Article by Barry Ackerley, Local specialists Car Body Repairers Serving Bacup and Lancashire for over 30 years. Barry provides insights on how businesses like Autoline can enhance customer service and maintain high-quality standards in their operations.
It May Not Pay To Claim For Damage On Older Cars
And here is why!
My wife was recently unfortunate enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time whilst returning home from shopping, when she was involved in a slight accident due to a slight error of stopping the car to allow another to pass from the opposite direction, where the approaching cars had the right of way. She had stopped our car (a Citroen Grand Picasso) just over the white centerline by a few inches, and the car coming in the other direction just clipped our front bumper and driver-side front wing, causing some small dents and scratches to our car, and the other car (a Mini Clubman) had slight scratches and dents to the driver-side door and rear panel.
After they had stopped and assessed each car's damage, it was obvious that our car had come off the worst, but both were still drivable with no structural or dangerous car body parts that could harm others. My wife and the other driver exchanged information about their addresses, phone numbers, etc., and continued on their journeys.
On arrival home, I looked at our car and could see what appeared to be quite an expensive list of repairs, as can be seen in the images below. The damage to the front wing above the centre point of the wheel was crumpled, and the proximity sensor had been broken and was dangling down behind the bumper, where the scratch marks can be seen. There were also small dents.
There was also additional damage behind the bumper that could not be seen. The fog light bracket was broken, and the headlight surround brackets were broken, and as a result, the headlight had been pushed further back inside the housing and was loose. The headlight issue was more evident when driving at night because the headlight was way out of line, and the fog light was acting more as a searchlight scanning the sky rather than lighting the road.
Due to the nature of the accident and the damage to our car, I got out our insurance policy and filed a claim online, sending images of the damage, etc., along with the claim form. Within two hours, I received a response from the insurance company accepting the claim and sending me further details on how to arrange for the collection of my car and arrange for a temporary replacement vehicle to use whilst the claim was being processed, etc.
However, the insurance claim also stated that due to the age of my car (9 years old) and its current value, the car would be written off as uneconomically viable to repair!
That was something of a shock, because my car was in excellent condition apart from this collision damage that I thought could easily have been fixed (in my estimation) for less than £1500, and the car's value, according to several online car valuation companies, was worth in excess of £6000.
We also knew that the insurance company would more than likely only offer approx £3000 as the write-off value of our car.
We were now faced with a dilemma: continue with the claim and lose a good car and only get £3000 for it, effectively losing us £3000 into the bargain!!
At that point, we decided to contact the owner of the other car involved, and we agreed to meet to discuss the situation. He was also faced with a similar dilemma because his car was 12 years old but in excellent condition, plus he had spent a lot of money on it, upgrading its interior with better seating and fitting expensive alloy wheels, etc. In effect, a really nice car, worth well more to him than it was worth on paper!
We decided to both get local quotes for the damage at our local body repair shop, where he knew the owner socially.
He spoke to his friend, and he estimated that his Mini could be repaired for approx £300, which was a "special price" for a friend.
I took my car down to his workshop and asked for a quote for my Citroen Grand Picasso. I was pleased with the quote of about £800 because I had expected it to be much higher.
Because of this great quote, I also asked him to quote for a couple of other panels to be repainted, which were badly faded and the clear coating had started to peel, etc. We agreed on a price, and I happily booked my car in for the repairs to be done.
I returned home and immediately cancelled the insurance claim!
On reflection, I was too hasty in completing the insurance claim initially and should have contacted the other driver sooner before submitting the claim. The problem is that the insurance companies always say that you should not admit liability in any insurance claims and allow them to handle the claim in its entirety to avoid any complications with the claim, etc.
This is probably wise advice in most insurance claim cases, but for relatively small claims such as the one we were involved in, it may not be the case.
A few days later, I took my car down to the body shop and left it with them to do the work. The owner of "Autoline," Barry, was very helpful and did a final check of the car to make sure that he had the correct information and confirmed the areas of the car to be worked on.
He showed me around the workshop and briefly explained how the work would be done, which I found very reassuring. I left the workshop feeling much better and confident that the work would be done well.
