How to Submit a Claim or Ask a Panelbeater for a Quote (Without Cracking Under Pressure)
So… you’ve had a fender bender, or maybe your car had an unfortunate encounter with a runaway shopping trolley. Now you’re staring at the damage and thinking, “Where do I even start?” Don’t stress – we’re here to panel-beat this process into shape for you.
Here’s what you need to know (and a few tips to keep your spirits dent-free).
Step 1: Assess the Damage and Gather Your Ammo
Before you rush off to the nearest panelbeater, gather these essentials:
- Your insurance policy details (if you’re going through your insurer).
- Clear photos of the damage (yes, even the scratches you’ve been pretending not to see).
- Police report (if it’s a major accident – minor bumps don’t usually need one).
- Your car’s registration papers and driver’s license.
Think of this as your “repair survival kit” – the more you have on hand, the smoother things will run. (See what we did there? Smooth… like your car will be again soon!)
Step 2: Call Your Insurance Company (If You’re Claiming)
Ring up your insurer and let them know what happened. They’ll:
- Open a claim for you.
- Give you a claim number (this is your golden ticket – don’t lose it).
- Tell you if you’re limited to their approved panelbeaters or if you can choose your own dream team.
Pro tip: Save the claim number on your phone. Trust us, trying to scroll through old emails at the reception desk is about as fun as sanding a bumper by hand.
Step 3: Visit a Panelbeater for a Quotation
This is where the magic (and a little bit of elbow grease) happens. When you get to the panelbeater:
- Hand over your claim number (if you’ve got one).
- Explain what happened – no judgment here. We’ve seen cars kissed by curbs, attacked by hailstorms, and even “customised” with DIY spray paint.
- If you’re paying out of pocket, ask for a cash quote.
Also, ask the big questions:
- “How long will repairs take?”
- “Do you offer a warranty on your work?”
- “Can I still drive my car, or should I start carpooling with my in-laws?”
At Tekton Autobody Repairs, we’ll walk you through everything – and promise to keep the technical jargon to a minimum. (Unless you really want to know about chassis alignments, then we’ll happily nerd out.)
Let’s Talk About Third-Party Claims (and Quotation Fees)
Here’s something most people don’t realise: if you’re claiming from someone else’s insurance (a third-party claim), many panelbeaters will charge a quotation fee.
Why? Because third-party claims often involve extra admin, follow-ups, and sometimes tweaking quotes for an insurer who doesn’t know us yet. It’s not that we don’t want to help – it just takes extra time to hammer out the details.
Pro Tip: If you come in and say, “I need a cash quotation” instead of “I need a third-party quotation,” you might avoid that fee. Even if you plan to recover costs later, a cash quote can be a solid starting point – and in some cases, we won’t charge for it.
Think of it as the difference between asking for a “straightforward polish” and a “full panel respray with flames on the bonnet.” One just takes a lot more work.
Step 4: Speak to the Right People
When you arrive, you’ll meet:
- A receptionist who’ll book you in (and probably offer a smile to match your slightly frazzled mood).
- An estimator – the person who inspects your car and calculates what it will take to get it back to its former glory.
Be honest about the damage – we’ve seen it all. Even cars that looked like they’ve been in a fight with a hippo (true story).
Step 5: Approve and Let the Panelbeaters Do Their Thing
- If you’re claiming, your insurer will give the go-ahead once they’ve approved the quote.
- If you’re paying privately, you can approve the quote and book your car in for repairs.
Now sit back, relax, and prepare for that “is this really my car?” moment when you pick it up.
Quick Checklist Before You Go
✔ Claim number (if you’re claiming)
✔ ID and driver’s license
✔ Car registration papers
✔ Photos of the damage
✔ Questions for the panelbeater (there’s no such thing as a silly question!)
At Tekton Autobody Repairs, we know this process can feel like a bit of a bumpy ride – but that’s why we’re here. Our friendly team will guide you from start to finish, keep you updated along the way, and make sure your car comes out looking showroom fresh (minus the new car price tag).
Ready to get started? Call us today to book a quotation or pop in for some expert advice (and maybe even a coffee).