Choosing a Panelbeater or Spraypainter in South Africa today
Introduction
We in the autobody repair industry have forever being tag with many names e.g. chop shops, crooks,
Vultures etc. Yes, in some instances this was true and some shops still fall in this category today,
But the changes in the past decade have been so numerous, and the controls that are now in place,
Have put our industry on a new level, thus benefiting not only our reputation but clients as well.
Today to survive in our industry autobody repairers' have to decide which direction they wish to take.
There in my opinion are three categories to choose from.
1) Specialist: that is to go the factory approval route and gear up your shop to a standard that is set
Out or prescribed by the motor manufacturers with strict controls or;
2) Generalize and go for the insured vehicles that do not fall under the factory approval programs with some controls.
3) Informal repairer who takes on the vast market of uninsured vehicles.
Specialist repairers:
Factory approved repairers generally are always approved by all the top insurance companies. the reasons are simple, if you car is still under warrantee and is damaged, it has to be repaired by a factory approved repairer in order to keep the warrantee validated, not many car owners are aware of this, but more and more manufacturers are advising new car buyers through car manuals, press and websites. They need to do this because competition is tough and more and more extended warrantees are now being offered on new vehicles. The specialist repairer is an extension of the service provided by the manufacturers. Extended warrantees also means that the factory keeps the after sales market moving on for a longer period because a prerequisite of the warrantee program is that only genuine parts are to be fitted to the vehicle. This is of course is a benefit to the client as well. Most manufacturers audit as well as do c.s.i. on the approved repairers to ensure some form of integrity as well as quality.
I highly recommend that if you have a vehicle that is not older than 5 years, you first check to see what the warrantee conditions are and adhere to them, as should you neglect to do so you could find yourself losing money when you trade in the vehicle.
General repairers:
As I have stated above these repairers fall outside of the manufacturer approval program either by choice or by virtue of not upgrading their shops to qualify. The majority is very competent and is approved by most insurance companies.
Informal repairers:
Repairers that have chosen to remain small such as one man operations or have targeted the uninsured market which is vast. The cost of the repairs is much less than the other categories due to the low overhead structure.
Another aspect is that a number of new-comers to the industry start in this category and slowly move up thus gaining experience as well as developing a good client base and creating goodwill.
Your choices:
At the scene of the accident:
Many drivers at the time of accident are traumatized and emotionally upset and therefore sometimes forget the golden rules regarding the procedures to follow which are.
1When involved in an accident, never admit to being responsible for causing the accident.
2Never sign a release or any other document offered or demanded from a breakdown contractor unless advised to do so by your insurer or broker.
2(a)Remember this rule, when unsure of what to do negotiate a fee and have the vehicle towed to your house. Thereafter decisions can be made.
3Make sure that your vehicle (if under warrantee) is repaired by a factory approved repairer or you could forfeit the warrantee.
4Take note, being dealer approved does not mean the repairer is factory approved. Please check with your dealer or direct with the factory.
5Cheap insurance is in most cases, is never good insurance.
6The extra few rands spent on an insurance policy for reduced excesses and hire vehicles is well worth it.
7Always review your insurance cover on your vehicle as the value of the vehicle decreases annually therefore so should your premium.
More articles to follow shortly or go to http://www.renown.co.za