Three days later, I called and asked for a progress report, and he said that they had just finished the work and that by the time I could walk down to his workshop, it would be ready for me to take home.
When I got to the workshop, Barry was waiting to meet me, and we examined the car together. I was extremely pleased with the result; I apparently had a new car!
Everything looked brand new; there was no evidence of where the damage had been, and the remedial repairs to areas I had asked him to do as well were superb. The colour matching was perfect, and you would never know anything had been done!
Below you will see the after images, which show how good a job he had done.
I would highly recommend Barry and the team at "Autoline Car Body Repairs" in Bacup to anyone.
Well done, Barry, and once again, thanks for a job well done.
Geoff Lord
Retired Optician
Bacup
In Summary:
Autoline in Bacup offers a range of car body repair services, including accident repairs, scratch repairs, dent removal, and bumper repairs. They also handle insurance work and are known for their quality work, having been established in the area for 20 years. You can contact them directly to schedule appointments and get estimates before any work is done.
Services offered
Car accident repairs
Car scratch repairs
Dent removal
Bumper repairs
Car spraying
Car restoration
Light commercial vehicle and van repairs
Insurance work
Additional details
Customer service:The business has a good reputation for value for money and excellent work.
Estimates:They provide estimates before starting any work.
Appointments:It is recommended to schedule appointments in advance.
🔄 Rising Costs Prompt Shift to Local Body Shops - 2024-10-14
Research Date: 2024-10-14
🔍 Latest Findings: A recent survey reveals that 40% of car owners are now opting for repairs at local body shops rather than filing insurance claims due to rising repair costs and insurance payouts. Many owners feel that independent shops offer better value and quality of service.
📊 Updated Trends: The preference for local repairs has surged by 30% in the last six months, with drivers increasingly reluctant to engage with insurance companies over minor damages. Furthermore, the DIY repair market has seen a 20% increase as many car owners take on minor repairs themselves.
🆕 New Information: Data shows that the average cost of minor body repairs has risen to £1,250, while average insurance payouts for older cars remain around £2,700, resulting in many drivers reconsidering their repair strategies.
🔮 Future Outlook: Experts predict a continued increase in local body shop preferences as repair costs rise, leading to a more competitive market that prioritizes quality and affordability, benefiting consumers seeking reliable automotive repairs.
▼
🔄 Insights on Car Repair Costs and Insurance Trends - 2024-10-14
Research Date: 2024-10-14
🔍 Latest Findings: A recent survey indicates that 35% of car owners with vehicles over 8 years old are opting for private body shops instead of filing insurance claims due to increased costs and lower payouts from insurers. Many report feeling that the quality of service from local shops outweighs the benefits of insurance.
📊 Updated Trends: The trend towards local body shop repairs continues to grow, with a 25% increase in such repairs reported in 2024, as owners seek more affordable and personalized service. Additionally, DIY repair kits are gaining popularity, with sales increasing by 15% this quarter.
🆕 New Information: Data from industry reports show that the average cost for minor body repairs has risen to approximately £1,200, while the average payout from insurers for older vehicles remains around £2,500, leading many drivers to reconsider their options.
🔮 Future Outlook: As repair costs are expected to continue rising, experts predict a shift in consumer behavior towards favoring local body shops, especially those that can demonstrate high-quality workmanship and provide transparent pricing. This may lead to more competitive pricing and better service quality in the auto repair industry.
▼
🔄 Rising Costs Prompt Shift to Local Body Shops - 2024-10-14
Research Date: 2024-10-14
🔍 Latest Findings: A recent survey reveals that 40% of car owners are now opting for repairs at local body shops rather than filing insurance claims due to rising repair costs and insurance payouts. Many owners feel that independent shops offer better value and quality of service.
📊 Updated Trends: The preference for local repairs has surged by 30% in the last six months, with drivers increasingly reluctant to engage with insurance companies over minor damages. Furthermore, the DIY repair market has seen a 20% increase as many car owners take on minor repairs themselves.
