March 27, 2025

How to Repair Your Car After an Accident

Written by Phil White
With a remarkable 32 years of hands-on experience, Phil White is a true artisan in car restoration, bodywork, and paint. Holding City & Guilds Diplomas in Vehicle Accident Repair Body and Vehicle Accident Repair Paint at Levels 1, 2, and 3, all with distinctions, he combines technical expertise with an artist’s eye for detail. He's not just a seasoned professional; he's a passionate enthusiast, turning every vehicle he touches into a work of art.

Even the most careful drivers can experience an accident. Whether it’s a minor bump in a car park or a more serious collision on the road, accident damage can be upsetting, inconvenient, and costly. Fortunately, with the right expertise and support, your vehicle can be restored to a safe, roadworthy, and visually appealing condition.

At White’s Bodyworks in West Sussex, we specialise in bodywork and mechanical repairs for both modern vehicles and classic cars, offering a complete repair service to help get you back on the road quickly and safely. 

Initial Steps After an Accident

Before repairs begin, it’s important to follow the correct post-accident procedure. This includes:

  • Ensuring safety: Move to a safe place, check for injuries, and call emergency services if necessary.
  • Exchanging information: Share insurance and contact details with the other party.
  • Documenting the damage: Take photos of all visible damage to your car and the other vehicle.
  • Notifying your insurer: Even for minor accidents, you should inform your insurer as soon as possible.

Once this is done, you’ll be in a position to have your vehicle assessed and repaired.

Common Types of Accident Damage

Even minor accidents can cause a surprising variety of damage to your vehicle. At White’s Bodyworks, we see and repair all kinds of post-accident issues, including:

1. Bodywork Damage

  • Dents and dings from low-speed impacts
  • Scratches and paint scuffs caused by collisions or debris
  • Panel damage where doors, bumpers, bonnets, or wings have been misaligned or crushed

These may seem cosmetic, but left unchecked, they can reduce your car’s value and lead to corrosion.

2. Structural Damage

  • Chassis misalignment caused by severe collisions
  • Frame bending that affects how the car handles or steers

Repairing structural damage often requires specialist measuring systems and jig equipment to realign the frame precisely to manufacturer specifications.

3. Suspension and Steering Issues

An impact can damage:

  • Suspension arms and bushes
  • Shock absorbers
  • Steering racks and tie rods

Even if the damage isn’t visible, a change in how your car feels on the road (pulling to one side, uneven tyre wear, knocking noises) could indicate a hidden issue.

4. Mechanical Damage

In higher-speed collisions, components such as:

  • The engine mountings
  • Radiator
  • Gearbox
  • Drivetrain components

may be affected. A full inspection can identify and rectify damage before it worsens.

5. Lighting and Electrical Faults

Accidents often damage:

  • Headlights or rear lights
  • Wiring looms
  • Sensors (e.g., parking, ABS, airbag systems)

Modern cars rely heavily on electronics. Post-repair diagnostics are crucial to ensure all systems are functioning correctly.

6. Windscreen and Glass Damage

Cracked windscreens, broken mirrors, and shattered windows must be replaced to maintain visibility and structural integrity.

7. Airbag Deployment

If your airbag deployed during an accident, it must be replaced, and the airbag module reset. This is a safety-critical repair that must be carried out by trained professionals.

The Repair Process at a Specialist Garage

When you bring your vehicle to a professional garage like White’s Bodyworks, you benefit from a structured, step-by-step repair process designed to restore your car to its pre-accident condition—or better.

1. Initial Inspection and Estimate

We begin with a comprehensive assessment of the visible and hidden damage. This includes checking mechanical components, safety systems, and bodywork. We’ll then provide you with a clear estimate and timeline for the work.

2. Insurance Liaison

We regularly work with insurance companies and can help manage your claim by providing photographic evidence, damage reports, and repair schedules.

3. Dismantling

To access and assess internal damage, certain panels or components may need to be removed. This allows us to spot secondary issues and ensure a thorough repair.

4. Structural and Mechanical Repairs

Where necessary, we use specialist tools to:

  • Realign the chassis or subframe
  • Replace damaged suspension or steering components
  • Repair or replace mechanical systems

This stage restores the safety and performance of your vehicle.

5. Bodywork and Panel Repair

Using modern techniques such as:

  • Paintless dent removal for minor dings
  • Panel beating and plastic welding
  • Replacement of severely damaged panels

We ensure the bodywork is smooth, properly aligned, and ready for refinishing.

