Been in a bump and lost on where to get it fixed — start here

After a bump, your first instinct might be to call your car insurance or head to the nearest workshop. But most people don't realise they have real choices about who fixes their car — and those choices directly affect the cost, the timeline, and whether you'll be happy with the result. Clarity on who does what will save you money and stress.

When you need collision or dent repair, the provider landscape splits into three broad categories, each with different strengths. Understanding the difference is your first step to getting the right fix.

The three routes you can take

Your insurer may have preferred repair partners — often large chains or dealerships — but you are not obliged to use them. You can choose any qualified panel shop. Dealerships offer convenience if you're loyal to the brand, and they'll use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts and typically have factory-trained technicians. They're usually more expensive and slower, especially if parts need ordering. Independent panel shops range from one-man operations to multi-bay facilities; many are highly skilled and faster to turnaround, and they'll often cost less because they have lower overhead. Then there are general mechanics and informal workshops; they may quote low, but collision and paint work require specific equipment, skill, and insurance cover that not all of them have. Going cheap here often means poor finish, misaligned panels, or paint that fails within months.

The key question is not "Who is cheapest?" but "Who is qualified to do this particular job?" A dent-and-paint job is not the same as routine maintenance. It demands spray-booth facilities, colour-matching expertise, and trained panel beaters. If a workshop doesn't have these, they're not your answer.

How to start your search the right way

Begin by getting three quotes. Don't just call; visit or request an online quote with photos. A professional outfit will inspect the damage in person or ask detailed questions — any shop that quotes sight-unseen is a red flag. Compare not just the price but what each quote includes: will they use new parts, refurbished parts, or a mix? Do they guarantee the paint? How long will the repair take? Will they handle the insurance claim paperwork, or do you?

Check whether they're registered with a professional body, hold appropriate business credentials, and have public liability insurance. Ask for references or online reviews, but treat reviews with caution — people tend to post when they're very happy or very angry. A shop that's been trading for several years in your area and has steady work usually indicates reliability.

Don't let urgency rush you. If you're in a hurry because of insurance or time pressure, that's exactly when poor decisions happen. Even a day spent vetting quotes is time well spent if it saves you from a botched repair.

The insurance factor and your leverage

If the claim is going through insurance, your insurer will often send you to an assessor. That assessor estimates the repair cost, not the quality. Your insurer wants the repair done at the lowest approved cost; you want it done right. These aren't always the same thing. Once the insurer approves an amount, they'll expect you to use that figure as your budget. This means finding a shop that can deliver quality within that limit — or, if the approved amount is too low, negotiating with the insurer before you commit to a repairer.

The power here is yours: you choose the repairer, not the insurer. Use that power to find someone who has the right equipment, experience, and track record, not just the lowest price.

If you're overwhelmed by the number of panel shops in your area or unsure how to vet them, Strove is a practical place to start. You can browse verified panel beaters, read transparent reviews from real customers, compare quotes, and book a time that suits you — all without wasting energy ringing around.

Don't accept the first option you find. A small bump deserves the same care as a major repair: the right choice now prevents headaches later.