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.
Before repairs begin, it’s important to follow the correct post-accident procedure. This includes:
Once this is done, you’ll be in a position to have your vehicle assessed and repaired.
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:
These may seem cosmetic, but left unchecked, they can reduce your car’s value and lead to corrosion.
Repairing structural damage often requires specialist measuring systems and jig equipment to realign the frame precisely to manufacturer specifications.
An impact can damage:
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.
In higher-speed collisions, components such as:
may be affected. A full inspection can identify and rectify damage before it worsens.
Accidents often damage:
Modern cars rely heavily on electronics. Post-repair diagnostics are crucial to ensure all systems are functioning correctly.
Cracked windscreens, broken mirrors, and shattered windows must be replaced to maintain visibility and structural integrity.
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.
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.
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.
We regularly work with insurance companies and can help manage your claim by providing photographic evidence, damage reports, and repair schedules.
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.
Where necessary, we use specialist tools to:
This stage restores the safety and performance of your vehicle.
Using modern techniques such as:
We ensure the bodywork is smooth, properly aligned, and ready for refinishing.
Using precision colour-matching systems and a dust-free spray booth, we restore your vehicle’s paintwork to a flawless factory finish.
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.
Before returning your car, we give it a professional clean inside and out, so it looks as good as new.
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.
Classic car owners value authenticity. We work hard to:
We’re happy to collaborate with owners to retain as much of the vehicle’s originality as possible.
Older vehicles may suffer from rust, tired welds, and ageing paintwork. Our skilled team can:
Motorbikes and classic cars often feature aluminium, fibreglass, or chrome finishes, which need specialist repair and finishing techniques to avoid damage and maintain value.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.