Whether you’ve been involved in a road accident or simply want to restore your vehicle to its original factory finish. Understanding the different types of car body damage and how they’re repaired, is essential.
From minor dents and scratches to more serious structural damage, every type of repair requires a specific process. This guide will walk you through the most common types of car body repairs, so you know what to expect when you visit a repair shop.
Common Car Body Repairs
Car body repair services range from small cosmetic touch-ups to extensive structural repairs. After an accident or when visible damage starts to appear, many drivers aren’t sure where to start or which services are truly necessary. While technicians will usually provide a repair quote, having a basic understanding of what your car really needs can help you avoid unnecessary charges, and keep your vehicle in top condition.
Accident Damage Repairs
If you’ve been involved in a major car accident that has caused significant damage to your vehicle. it may need multiple repairs to return it to a safe and roadworthy condition:
These might include:
- Accident Frame Repair
- Dent repairs and filling
- Panel Repair
- Paint correction and Respray
- Chassis and wheel alignment
For insurance claims, it’s important to choose an insurance-approved repair shop that can handle all the insurance-related paperwork with your provider. This can save you time and reduce stress during the repair process.
Many reputable body shops also offer credit hire or courtesy vehicles, including options that are private-hire compliant. Be sure to ask about this in advance to avoid any disruption to your daily routine.
Get Your Car Looking New Again!
Our skilled team brings your damaged car body back to its original condition expertly.
Car Panel Repairs
Body panels like doors, quarter panels, wings, front and rear bumpers are more prone to damages. They are designed to absorb the impact and protect the internal structure of the vehicle.
If the damage is minor, such as small dent or misaligned creases, technicians may use repair techniques like panel beating or paintless dent removal (PDR). These are not only the cost effective process but it will maintain your car’s original paint in some cases.
For major damages, like crumpled doors, structural damages, the panel may need to be replaced for an original car’s look. This process needs specialised tools and skills to restore your car.
Car Body Rust Repairs
Rust is a severe problem that can affect the safety, appearance, and the value of your vehicle. Especially in London, where cars are exposed to rain, road salt, and moisture. Rest usually forms when the protective paint layer is damaged or if the previous paint work was not done correctly.
Surface rust may be sanded down and repainted, but deeper rust involves taking out the affected area, welding in new metal and repainting the whole panel for the fresh look.
Dents Filling & Repair
Dents are very prevalent, whether from any car collision or minor car crash incidents. The right repair method depends on the severity
- Paintless Dent Removal (PDR): Ideal for small dents where the paint is still intact. Quick and cost-effective.
- Filler and paint repair: Needed when paint is cracked or the dent is deep. This involves sanding, applying filler, priming, painting, and polishing.
Scratched or scuffed alloy wheels can ruin the appearance of your vehicle. Several body shops offer resurfacing services to restore your alloys to their original condition, this is a useful service to eliminate visible scratches and restore their shine.
Interior Trim Repairs
While body shops typically focus on exterior work, many also offer interior cosmetic repairs such as:
- Ripped upholstery
- Scuffed dashboards
- Damaged trim panels
In more serious accidents, body shops may also replace airbags, repair seat belts, or restore cracked dashboards depending on the level of damage and repairs required. These repairs help restore the car’s interior look, which is especially beneficial if you intend to sell the vehicle or use it professionally.
Need Car Body Repair?
Get a free assessment and quote from our certified technicians today!
Windscreen & Glass Repairs
Cracks in your car’s windscreen should not be overlooked. Small chips can be filled with a specific resin to keep them from spreading and save you the cost of a complete replacement. Larger fractures or smashed side windows require professional replacement:
- Minor chips: Can be filled to stop spreading
- Cracked or shattered glass: Will need full replacement
Make sure to choose a workshop that uses manufacturer-approved glass and seals to maintain safety and structural integrity.
Frame Alignment & Structural Repairs
In high-impact accidents, the vehicle’s frame may become misaligned. Even if it’s not visible, this can affect:
- Steering
- Suspension
- Tyre wear
- Overall handling
Modern body shops use a smart car frame repair process to restore your vehicle’s framework to original standards.
Wheel balancing and alignment is also often necessary to make sure your vehicle is safe to drive. This is a necessary safety fix that is frequently needed by insurers following any major collision incident.
Factors Affecting Car Repair Costs
Knowing the main factors that affect car repair costs can help you manage costs and make informed choices. Here are the main factors every driver should understand before reaching any car body repair shop.
Level of Car Damage
Deeper collision dents, cracked panels, and car structural issues need more time and equipment, increasing repair costs rapidly.
Model of Your Damaged Vehicle
Luxury, plug-in hybrid, or electric vehicles often need OEM parts such as battery packs, chassis and body panels making repairs more expensive and time taking.
Insurance Approved Car Repairs
If your car repair garage is insurance approved, they may bill your insurer directly, helping to reduce upfront costs and ensuring repairs meet quality standards. However, if the repair is covered by insurance, the total cost may be higher due to specific restoration requirements imposed by the insurer.
Car Repair Parts Availability
If parts required for your car repair need to be ordered or are no longer manufactured, it can delay repairs and increase costs due to limited car repair parts.
Book Your Repair Today!
Your car deserves the best care. Book your car body repair now and enjoy fast, reliable service.
Final Thoughts
Always choose a reliable, insurance approved car body shop, and try to get an accurate quote or explanations of the repairs that are being performed. Knowing these basic car repair types puts you in a stronger position as a car owner and ensures your vehicle stays road ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our technicians have experience across all makes and models, including electric vehicle repairs.
Yes, we provide insurance approved repairs and work with all registered insurers, handling both fault and non-fault repairs.
Yes, we are fully equipped and experienced in handling all levels of car accident bodywork, including dent repairs, to restore your car’s headlights and paintwork.
Why Choose AVX Repairs?
Understanding the car repair types helps you properly maintain your vehicle while avoiding unnecessary stress and expenses. For minor dent repairs to paint correction are often enough to get your car in good condition on the road, while accident car body issues require an insurance approved bodyshop with qualified technicians. Whether it’s a major car paint repair or a minor touch-up, let AVX help you with reliable car bodywork services.
We provide the quality cosmetic repair services your car deserves, feel free to get in touch with AVX team to restore your car’s original look.
