When should I contact a bodyshop about car damage?

Get in touch with a bodyshop when you notice damaged paint or a dent; do not wait for exposed steel to rust. If you suspect a safety problem, seek professional advice before driving. A light surface mark can be assessed for a planned repair, without an emergency appointment.

Which signs mean I should get in touch promptly?

Contact a bodyshop promptly if a scratch exposes primer or bare metal. Primer showing means the outer paint layers have been damaged, although it does not prove that metal is exposed. Bare steel can start to rust when moisture reaches it, so avoid waiting for visible rust before asking about repair.

Other damage worth flagging straight away includes:

• A cracked or split bumper: The visible split needs checking alongside the surrounding material and mounting points.
• Damage near lights or mirrors: A broken lens, loose housing or displaced mirror may affect visibility or function.
• Damage around sensors: An impact may affect a sensor or its mounting even when the surrounding mark looks small.
• Loose fixings or changed panel gaps: A bumper pulling away or a bonnet sitting differently can indicate damage beyond the painted surface.

For a split or cracked bumper, our bumper repair service explains the work that may be involved.

Should I make contact after a collision that looks minor?

Yes. Get in touch after a collision, even if the visible damage seems limited. The size of a scuff does not reliably show what happened to the fixings or components behind it.

If lights, mirrors or anything that may make your car unsafe or not legal to use is damaged, have it professionally checked before you rely on the car. If you suspect a safety problem, seek advice before driving it to an appointment.

Do I need an immediate appointment for a light mark?

A light mark that stays within the clear coat, the transparent outer paint layer, can usually be booked for a planned appointment. That assumes it is only surface damage, with no loose parts, impact concerns or exposed layers underneath.

An inspection may be needed before you settle on a date if the depth is unclear. For help deciding whether to repair paint damage, read our separate guide.

Does a dent mean I should arrange repair straight away?

A small dent with intact paint may allow more flexibility over the repair date. Broken paint, a crease near an edge or fixing, or a panel that no longer lines up calls for a prompt check.

We can straighten bent panels, including rear quarter panels, and replace bolt-on panels where needed. The suitable approach depends on inspection.

If the dent has also broken the paint, repainting a single panel may form part of the repair. A dent alone does not establish how much painting will be needed.

What should I have ready for my first enquiry?

A short description helps explain the visible damage and any symptoms you have noticed.

Send these details with your first message:

• Your registration: Include it with the enquiry so the vehicle can be identified.
• When it happened: Give the date if known, or say when you first noticed it. If it followed an impact, explain where the impact landed.
• Other signs: Mention warning lights, unusual noises, loose parts, water entering or difficulty opening or closing a panel.
• Dates you need the car: Flag work commitments, trips or other dates that affect your availability.

We advise sending photos of the dent or damaged paint by WhatsApp on +44 7903 105777 or the Send enquiry button, though they are optional. They can save a wasted trip if the damage needs work we do not take on, but cannot establish roadworthiness. Take them from a safe position without removing trim or pulling damaged parts aside.

What should I settle before booking the car in?

If you intend to use insurance, cover depends on your policy. Check it before you book.

Ask about the expected repair time before choosing a date; your first enquiry does not establish a completion date. Our guide to how long paintwork takes explains the timing considerations.

The final repair price is set after inspection. A small inspection is free. If the damage needs a deeper inspection, it costs from £240 including VAT (£200 plus VAT), with that charge taken off your repair bill if you go ahead.

Plan how you will manage while the car is in the workshop. We do not provide collection or delivery, so arrange to drop off and collect your car at the Wyken workshop.

No deposit is needed, and you can cancel or move your booking at any point without charge.

How do I take the next step?

Contact Coventry Body Shop, our workshop in Wyken, Coventry, on +44 7903 105777 or through the contact form to arrange an appointment.

After booking, we advise everyone to bring the car in so we can see the damage in person.