How fast can Paintworks start an insurance repair?

Work usually begins after insurer authorisation and when required parts are available. You receive a realistic timeline based on damage severity and parts supply.

What if more damage is found during the repair?

Hidden damage is photographed and documented, then a supplement is requested from the insurer before continuing — standard practice for accredited repairers.

Does Paintworks Autobody have workshops in Melbourne?

Yes — Moorabbin and Truganina locations for smash repair, panel beating and spray painting with insurance claim support.

Insurance

Car insurance claims made clearer — Moorabbin & Truganina

Q: Do I have to use my insurer’s preferred repairer?

Often you can choose your repairer, but you should read your policy PDS. Paintworks works with major Australian insurers and can explain typical options in plain English.

A prang on the Monash or a carpark scrape shouldn’t mean weeks of chasing paperwork. At Paintworks Autobody we help you understand the claim path, speak the same language as assessors, and get your car back to a factory-fair finish — without the runaround.

Start a claim / quote Talk to our team

Why get a repairer involved early?

Insurers follow checklists. If photos, measurements or reports arrive late, approvals slip — and your car sits. We front-load the detail assessors expect: structured photos, itemised scopes, and clear repair plans aligned to manufacturer methods where it matters.

Your choice of repairer

In Victoria you’re generally entitled to choose who repairs your vehicle (subject to your policy wording). We’re happy to explain how that works in plain English before you commit — no pressure, no jargon soup.

What we actually do on insurance jobs

Every claim is different, but most paths touch the same milestones. Here’s how we typically plug in alongside you or your broker.

Scope & estimating

Visible damage plus what hides behind panels — written clearly so there’s less to-and-fro with the insurer.

Insurer liaison

We keep communication professional and documented — approvals, supplements, and parts holds move faster.

Quality repair & refinish

Panel, structural and paint work to OEM-style standards using genuine parts where your cover allows — backed by our lifetime workmanship warranty on eligible repairs.

Straight steps after a collision

Safety first. Move out of traffic if you can; hazards on, help anyone hurt, call 000 if needed.
Swap details. Names, phones, regos, insurers — and witnesses if anyone stopped.
Photo everything. Wide shots, close-ups of impact zones, debris, and the scene — time-stamped daylight helps.
Police report when required. Serious damage or injury usually needs a report number for the claim.
Notify your insurer promptly. Most policies ask for “as soon as practicable” — delays can complicate things.
Call us before you assume a “preferred” shop is mandatory. We’ll outline options and book a look-over at Moorabbin or Truganina.

Claim flavours we see every week

Not at fault

Someone else’s insurer may fund repairs. We help present evidence clearly so liability decisions don’t drag because of thin paperwork.

At fault / own damage

Your comprehensive policy usually covers your vehicle subject to excess and limits. We map what’s covered vs cash repair so there are no surprises mid-job.

Uninsured third party

Trickier — we’ll be honest about paths (civil demand, payment plans, staged repairs) and what documentation helps if you pursue costs privately.

Disputed or “grey” liability

Extra photos, witness statements and measured damage mapping can shift stalemates. We know what assessors look for when stories don’t match.

Why drivers pick Paintworks

Two metro workshops — Moorabbin and Truganina — so you’re not trekking across town for every update.
Insurance-approved workflows, genuine parts focus, and transparent repair plans.
Free towing on eligible work — handy when the car isn’t driveable.
Reduced or waived excess options on qualifying claims where we can assist with insurer programs.
Lifetime workmanship warranty on workmanship we perform — ask us what that covers for your job type.

FAQs

Insurance & smash repair questions

Do I have to use my insurer’s “preferred” repairer?

Often no — but read your product disclosure statement (PDS). We’re used to working with major Australian insurers either way.

How fast can you start?

Once we have authority to proceed and parts where needed, we slot work by severity and parts ETA — we’ll give you a realistic window upfront.

Will my premium go up if I’m not at fault?

That’s between you and your insurer. We don’t set premiums — we focus on accurate scopes and quality repairs.

Can you help with a hire car?

Many policies include rental or hire benefit — we can point you to what to ask your claims officer, based on your cover.

What if extra damage is found mid-repair?

We document “hidden” damage with photos and request a supplement from the insurer before continuing — standard industry practice.

Do you handle heavy commercial vehicles?

Tell us the make, model and damage when you book online — we’ll confirm fit at the right workshop.