Why should I use an independent repairer for my SMART repair?
Ebony Barker • January 16, 2026
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.
While mobile technicians may offer quick fixes, choosing a trusted, established repair centre ensures that your vehicle receives the highest level of care, precision, and professional finish.
Here’s why more drivers are choosing reputable accident repair centres like CARS for their SMART repair needs:
- A trusted reputation for quality - As a long-established accident repair centre, we always work to the highest standard. This includes technical preparation, professional painting and blending, high-quality materials and long-lasting finishes. Our SMART repairs don’t just look great, they stay great.
- Expert colour matching – We have relationships with top-grade paint suppliers and use high-quality, precise paint-mixing technology. This ensures an excellent colour match and impeccable finish.
- Controlled environments produce a better finish – Professional workshops give technicians the conditions required to achieve the best results. This includes consistent lighting, dust-free space, specialist tools, drying equipment and temperature-controlled spray booths where needed. This level of control means fewer imperfections, no contamination, and a much longer-lasting repair. This differs from mobile repairs performed outdoors which can be affected by wind, dust, rain, insects, inconsistent temperatures and the most important one of all, moisture. Prior to application of the protective finish, the base coat will absorb any moisture present in the atmosphere.
- Repairs you can trust – Choosing a reputable repair centre provides peace of mind. Technicians should be experienced, skilled in both SMART and traditional repairs, able to identify suitable repair methods and honest in their advice. A less experienced repairer may attempt SMART repairs on damage that actually needs something more substantial to prioritise safety.
- Professional SMART repairs can boost resale value - A properly restored finish is a major advantage when selling or part-exchanging your car. In contrast, poor-quality SMART repairs can reduce value. Potential buyers will pick up on things like uneven paint, mismatched colours and poorly blended repairs. A trusted repair centre like CARS gives your vehicle that ‘factory fresh’ appearance that improves buyer confidence and maximises value.
In summary, choosing a trustworthy, reliable and independent SMART repairer is more likely to result in a better finish, longer-lasting repairs, better professional standards and ultimately, technicians who care about your vehicle as much as you do. SMART repairs can be a brilliant solution — but they need to be carried out properly to look their best.
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 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.
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.
