and repairs.
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