Can I get a car repair estimate from photographs?
Yes. Photographs can often help us prepare an initial estimate for visible damage. Use our online repair estimator to send your vehicle details and photos. A physical assessment may still be needed to confirm the repair and final cost.

Why has my repair estimate changed?
Some accident damage cannot be seen until a bumper, panel or other component is removed. Technicians call this supplementary damage.
If extra parts or work are needed, the estimate may change. For an insurance repair, the insurer may also need to approve the additional work.

What does “waiting for authorisation” mean?
For many insurance repairs, the insurer or claims handler must agree the assessment and repair costs before certain work can proceed. Our Vehicle Damage Assessor sends the necessary repair information for review.
The time taken depends on the insurer and the complexity of the claim. We will update you as the process moves forward.

Can I choose which accident repair centre repairs my car?You can usually ask to use your preferred repairer, even if your insurer recommends a different bodyshop. Your policy may set conditions, such as an additional excess or different arrangements for a courtesy car. Check with your insurer before confirming.

You can also explore our manufacturer approvals when choosing a repair centre.

Can I pay privately instead of claiming through insurance?Yes, many customers choose to request a private repair estimate. This can be useful when considering minor cosmetic damage, but you should still follow any accident reporting obligations in your insurance policy.

A photographic estimate is a starting point; the final repair cost can depend on what an inspection reveals.

How long will my accident repair take?
It depends on the damage, the repair method, parts availability and whether insurer authorisation is needed. Even a small-looking impact can require several technical checks.

After the vehicle has been assessed and the repair plan is clearer, we can give you an estimated completion date and update you if it changes.

Why can’t I have an exact completion date straight away?
The full repair may involve dismantling, additional damage checks, replacement parts, structural work, painting, diagnostics, calibration and quality checks. Some stages cannot be confirmed before inspection or insurer approval.

We would rather give you a realistic estimate when enough information is available than promise a date too early.

Why are you waiting for parts before booking my car in?
Where possible, we plan repairs around parts availability. That can prevent your car spending extra time in the workshop waiting for a component.

Some parts arrive quickly; others can take longer depending on the manufacturer, model and supply situation.

What happens if a part is unavailable?
We will check the available options and keep you informed. Replacement parts must be suitable for the vehicle and the repair method. We will not simply replace a safety-related component with an unsuitable alternative to speed up the job.

Will you use genuine manufacturer parts?
We follow the repair requirements applicable to your vehicle, including genuine original-equipment parts where specified or available. If a part is discontinued or another supply issue affects your repair, we will discuss the suitable options.

See why manufacturer-approved repairs matter.

Will I have a courtesy car while mine is being repaired?
Courtesy car entitlement depends on your insurer, policy, repair arrangements and vehicle availability. The model, transmission and fuel type may vary.

Please speak to our booking team early if you have particular requirements, such as needing an automatic car.

Why repair a damaged panel rather than replace it?
Replacing a panel is not always the best or required method. The choice depends on the damage, material and manufacturer repair instructions. Where a panel can be repaired safely to the required standard, keeping it may be appropriate. Where replacement is required, the repair plan will reflect that.

Can a car with structural damage be repaired?
Sometimes. The answer depends on where the damage is, how severe it is and what the manufacturer allows. Our team assesses the vehicle and refers to the relevant repair information. If the vehicle cannot be repaired safely, the parties involved in the claim will be advised.

Why might my car need ADAS calibration after bodywork?
ADAS means Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. Features such as lane assistance and automatic emergency braking may rely on cameras and radar sensors. An impact or certain body repairs can change their position.

Depending on the manufacturer’s procedures, checks or recalibration may be needed before handover. Read more about ADAS calibration.

Why does my vehicle need diagnostic scans if there are no warning lights?
Modern vehicles can store fault codes without showing a warning on the dashboard. Diagnostic scans help identify electronic faults and check systems affected by a collision. Depending on the vehicle, scans may be needed before, during or after repair. No dashboard warning does not by itself confirm that every system is unaffected.

Do you repair electric and hybrid vehicles?
Finesse carries out specialist electric and hybrid vehicle accident repairs, subject to the vehicle, the damage and the capabilities and approvals of the relevant centre.

Visit our EV accident repair service page for more information.

Will the repaired paint match the rest of my car?
Our refinishing team uses colour-matching techniques that account for different paint variants, vehicle age and the finish on your car.  The aim is to achieve a consistent result with the surrounding panels, not simply use a colour with the same name.

Why might paint be applied to an undamaged panel?
Sometimes paint needs to be blended into a neighbouring panel to create a smooth colour transition. This is common with certain metallic, pearl or complex finishes.

It does not necessarily mean the neighbouring panel was damaged in the accident.

Can you repair other scratches or dents while my car is with you?
Yes. Tell us about any extra cosmetic damage as early as possible. We can assess it and, where possible, provide a separate quotation. Agreeing the additional work early can help us plan it alongside the main repair.

What checks happen before my vehicle is returned?
Depending on the repair, final checks may include inspection of the bodywork and finish, diagnostic scans, ADAS calibration, wheel alignment and other manufacturer-required procedures. At handover, please ask our team about the repairs completed and any documents available for your records.

Should I keep my accident repair paperwork?
Yes. Keep invoices, relevant repair information and any calibration documents supplied with your vehicle. These may be useful for your records or if you sell or part-exchange your car later.

What is a manufacturer-approved accident repair centre?
It is a repair centre recognised by a vehicle manufacturer as meeting specified standards for relevant accident repairs. These may include technician training, equipment, repair information and parts requirements. Approvals vary by manufacturer and by Finesse location.

See our manufacturer-approved repair centres.

Where are Finesse Accident Repair Centres?
We have three locations: Bracknell in Berkshire, and Dorking and Redhill in Surrey. Choose the centre that suits your vehicle and repair needs, as manufacturer approvals can differ between sites.

Find your nearest centre on our contact and locations page.

Do you carry out MOT tests?
No. Our main focus is accident repairs, including bodywork and related safety checks. For an MOT test, you will need a provider offering that service.