Before choosing a repair centre, it’s important that you do your research to ensure your vehicle will be returned to the road safely. 

Customer service 

Where a repairer is able to rely on a constant stream of work, via a contract with an insurer or work provider, they may not have to rely on customer service and reputation. Whereas a fully independent repair is reliant on word-of-mouth referrals and repeat customers. This is where you are more likely to find: 

• More personalised service
• Direct communication with experienced team members
• Clear updates throughout the repair process

Use of new and genuine parts

Here at CARS, we only use new and genuine parts to guarantee a safe and accurate repair. In contrast, some repairers may use non-genuine or second-hand parts, often with the best intentions (reducing costs). This may mean that your vehicle might not perform as expected when returned to the road, which is potentially even more dangerous if another accident occurs and could put the occupants at risk.

To protect your vehicle’s safety and resale value, we always recommend the use of new and genuine parts during repair. 

Access to courtesy vehicles

Many drivers assume they’ll lose access to a courtesy vehicle if they don’t use an insurance-approved repairer or main dealer. This isn’t always the case. For example, here at CARS, we understand that many people rely heavily on their vehicles (whether that’s to get children to school or as part of employment) and as a result, we offer courtesy vehicles (manual and automatic) to our customers at no cost to them.

If access to a vehicle during repair is important to you, we always encourage checking that this an option prior to booking in for repair. 

Ability to carry out modern repairs 

When thinking of a repairer, you imagine an oily man in overalls with a spanner. However, we think they’re more like computers on wheels. The increase in the number of vehicles with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as emergency braking, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control means that technicians need to have the relevant skills and experience to ensure repairs are done correctly. Now think of a smartly dressed technician, using a tablet to repair your vehicle.

A reputable repairer will invest in the latest technology to handle these repairs properly, and we encourage you to check this before choosing a repairer. 

After care following repair 

When you choose a reputable repairer, you’re not getting a one-off service. For example, here at CARS, we have a dedicated WhatsApp service for our customers to get in touch with any queries they might have, even after the repair is complete. In addition, we guarantee any paintwork we carry out for as long is the vehicle is owned, subject to an annual inspection. 

From time to time, issues can arise. It’s worth speaking with a repairer to establish what their procedure is when something goes wrong, and if they have a complaints procedure in place. At CARS, we guarantee our repairs for the length of ownership of a vehicle. 

We believe that the service of a trusted repairer goes far beyond the repairer. 

Final thoughts

Searching for an accident repairer in Grimsby shouldn’t just be about locality. You should also consider the level of service offered, quality of repair and safety level of the vehicle once the repairs are complete. It’s your legal right to select a repairer of your choice, make sure you have as much information as possible before doing so!