The Best Panel Beaters in Brisbane

Updated 18 March 2023

Summary

• Few things are more irritating than finding that your car has taken a dent. Arranging panel beating is expensive and inconvenient. Even if you have insurance, you will need to decide whether or not to claim with consideration for the excess and possible increase in premiums later.
• Our guide explains how to find a trusted panel beater, what it should cost and must-know facts to be aware of. We also list many trusted, skilled, experienced, and reliable panel beaters in Brisbane to deal with your issue.

How Much Does Panel Beating Cost?

On average, in Brisbane, you can expect to pay around $500 to $1,000 to remove simple dents and scratches. More extensive damage could cost more. There are so many factors that can affect the amount you pay, including:

• Parts that are required
• The time it takes to carry out the work
• The make, model, and age of your car
• The paint required
• If you are insured or not, and the excess you must pay

When Should and Shouldn’t I Claim On My Car Insurance?

Your comprehensive insurance policy may cover the cost of panel beating, but it may not always be financially advantageous to file a claim. The cost of your insurance policy may increase when it is time to renew or switch to a different insurance company. To help you make an informed decision, we list five different accident scenarios and estimate the cost of panel beating repairs in the table below. This will help you to determine whether it is more beneficial to pay for the repairs out of pocket or through car insurance.

Questions to Ask During a Quote for Panel Beating

1. Do you use high-quality materials and equipment?

• As is the case with any car repairs, you often get what you pay for when it comes to panel beating.
• Some panel beaters offer cheaper services because they use lower-quality materials. However, to ensure your car is restored to its former glory, you must choose a panel beater that uses authentic, high-quality materials and equipment. 

2. Do you offer any warranties on your work?

• Most panel beaters that feel confident in their ability to carry out their job correctly tend to validate their work by offering warranties.
• While some may offer guarantees to cover the entire lifetime of the fixed panels, others only provide fixed warranties that cover a specific number of years.
• Be aware that when looking at guarantees, you should aim for one that covers the services provided but also extends to the parts used. 

3. Will the quote include a full breakdown of the price for the work?

• Although you may not automatically think of this, asking if the quote will include a full-price breakdown is a good idea.
• You want to know what you are getting for the price you are paying, after all, and if there is anything that is not covered. This will also help you ensure they are not adding additional fees that could sting you regarding invoicing time.

4. How do you approach panel beating jobs?

• There are many ways to fix cars, especially when it comes to dents and other smash damage. All makes and models require specific professional care and attention to ensure it is carried out correctly.
• All panel beaters do things differently. But they all create action plans for fixing dents and smash repairs.
• Find out how the panel beaters are going to approach your repairs. If they have a clear and detailed plan, you know they will do a detailed and thorough job.

Remember: You mustn’t rush your decision when choosing a panel beater. You may be in a hurry to restore your car to its original state, but don’t rush so quickly that you will make a rash and expensive decision. Instead, we suggest you seek quotes from at least three-panel beating companies and compare their services and prices.

How Can I Get the Best Price for Panel Beating Services?

• Always shop around: You may be in a rush to fix your dents and smash damage as quickly as possible. However, don’t let that push you to rush the decision. Instead, take some time to compare quotes, check the waiting time and make an informed choice. Our list of trusted panel beaters below is a helpful starting point.
• Look local and be prepared to wait: Local panel beaters who quote fairly and are convenient will You will always find a cheaper deal if you stick with local Brisbane-based and serving panel beaters than if you look further afield. While there may not be any travel expenses you need to pay directly, if you must transport or drive your car out to them and they are not close, this will cause the price to increase.

Be on the lookout for any discounts – although panel beaters do not always offer discounts, it may be that you can secure other services you need from the same business for a reduced rate. For instance, they may provide complete car repaints for a reduced rate if you hire them for panel beating services.

How Do Panel Beaters Charge?

The full breakdown for a bill from a professional panel beating service usually includes the following items:

• Materials and parts
• Labour charges
• Specialist equipment costs (if required, and charged separately to materials, parts and labour)
• GST

How do I pay for panel beating services?