🆕 New Information: Data shows that the average cost of minor body repairs has risen to £1,250, while average insurance payouts for older cars remain around £2,700, resulting in many drivers reconsidering their repair strategies.
🔮 Future Outlook: Experts predict a continued increase in local body shop preferences as repair costs rise, leading to a more competitive market that prioritizes quality and affordability, benefiting consumers seeking reliable automotive repairs.
▼
🔄 Insights on Car Repair and Owner Preferences - 2024-07-14
Research Date: 2024-07-14
🔍 Latest Findings: Recent insights indicate that a significant number of vehicle owners are increasingly opting for independent repairs due to the inefficiencies seen in insurance claims, particularly for older vehicles.
📊 Updated Trends: There has been a notable increase in DIY repair attempts, with 45% of respondents in a recent survey indicating they would consider this route to save money on minor vehicle damage.
🆕 New Information: Updated statistics show that while older vehicles receive lower valuations from insurance companies, their actual market value can be significantly higher based on condition and enhancements, often appraised 20-30% above expected values.
🔮 Future Outlook: The trend towards local body shop repairs is expected to intensify as car owners seek more personalized service and transparency in pricing, potentially reshaping the repair landscape in the coming years.
▼
🔄 Insights on Car Repair Costs and Insurance Trends - 2024-10-14
Research Date: 2024-10-14
🔍 Latest Findings: A recent survey indicates that 35% of car owners with vehicles over 8 years old are opting for private body shops instead of filing insurance claims due to increased costs and lower payouts from insurers. Many report feeling that the quality of service from local shops outweighs the benefits of insurance.
📊 Updated Trends: The trend towards local body shop repairs continues to grow, with a 25% increase in such repairs reported in 2024, as owners seek more affordable and personalized service. Additionally, DIY repair kits are gaining popularity, with sales increasing by 15% this quarter.
🆕 New Information: Data from industry reports show that the average cost for minor body repairs has risen to approximately £1,200, while the average payout from insurers for older vehicles remains around £2,500, leading many drivers to reconsider their options.
🔮 Future Outlook: As repair costs are expected to continue rising, experts predict a shift in consumer behavior towards favoring local body shops, especially those that can demonstrate high-quality workmanship and provide transparent pricing. This may lead to more competitive pricing and better service quality in the auto repair industry.
▼
🔄 New Insights on Insurance Claims for Older Cars - 2024-07-14
Research Date: 2024-07-14
🔍 Latest Findings: Recent reports indicate a rising trend of insurance companies writing off older vehicles even for minor damages. This has prompted discussions among car owners about the value of opting for independent repairs over insurance claims. A study revealed that over 30% of owners with cars older than 8 years faced similar situations in the past year.
📊 Updated Trends: The automotive repair industry is seeing an increase in DIY repairs and local body shop referrals as more vehicle owners seek cost-effective solutions. A survey from Q2 2024 highlighted that nearly 40% of respondents considered DIY repairs for minor damages to save money.
🆕 New Information: Recent statistics show that while older cars may be valued lower in insurance assessments, their actual market value can be significantly higher based on condition and upgrades. For instance, cars with recent enhancements were often appraised 20-50% above typical market rates.
🔮 Future Outlook: Experts predict that as repair costs rise, more car owners will turn to local body shops over insurance claims. The focus on personalized service and quality repairs is expected to create a more competitive environment, benefiting consumers through better options and pricing.
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2026-04-11
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Autoline Bacup: Car Body Repairs
Are you tired of looking at your car with dents and scratches that make it feel less than new? At Au
Your go-to resource for mastering car body repairs and restorations. We help car owners and enthusiasts with expert techniques and practical workmanship to bring your vehicle back to life.
Trusted by the Bacup community, our mission is to provide reliable, bodywork repairs and restorations backed by years of industry experience and a commitment to excellence.
Choosing the right body repair specialist can feel overwhelming, but understanding what sets a busin
Are you tired of looking at your car with dents and scratches that make it feel less than new? At Au
Article by Barry Ackerley, Local specialists Car Body RepairersServing Bacup and Lancashire for ov
