How do I find a trust-worthy accident repair centre?
Jason Barker • November 1, 2023
There are many variables to consider when searching for a reliable and trust-worthy garage to carry out repairs to your vehicle. Whilst it might be tempting to go with the cheapest quote you receive, you can’t put a price on safety!
- Material quality, and whether parts are genuine or second-hand – Some repairers may use non-genuine or second-hand parts to keep repair costs low, even where this is not the safest option. At CARS, we recommend the use of genuine parts, specific to your vehicle’s make and model.
- Repair or replace? – Whilst a less intrusive repair method may be better for the vehicle and the environment in some cases, there are many instances where a vehicle part becomes compromised and should therefore be replaced.
- Adhering to manufacturer repair methods – When making your choice, you should establish which garages use manufacturer repair methods during the repair process. Whilst the cost of a repair will depend on whether or not the repairer follows manufacturer guidelines, safety is more important.
- Labour rate – Labour rates can vary from business to business. You will often find that main dealers are more expensive due to their guaranteed workflow, whereas independent body shops are more likely to offer a discounted rate to attract and retain customers.
- Estimate quality and attention to detail – To ensure that all repairs are carried out to the highest standard, the journey of high quality must start at the point of estimate. For example, estimators should be highly-skilled, and have access to manufacturer repair methods and specific data for your vehicle. For example, your neighbour may have an identical car to you based on appearance, but yours might have lane assist or automatic braking. It’s important your estimator knows the difference!
The aim of any high-quality vehicle body repair centre is to ensure the vehicle would behave the way the manufacturer intended if involved in an accident.
To help you choose the right garage with confidence, take a look at our guide: Questions to Ask About Your Vehicle Repair Guarantee.
Does Buying a Used Car from a Business That Also Carries Out Accident Repairs Mean It Has Been Accident Damaged?
We’re incredibly proud to announce that CARS of Grimsby has been shortlisted in three categories at the Greener Bodyshop Awards 2026
CARS of Grimsby now offers quality used cars and vans for sale, backed by years of trusted vehicle repair experience and customer care.
Here at Select Vehicle Sales by CARS of Grimsby, we pride ourselves on the service received by our customers. Each vehicle we sell meets our quality standards; each customer journey is seamless and stress-free.
Most people buying a used car look at the mileage, service history and overall condition. We look much deeper. Years of repairing accident damaged vehicles has trained our eyes to spot things that many people would never notice. Subtle differences in paint finish, panel gaps, replacement panels, poor welding or signs of previous structural repairs can all reveal a vehicle's past, even when that damage has never appeared on an insurance database or history check.
When you work with vehicles every day, you quickly learn what separates a great used car from a poor one.
For many years, CARS of Grimsby has supported motorists with trusted accident repair and vehicle care services. As a family owned and run business, we have always believed that great service comes down to doing the job to the best of our ability, communicating honestly and treating every customer as an individual. Those values have helped us build strong relationships with motorists, insurers and businesses, and they remain just as important to us today. Now, we are preparing to begin an exciting new chapter. Decades of Accident Repair Experience in Grimsby CARS of Grimsby is best known as an established and multi-award-winning accident repair centre, helping customers get back on the road following everything from minor bumps to more significant damage. That work has given our team a detailed and thorough understanding of vehicles and their condition. When you spend years repairing bodywork, checking panel alignment and assessing previous damage, you learn to notice the details that may not always be obvious at first glance. You also learn how important quality, safety and honesty are to motorists. Our team has developed this knowledge through experience, ongoing training and working with a wide range of vehicles over many years. It is experience we are proud of, and it will remain at the heart of the next chapter of CARS of Grimsby.
Had an accident and not sure what happens next? You’re not alone.
At CARS of Grimsby, our friendly team are on hand to offer honest advice and guidance throughout the insurance claims process. We’ll help you understand your options, and explain what you do (and don’t) have to do after an accident.
In May, the team attended the Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards, organised by the Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce. The CARS team was awarded the Forrester Boyd Business Excellence Award.
CARS of Grimsby celebrates three Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards nominations, recognising leadership, business growth and employee success in 2025.
