Here is what to expect when you book in with Total Auto Body to have your vehicle repaired. 01. Estimate Get in touch. You can ask all the questions, bring a list if you like. This step is all about estimating the cost of repairs and discussing the options with you. We will arrange a time convenient for you to bring your vehicle in for an inspection so we can determine the scope of work required. We realise you are busy, so our estimate process has been designed to minimise the time you need to spend at our repair facility. Supply your contact and vehicle details, we will take our images and you can be on your way while we work on your estimate. Estimates can be supplied by email or a printout copy. Need to lodge an insurance claim? We can guide you through the entire insurance claim process including help with lodging your claim. You need to be specific and honest to avoid any potential problems. Any other questions like ‘How long will it take to my repair my vehicle?’ can also be answered at this stage. 02. Booking and/or Insurance assessment Once again, it is all about your convenience. When you are ready, we will book your vehicle in for repairs at a time that is most suited to you. If you are lodging an insurance claim, we will liase with the insurance company about your vehicle repairs, assessment and authorisation. When your claim is assessed and authorised by the insurer we will order any parts required for your vehicle repairs. 03. The big day On your booked day, bring your vehicle in. If you have a replacement vehicle option on your policy, we can drop you to the rental location*. If you need a ride, we can drop you home or to work*. Any more questions? 04. Repairing your vehicle COVID sanitising wipe down. Pre-repair diagnostic scan (if required). Pre-repair wash (if required). Disassemble vehicle. Sight any unseen damage and order additional parts (if required). Repairs performed (as per vehicle manufacturer’s specifications). Paint work (as per paint manufacturer’s specifications). Reassembly and fit up. Post repair diagnostic scan, wheel alignment (if required). Vehicle wash, vacuum, COVID treatment and quality inspection.   05. Back on the road ou are good to go, safe in the knowledge your repair is protected with our lifetime guarantee on all smash repairs. We recommend NOT using any harsh detergents or mechanical car wash on your vehicle. Any questions post repair? Please reach out, we are here to help.

Selecting a smash repairer is not really something you want to consider until the unfortunate happens and then it becomes important. If you are anything like me and care about quality and the safety of your vehicle, then ensuring that you choose a quality smash repairer is essential but how do you do this? It is all about TRUST. Many of us have a need to find a motor mechanic that we can trust to service our vehicle. The same principle applies when trying to find a smash repairer. Vehicle repairs need to be carried out by someone you can trust, and the repairer needs to be approachable to discuss your needs. You also want to select someone that has modern equipment and training. There are a few simple steps you can follow to guarantee you and your car will be well cared for. Are you able to choose your own smash repairer? First, YOU need to be the one making this decision. It is your car and your family’s safety is paramount. If you are going to be lodging an insurance claim it is important to have a policy that allows you to choose your repairer. The smash repair industry has evolved rapidly over recent years and unfortunately, this has meant that some policies no longer allow you the freedom to choose your repairer (or there is an additional premium placed on this option). ‘Choice of Repairer’ is essential and vital to a good repair experience, so it is crucial that your motor vehicle insurance policy includes a genuine choice of repairer. This means that you can choose any licensed repairer and not be limited to being told where to go by your insurer or only selecting from an insurer’s list of repairers. You need to have the freedom to choose. In NSW a Motor Vehicle Repairer’s licence should be clearly displayed at a repairer’s premises. You can also check if a repairer is licensed on the Service NSW website. Research your local vehicle repair providers Now that we have established the importance of choice it is time to do your research. Word of mouth is fundamental to finding a reputable repairer and as mentioned earlier trust is essential to a quality repair experience. The recommendation really needs to come from someone you know and trust and the key is to ask people you trust, (your family, friends, work colleagues) if they have ever used or know of an excellent quality smash repairer. If they do not know, then it is more than likely that they will know someone who does. The questions you might like to ask include: Was the quality of repairs high? Did they care about the quality of their work? What were they like to deal with? Do they have any online reviews you can read? IT IS CRUCIAL THAT VEHICLE REPAIRS ARE CARRIED OUT BY SOMEONE YOU CAN TRUST AND CARES ABOUT THE QUALITY AND SAFETY OF THE WORK THEY DO. Research your local vehicle repair providers Now it is time to contact your repairer of choice for an inspection. A good repairer will answer any queries you have, discuss the damage, and guide you through the insurance claim process of your vehicle repairs (if you need to lodge a claim). Once you have established a relationship with a smash repairer that you feel you can trust, they can be your go-to if you are ever unsure about your automotive needs. If you have a question about your vehicle you can contact your trusted repairer and if they cannot answer your question, they will certainly be able to point you in the right direction. A good repairer can provide value to you long after the repairs are complete. Good luck and if you have any other questions please contact us. At Minarelli Smash Repairs we believe in a fair and transparent vehicle repair experience for all.