Most panel beaters in Brisbane accept the following payment types:

• Cash with an invoice
• Direct debit
• Debit or credit card
• Cheque

Can I do DIY Panel Beating?

Whether or not you should attempt DIY panel beating depends on several factors, including:

1. Skill level: If you have prior experience and knowledge of car repair, you may feel comfortable attempting to do panel beating. However, if you have little to no experience, it may be best to leave the repairs to a professional.
2. Type of damage: Minor scratches and dents may be easy to repair with a DIY kit, but if the damage is severe or the car has been in a collision, it is likely best to take the car to a professional.
3. Tools and equipment: Panel beating requires specialized equipment such as a welder and paint booth. If you don’t have access to these tools, it won’t be easy to do the repairs correctly.
4. Time and budget: If you have the time and money to purchase the necessary tools and equipment and are willing to invest the time to learn the necessary skills, DIY may be possible. However, the risks are great, and things can quickly go wrong. 

There are several risks associated with DIY panel beating, including:

1. Inadequate repairs: Without the proper training, knowledge, and tools, you may not be able to repair the damage correctly. This can lead to further damage, rust or unsightly repairs.
2. Reduced resale value: Improperly repaired cars often have a lower resale value. It can be hard to match colours, alignment, and finish and make the car look like it has never been damaged, which will affect the car’s value, especially when it is inspected by a professional.
3. Difficulty getting insurance coverage: Insurance companies may be less likely to cover cars repaired by a non-professional.
4. Legal issues: if the car is involved in an accident after a DIY repair, the person responsible for the repairs may be held liable if it can be shown that the repairs were not up to the legal standards.

Know This: Panel beating is a skilled job requiring much expertise and experience. If you’re unsure if you can handle the task, it’s best to leave it to a professional with the right knowledge, experience and equipment. It’s also important to weigh the cost and time of doing it yourself against the cost of hiring a professional. It is generally more cost-effective and efficient for most people to take their car to a professional for repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a mobile bumper repair and a panel beater?

Panel beaters typically operate from a fully equipped workshop and can carry out more comprehensive repair services on your car. Panel beaters need to have access to your vehicle for several days. In contrast, mobile bumper technicians only carry out simpler repair work. 

Can panel beaters remove scratches from my car?

Yes. Most scratches, big and small, can be removed entirely from your car. However, it is better to deal with these quickly and sooner rather than waiting because if they are left too long, they can rust over. 

Can the colours of my car’s paintwork be matched?

Yes, most panel beaters can replace and repaint to match.

How long do panel beater repairs take?

The time it takes to complete panel beating repairs will depend on various factors, including the amount of damage sustained and the actual panel beater, as well as how busy the panel beater is. 

I have car insurance – who do I pay my excess to?

The best starting point is to contact your insurer. You’ll have two options – either you pay your panel beater for the work and claim it back from the insurer. Or, more common, is when your insurer directs you to a specific panel beater to complete the work. You then pay the excess to the insurer. Your insurer will take care of everything else. You can check exactly how much excess you need to pay at any time – it will be clearly stated on the policy documents under ‘excess’.  

Can you DIY panel beating?

It’s possible, but the results will vary considerably, and you risk further damage. If you want to save money and feel you are handy enough with a hammer and other tools, you could follow trusted guides and tutorials online for ideas. However, as panel beating is a highly specialised form of car repair work, you may not be able to achieve the same results as professionals. So we suggest you think carefully before going down the DIY route. Your efforts may create more expensive problems.

Map of Best Brisbane Panel Beaters

Our List of the Best Brisbane Panel Beaters

J&D Quality Smash Repairs

Overview:

• Google Rating: ~4.9/5
• Address: Shed 5/167 Murarrie Road East, Murarrie 4172 
• Website: J&D Quality Smash Repairs
• Contact number: 07 3890 4966
• Email address: info@jdqualitysmash.com.au

What customers like:

• Make it seem as if the car came off the factory line.
• Well priced.
• Service includes a courtesy vacuum and clean-up before pick-up. 
• Great communication and overall excellent service.
• Have put together a step-by-step instruction guide on what to do during a collision accident.
• Can assist with roadside towing services without being obligated to bring the car to their workshop.

