An accident can leave more than just a dent in your car; it can impact your safety, finances, and peace of mind.

If you are involved in an accident this festive season you need to ensure your vehicle is repaired by an accredited motor body repairer. This is critical for safeguarding your investment and, more importantly, your safety on the road.

Juan Hanekom, national director of the South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), says, “Accidents are often chaotic, and decisions about repairs are made under pressure. Motorists should insist on using an accredited repairer to guarantee quality workmanship and protect their vehicle’s value. If your car is insured you will also need to first check with your insurance companies for a list of accredited motor body repairers. Most insurers have approved lists of repairers on their panels and will only allow you to use one of the listed repairers,” says Hanekom.

Why Choose an Approved Motor Body Repairer?

Accredited repairers are trained and certified to meet strict manufacturer guidelines, ensuring that repairs are carried out to the highest standards of safety and quality. They receive brand-specific training on the latest techniques, materials, and equipment, allowing them to restore vehicles to their original condition seamlessly.

“Approved repairers not only fix visible damage but also ensure that the structural integrity of the car is maintained, which is vital if the vehicle is involved in future accidents. You can be assured they use authentic, high-quality parts and materials. Non-certified repairers may often lack access to the necessary technical resources and expertise, increasing the risk of subpar repairs that compromise safety,” he says.

Avoiding hidden costs and poor workmanship

Motorists often face hidden costs and dissatisfaction when working with unaccredited repairers, even if they are insured. Tow truck companies may direct motorists to workshops for commission rather than quality. Hanekom advises motorists to use a SAMBRA-accredited workshop to  ensure accountability, quality, and recourse should any issues arise.

Six questions to ask your repairer

To make an informed decision, Hanekom recommends asking these critical questions:

• Is my vehicle still in warranty and are you approved to repair it?
• Do you do work with my insurance company? Most insurers have an approved panel of MBRs on their books and you need to ensure you are using one of the businesses that are stipulated
• Beware of including non-accident related damage. Some motorists may want to include additional non-accident related damage in their repair but a good assessor will pick this up and it could impact your claim and delay the repair. Remember insurance is there to make sure your car is restored to its original state before the accident.
• What is the expected repair timeline, and will I be updated on progress? This is important for planning. If there is a delay on ordering of parts, you may wish to ask the MBR if they can order the parts ahead of time to avoid your car sitting in the repair shop laying idle.
• Be informed of ‘cash in lieu’ settlements – if you would prefer to manage your own repairs with a repairer of your choice you may elect to accept a cash in lieu settlement from your insurer. Please be aware that this may not fully cover the cost of your repairs. This amount is often worked out on visible damage only. It is only once work starts on a vehicle that one can see the full extent of the repairs required. Motorists may find themselves out of pocket if further damage or repairs are required.

“An accident repair can affect a car’s resale value,” explains Hanekom. “This is why good workmanship, factory-approved parts, and fair pricing are non-negotiable. Accredited repairers provide peace of mind, knowing that your car is repaired professionally without unnecessary depreciation.”

By choosing a SAMBRA-approved repairer, motorists benefit from the assurance of quality and the backing of RMI or the Ombudsman in the event of a dispute.

“Ultimately, it’s about safety and value. Don’t compromise – insist on quality you can count on,” concludes Hanekom.