Can a SMART repair increase the value of my car?
Ebony Barker • January 16, 2026
Whether you're selling your car privately, part-exchanging it at a dealership, or preparing to return a lease vehicle, the way your car looks plays a huge role in how much it’s worth.
Even minor cosmetic damage such as scratches, scuffs or kerbed alloys can knock hundreds of pounds off the value… and give buyers a reason to negotiate the price down.
That’s where SMART repair can play an integral part!
A SMART repair is a fast, cost-effective way to tidy up your vehicle’s appearance and make it look fresh, clean and well cared for. In this blog, we’ll explain exactly how SMART repairs can help you increase your resale value and why so many vehicle owners choose these repairs.
Here are a few ways SMART repairs can increase the resale value of your vehicle:
- Removing small imperfections and removing room for negotiation - Most buyers will walk around the car and point out every scratch, dent and scuff. SMART repairs remove these negotiation points and allow you to stand firm on your asking price.
- Restoring a well-maintained look – First impressions matter. Fixing cosmetic damage makes your vehicle appear newer, more well-cared for and more reliable. This builds confidence and helps your vehicle stand out.
- Avoiding additional charges – If your vehicle is on a finance deal, you may be liable for charges as a result of alloy wheel damage, scratches and dents upon returning the vehicle. SMART repairs fix these issues quickly and affordably, usually for far less than the leasing company’s charges.
Why choose a professional repair centre like CARS for SMART repairs?
Although some SMART repairs can be done by mobile operators, choosing an established accident repair centre offers major benefits. Here at CARS, we have widely experienced technicians, high-quality paint materials and colour matching technologies, controlled workshop conditions producing long-lasting results.
Even the most careful drivers pick up small bits of cosmetic damage over time, whether it’s a scuff in a supermarket car park, a kerbed alloy on a tight corner, or a stone chip from the motorway.
SMART repairs (Small-to-Medium Area Repair Technologies) are an incredibly popular way to fix minor cosmetic damage quickly and cost-effectively. However, not all SMART repairs are equal.
As we welcome the new year, many of us are thinking about fresh starts. For your vehicle, that can mean finally dealing with the small knocks and cosmetic damage that have built up over time.
At CARS, we’re always looking for ways to enhance our services with advanced solutions for our customers.
We would like to extend a huge well done to Callum for achieving his Technical Paint Training with the Volkswagen Group.
We would like to say an immense thank you to everyone that joined us for our Grand Opening Event on Saturday 30th August.
We would like to extend a huge well done to Paul for achieving his High Voltage Technician qualification with the Volkswagen Group.
We have some exciting news to share!
Understand young driver excess and how it impacts your car insurance premiums. CARS of Grimsby offers expert advice to help new drivers make informed choices.
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. For example, if four years pass by without a customer making a claim on their policy, they will have earned four years’ worth of no-claims discount. This discount usually results in a reduction in premium costs upon policy renewal. The discount will depend on the insurance company’s specific terms and the number of consecutive claim-free years. In some cases, there may be a maximum limit to the number of years of NCD that can be accumulated, and this should be checked with insurance companies on a case-by-case basis. Protected no-claims discount differs from standard no-claims discount in the way that an insurer may allow for more than one claim to be made before the discount is lost or reduced. A fee may be payable for this added layer of protection, commonly in the form of slightly higher premiums. We always encourage our customers to opt for the highest level of protection when it comes to their NCD. This will ensure that they have a greater level of cover if the worst happens. Always remember that if you’ve been involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault, we have a method here at CARS which enables us to repair your car without impacting your NCD, even if it’s not protected. We also have various excess support options available to our customers. Call us on 01472 453622 for further information. Visit our blogs ‘ How do I choose the right insurance company for me? ’ and ‘ I’ve had an accident; do I have to pay my excess? ’ for further information.