6. Paintwork and Refinishing

Using precision colour-matching systems and a dust-free spray booth, we restore your vehicle’s paintwork to a flawless factory finish.

  1. Reassembly and Quality Control

Once repairs are complete, we reassemble all components, test vehicle systems, and carry out a road test. We also check alignment, lights, sensors, and airbag functionality.

  1. Valeting and Final Handover

Before returning your car, we give it a professional clean inside and out, so it looks as good as new.

Classic Cars and Motorbikes – Special Repair Considerations

At White’s Bodyworks, we have a long-standing reputation for working with classic cars and motorbikes, which require a different level of attention and craftsmanship than modern vehicles.

1. Originality and Authenticity

Classic car owners value authenticity. We work hard to:

  • Source genuine or period-correct parts
  • Match original paint codes
  • Preserve key design features

We’re happy to collaborate with owners to retain as much of the vehicle’s originality as possible.

2. Bodywork Restoration

Older vehicles may suffer from rust, tired welds, and ageing paintwork. Our skilled team can:

  • Fabricate or repair classic panels
  • Treat and prevent corrosion
  • Blend new paint with aged finishes for seamless results

3. Delicate Materials

Motorbikes and classic cars often feature aluminium, fibreglass, or chrome finishes, which need specialist repair and finishing techniques to avoid damage and maintain value.

  1. Mechanical Compatibility

Replacing mechanical parts in classic vehicles requires understanding their unique engineering. We offer sympathetic mechanical repair to restore performance while respecting the vehicle’s original design.

Whether it’s a post-accident repair on a 1960s MG or cosmetic restoration on a vintage Norton motorcycle, we treat each classic vehicle with the care and expertise it deserves.

Choosing the Right Garage for Accident Repairs

Not all garages are created equal. When your vehicle has suffered accident damage, you want assurance that repairs will be done safely, thoroughly, and professionally.

White’s Bodyworks in West Sussex offers:

  • Over 20 years of experience
  • Skilled technicians trained in both modern and classic repair methods
  • State-of-the-art facilities including paint booths, alignment jigs, and diagnostics
  • Insurance-approved estimates and repairs
  • A personal, honest, and friendly service from a team that genuinely cares

Whether you drive a family hatchback, a prestige saloon, a cherished classic, or a motorcycle, you can trust us to treat your vehicle as if it were our own.

Final Thoughts

Accidents happen—but with the right guidance, they don’t have to be a nightmare. By understanding the common types of damage and how professional garages approach the repair process, you can make informed decisions and restore your vehicle to full health.

If you’ve been involved in an accident and need expert, trustworthy repairs—whether for a modern car, a classic vehicle, or a motorbike—White’s Bodyworks in West Sussex is here to help.

Contact us today for a free estimate or to discuss your repair requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I choose my own repair garage after an accident, or do I have to use my insurer’s recommended repairer?

Yes, you are legally entitled to choose your own repair garage, even if your insurance company suggests one of their approved repairers. At White’s Bodyworks, many of our customers choose us because they trust our craftsmanship and experience, particularly with classic vehicles and motorcycles. We are happy to work with your insurer and provide all necessary estimates and documentation.

  1. How long will it take to repair my vehicle after an accident?

Repair times vary depending on the extent of the damage, availability of parts, and whether any specialist work is required. Minor cosmetic repairs might take just a few days, while more extensive structural or bodywork restoration could take longer. At White’s Bodyworks, we will provide an estimated timeframe during the assessment and keep you updated throughout the process.

  1. Will the repair be visible once the work is completed?

No, a high-quality repair should be undetectable. We use advanced paint-matching technology and professional refinishing techniques to ensure a seamless finish. Whether it’s a modern car or a vintage vehicle, our aim is to restore your car to its pre-accident condition or better—both aesthetically and structurally.

  1. What happens if my car has hidden damage that wasn't visible during the initial assessment?

It is not uncommon for additional issues to be discovered once the vehicle is dismantled. If this occurs, we will contact you (and your insurer, if applicable) immediately to explain the situation, provide photographic evidence, and revise the estimate if required. No additional work will be carried out without your approval.

  1. Do you repair classic cars and motorcycles that have been in accidents?

Yes, we specialise in the repair and restoration of classic cars and motorcycles. Accidents involving these vehicles often require a more sensitive and bespoke approach due to the need for rare parts, period-correct finishes, and careful preservation of original features. Our team has extensive experience in classic vehicle repair and will work with you to ensure authenticity, safety, and value are maintained.


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