Services offered (but not limited to): Spray painting, panel beating, insurance repairs, paintless dent removal, plastic welding, windscreen replacement, chassis straightening, detailing, large fleet work, roadside towing service.

B C M Body Repairs

Overview:

• Google Rating: ~4.9/5
• Address: 961 Ipswich Rd, Moorooka, 4105
• Website: B C M Body Repairs
• Contact number: 07 3368 2951
• Email address: ccq@car-craft.com.au

What customers like:

• Highly recommended for their price, workmanship, and repair quality.
• Top-notch customer service and quality of work is consistently outstanding.
• Delivery is fast, with great communication and workmanship.
• Helpful list on their website of what to do should a car accident occur. 
• Loan vehicles available, but it is subject to availability. 

Services offered (but not limited to): Fleet management and repair, insurance works, collision repairs, panel repairs, car window replacements, scratch repairs, SMART repairs, restorations, hail damage repairs, dent removal and repairs, paintless dent removal, panel beating and others.

Brisbane Budget Bumper Repairs

Overview:

• Google Rating: ~4.9/5
• Address: 17 Ormeley Street, Stafford Heights, 4053
• Website: Brisbane Budget Bumper Repairs
• Mobile: 0415 702 502
• Email address: fulvio67109@gmail.com

What customers like:

• Can complete the job quickly and as quoted. 
• Provides unbiased recommendations and helps their client to save more on repairs. 
• Goes above and beyond to ensure customers pay the best service price.
• View some of their auto repair works and panel beating services through their gallery page. 

Services offered (but not limited to): Mobile scratch repair, panel beating, paint touch-up, chip repair, bumper repair, pre-sale tidy ups and supply and fitting of new parts.

Hadwen’s Prestige Collision Repairs

Overview:

• Google Rating: ~4.9/5
• Address: 62 Burrows St, Bowen Hills 4006
• Website: Hadwen’s Prestige Collision Repairs
• Contact number: 07 3852 1944
• Email address: admin@hadwens.com.au 

What customers like:

• Excellent panel beating quality. 
• Make it feel like no accident had happened with the cars they service.
• Manage the paperwork well and turn out to be less costly than other providers. 
• Works closely with all major insurance providers, Including AIOI, Allianz, ANZ, Bingle, Budget Direct and others.

Services offered (but not limited to): Insurance claim assistance; smash and collision repairs of Lexus, Subaru, Honda, Genesis, British vehicles, European vehicles and Japanese vehicles.

Advanced Auto Accident Repair Centre

Overview:

• Google Rating: ~4.8/5
• Address: 14 Higgs Street, Albion 4010
• Website: Advanced Auto Accident Repair Centre
• Contact number: 07 3862 2974
• Email address: admin@advancedaccidentrepair.com.au

What customers like:

• Customer service is top-notch, the pricing is reasonable.
• Quality of their work is excellent.
• Team keeps the customer up to date with the details of their work.
• Inspection of the car is fair, and the team is honest about what’s needed to be done. 
• They have collated some helpful reads about vehicle repairs, common car repairs and self-assessment. 

Services offered (but not limited to): Insurance repairs, wheel alignment, panel beating and repairs, dent removal, refinishing, car detailing and fleet servicing. 

Pro Mobile Touch Ups

Overview:

• Google Rating: ~4.8/5
• Address: Brisbane
• Website: Pro Mobile Touch Ups
• Mobile: 0401 526 155
• Email address: promobiletouchups@gmail.com

What customers like:

• Very convenient and professional in fixing dented panels and car scratches.
• Politely and patiently answers all questions from start to end of the appointment. 
• Use the DuPont Tinting system with all the latest updated formulas for panel works.
• Only provide mobile services but stand by their 5-year warranty on all jobs.

Services offered (but not limited to): Mobile panel beating, car scratch repairs, on-site colour matching, bumper repairs, plastic welding, fleet packages and paint rectification.

GM Smash Repairs

Overview:

• Google Rating: ~4.8/5
• Address: 37 Unwin St, Moorooka 4105 
• Website: GM Smash Repairs
• Mobile: 0401 041 503

What customers like: