Got questions? We’ve got answers.
We know that getting your car fixed is a complicated process – it can involve police reports, insurance companies and witness statements, before you even look at the damage to your vehicle. So we’ve put together a list of the questions we get asked most often, to help you get the information you need to get you back on the road as quickly as possible.
If you’d like to speak to someone, or to book a quote appointment, please give us a call.
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1. I’ve had an accident! What do I do?
If you’ve been involved in a crash and don’t know what to do, please start here for our step-by-step guide. -
2. My car has been stolen! What do I do?
If your car has been stolen we can help. Please start here for what to do next. -
3. I’m making a claim on my car insurance – can I choose my own repairer?
This depends on your policy. If you are unsure bring your policy paperwork with you when you come for an estimate and we can help explain it. -
4. How much will it cost to fix my car?
To answer this we need to see the vehicle – damage from an accident or theft is often more extensive than what is visible on the surface. Please give us a call to book a quote. -
5. How long will my repairs take?
Smash repairs depend on a lot of different factors, like the extent of the damage, your insurance provider and the availability of parts, so it is hard to predict the time needed for each job. We do turn jobs around faster than many other repairers, however, as we rarely rely on sub-contractors and manage all repairs on-site. -
6. When are you open?
We are open 7.30am-4.00pm, Monday-Friday, except Public Holidays.
We have an answering service outside these hours and towing to our workshop can be organised at any time. -
7. How do I get a damage assessment? Do I need to book an appointment?
Please call us make an appointment. We try always to book appointments for estimates because we know how important your time is and we don’t like to make you wait! We make sure that we spend the proper time with every customer and will fit around school drop-offs, work commitments and any appointments as you require. All of our other services are scheduled around assessments, so having a booking makes sure our team is ready to help you when you come in. Appointments start at 7.30am and we try to handle all of our quotes in the morning so we can get the quality control and inspection work done in the afternoons. -
8.What payment options do you accept?
We accept cash, EFTPOS, bank transfer (EFT) 24 hours prior to collection, Visa/Mastercard (1% surcharge) and American Express (1.65% surcharge). Sorry no cheques or Diners Club cards. -
9. I backed into a wall/letterbox/pole! Can I claim the repairs on my car insurance?
Yes, you can claim damage that’s accidental. -
10. I hit a kerb and now my radiator is leaking/my aircon doesn’t work. Can you fix it?
Yes we can. Como Panel & Paint handle all damage that results from an accident – cosmetic, structural, mechanical or otherwise! Our technicians are trained in all areas of auto-repairs so we can assess and fix your car on site. -
11. Can you match the paint colour?
Yes, absolutely. Your car has a paint code which we use to identify the manufacturer’s original colour. Our technicians then take into account any fading and formulate an exact match to your vehicle. -
12. I can’t drive my car – how do I get to you?
Please give us a call so we can organise towing for your vehicle. The workshop is located on Canning Highway which is serviced regularly by a number of bus routes and is close to the Como bus and train interchange. -
13. I don’t have car insurance. What do I do?
If you can’t drive your vehicle anymore, please get in touch and we can organise for you to send in some photos via email. If you have minor damage and you can still drive your car, please make an appointment to bring it in for a quote. -
14. What’s the difference between a private quote and an insurance quote?
An insurance quote must take the car back to pre-accident or pre-theft condition. Any damage caused by the accident, even minor chips and scratches, must be accounted for. Private quotes will not necessarily include these non-essential repairs. -
15. Do you work with all insurance companies?
Yes we do. -
16. Do I need two quotes?
No. Insurance companies no longer require two quotes. -
17. Do you provide loan cars?
No we don’t. Your insurance policy may provide for a hire car while your vehicle is getting repaired. Or if you are not at fault for your accident and know who is, we can arrange a free hire car while yours is getting repaired. We do organise towing if necessary and we are conveniently located for public transport. -
18. If I claim my repairs, will I lose my no-claim bonus?
This will depend on whether you were at fault and, if not, if your insurance company is confident of recovering the costs of the claim from the other party. In general, if you were responsible for the damage or if there is uncertainty about who is at fault, you may lose your no-claim bonus. Some policy discounts are protected for one claim, or for life. If you’re not sure, bring your policy in to us and we’ll check it for you. -
19. I have an excess on my policy – how does this affect my repairs?
If your claim is 100% recoverable from the other party, then your insurer will often apply a nil excess. If the claim is not recoverable then you will often need to pay any policy excess when you collect your vehicle. -
20. Do young drivers pay a higher excess and higher premium?
Yes, if the claim is considered to be unrecoverable then the insurer will often charge a basic excess plus an age excess for younger drivers. -
21. I can’t figure out my insurance policy at all! What does it mean?
Bring your policy in to us and we can help explain it. -
22. Should I make a claim or pay for the repairs myself?
Check your excess and policy discount to see what changes may apply if you lodge a claim. It’s best to get an estimate for repairs and then make a decision. -
23. Is my car secure at night?
Yes. Our workshop is locked and gated, with a monitored alarm.