Panel Beaters
Compare local panel beaters and book online in seconds.
Panel beaters, also called smash repairers, fix accident damage: straightening panels, replacing bumpers and doors, repairing structural damage on measuring jigs, and colour-matched spray painting. People book them after collisions, hail storms, car park dents and rust repairs, either through an insurance claim or paying privately for cosmetic work they want done properly.
OneBookPlus lets you compare local smash repairers, read reviews about repair quality and communication, and request quotes online without driving between workshops. Many can quote from photos you upload. Book an assessment instantly so the repairer is expecting you, your car and your claim details.
Panel Beaters
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List your business, freeHow to choose a good Panel Beater
- In NSW and WA, check the shop holds the required motor vehicle repairer licence for smash repairs.
- Remember you can often choose your own repairer for insurance work; check your policy's choice-of-repairer terms.
- Look for manufacturer approvals or I-CAR training, especially for late-model cars with cameras and radar.
- Ask for a written lifetime warranty on workmanship, which reputable smash repairers routinely provide.
- Read reviews mentioning paint match and panel gaps, the two things that reveal repair quality.
- Get an itemised quote distinguishing new, second-hand and aftermarket parts before authorising repairs.
Questions to ask before you book
- Will you use genuine, aftermarket or recycled parts, and will the quote say which?
- Do you provide a written lifetime warranty on the repair and paintwork?
- Will my car's safety systems (cameras, radar sensors) be recalibrated after the repair?
- How long will the repair take, and do you offer a loan car while mine is off the road?
- Can you deal directly with my insurer, and what happens if hidden damage is found?
What does a panel beater cost in Australia?
Small dent repairs start around $150 to $400, with paintless dent removal often the cheapest option, a bumper repair and respray runs $350 to $900, and a single panel replacement with paint $800 to $1,800. Hail and structural repairs can reach many thousands. For insurance work your cost is usually just the excess, commonly $500 to $1,000. Metallic and pearl paints, aluminium panels and sensor recalibration all add cost. Quotes include GST.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose my own panel beater for an insurance claim?
Often, yes. Many Australian policies let you nominate your own repairer, though some cheaper policies restrict you to the insurer's network in exchange for a lower premium. Check your PDS. Even on a network policy you can sometimes pay the difference to use your preferred shop.
What is paintless dent removal and when does it work?
PDR massages dents out from behind the panel without filler or paint, preserving the factory finish. It suits shallow dents and hail damage where paint is unbroken, typically $150 to $450 per panel. Creased metal, cracked paint or dents near panel edges usually need conventional repair.
Will a repaired car's paint match the rest of the vehicle?
A good shop matches it so you cannot tell: they use the manufacturer paint code, tint to allow for fade, and blend colour into adjacent panels rather than painting to a hard edge. Visible colour mismatch or blend lines are legitimate grounds for rectification under the repair warranty.
Do modern cars need recalibration after smash repairs?
Frequently, yes. Windscreen cameras, radar behind bumpers and parking sensors often need electronic recalibration after panels or glass are replaced, otherwise safety features like AEB and lane keeping may not work correctly. Confirm calibration is included in the quote and shown on the final invoice.
Is it worth repairing minor damage privately instead of claiming?
For small repairs near your excess, often yes. If the repair quote is $800 and your excess is $600, claiming saves little and may affect your no-claim discount. Get a private quote first, then compare it against the excess plus any premium impact before lodging a claim.
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