accident damage not repaired properly

Accident Damage Not Repaired Properly: What You Need to Know

Car accidents are inconvenient, and the repairs can be pricey, making it even more frustrating when they aren’t completed properly. While it’s not uncommon to encounter faulty repairs, they can be dangerous if they aren’t repaired correctly and in a timely manner.

Whether you’ve had a misdiagnosis or repairs that don’t hold up, there are some steps you can take if you question the quality of the repairs. This article will discuss areas to inspect after repairs to ensure everything is completed correctly the first time.

Review the Repair Documentation

Before you proceed, review the documentation provided by the repair shop. This should include a detailed breakdown of the work they performed, parts replaced, and a list of services completed. Compare this to the original estimate to determine if the issue is related to the work performed or if it’s something that was overlooked during the repair process.

Check for warranty information on parts and services provided. Reputable repair shops will offer guarantees on their work, which can be helpful if you’re dealing with incorrect repairs.

Inspect Your Vehicle as Soon as Possible

When you get your car back, there are some things you can inspect to ensure the repairs have been completed correctly. They can include the following:

  • Bodywork and Paint Jobs — Check for any mismatches in paint colour or uneven surfaces, which can indicate poor repairs. Body panels should align properly with no gaps.
  • Fluid Levels and Leaks — Open the bonnet and inspect the engine bay for oil, coolant, or other fluid leaks. Leaking fluids can signal incomplete repairs or issues with new parts.
  • Tyres and Wheels — If you’ve had work done on your tyres, suspension, or wheels, ensure they are correctly aligned, balanced, and inflated to the correct pressure. Unaligned wheels or wobbly tyres are immediate red flags.
  • Warning Lights and Dash Indicators — When you turn the car on, note any dashboard lights that come on. Warning lights should not remain illuminated after repairs—if they do, it might indicate that the initial problem wasn’t resolved.
  • Brakes and Steering — Take a slow drive and feel for responsiveness in your brakes and steering. Unusual noises, vibrations, or reduced responsiveness could mean the technician didn’t complete the repairs correctly or that further issues exist.

Contact the Repair Shop With Concerns

If you notice any issues or aren’t satisfied with repairs, contact the repair shop immediately. Explain the problem to them in detail and where and how the repairs are lacking. A quality shop will be open to addressing any issues and offering to make things right, especially if it warranties its work.

Know Your Rights

If repairs haven’t been performed as agreed, consumers are protected by the Consumer Rights Act of 2015. This act states that repairs should be performed with “reasonable care and skill.” If the shop fails to fix the problem after you give them another opportunity, you can request a refund or have the repairs done elsewhere, with the original shop covering the costs.

You can also contact the Motor Ombudsman. This organisation handles automotive service disputes if your complaint isn’t resolved satisfactorily.

Get a Second Opinion

If the problem continues and the shop refuses to cooperate, consider getting a second opinion from another repair shop. Some mechanics offer diagnostic services specifically to verify previous work. Another qualified mechanic can assess the problem and help determine if the initial repair was completed correctly, which can help you decide whether you should take further action.

Request Documentation of Additional Repairs

Be sure to request detailed documentation if the repairs have to be redone by another shop. A reputable repair shop shouldn’t have an issue providing a breakdown of the work performed. This documentation may be essential if you decide to escalate the issue with the original repair shop.

Caversham Coachworks, Ensuring Quality Car Repairs for Four Decades

No one wants to spend extra time or money on subpar auto repairs, but they do happen. Knowing what to do and the steps to take can ensure your car is safe and functional. You can be proactive by doing research, reading reviews, and getting recommendations before choosing a repair shop.

Caversham Coachworks has been a part of the Caversham community for four decades. Whether you’re dealing with an accident that isn’t your fault or private or insurance repairs, we provide affordable, high-quality work you can depend on.

We understand how frustrating dealing with insurance companies can be after an accident. Our team has experience dealing with insurance companies, so we can help negotiate the bureaucracy of an insurance claim to help get your vehicle repaired as quickly as possible.

Contact us today for an appointment, or use our free online estimator tool.

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