Tips: Car Insurance for When You Need a Panel Beater

Car Insurance protects you, but after an accident, many drivers feel overwhelmed by the Car Insurance process that follows. This is especially true when panel beater repairs and excess payments come into play.

With Budget Insurance, you’ll understand exactly how Car Insurance covers panel beaters, how to choose a reliable panel beater, and the benefits of using trusted panel beaters for insurance repairs. This guide will give you clear answers about panel beater costs, timelines, and risks so you can get back behind the wheel quickly and stress-free.

What is a panel beater, and what do they do?

A panel beater is a trained automotive repair specialist who restores damaged vehicles after an accident. Their main job is to fix dents, realign frames, replace exterior panels, and respray the car so it looks and performs like it did before. Rather than simply “patching” damage, a panel beater works to return your vehicle to manufacturer-approved cosmetic and safety standards.

Most panel beaters use advanced equipment and specialist tools to remove dents, weld replacement parts, repair crumpled bodywork, and match paint perfectly. They also assess the full extent of hidden structural damage, which is vital for safe driving. Panel beating is highly specialised, leading insurers to rely on qualified and trusted panel beaters for insurance repairs rather than general mechanics. If your car isn’t written off and can be repaired, a panel beater is the expert who will bring it back to life.

Why might my insurance send me to a panel beater?

Your insurance company will send you to a panel beater when they determine your vehicle can be repaired rather than declared a total write-off. The insurer can ensure repairs are completed correctly, safely, and cost-effectively by sending you to panel beaters they trust and approve. It also speeds up the claims process and reduces the risk of problems with workmanship later on.

Understanding how Car Insurance covers panel beater costs

Unfortunately, accidents happen – and when they do, you’ll likely need a panel beater to repair your vehicle. According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation, in South Africa, the frequency of car accidents remains high, with 2,050 fatal crashes recorded between January and March 2025 .

Comprehensive Car Insurance for accident repairs covers most of the paintwork, parts, and structural correction. However, you are responsible for excess costs for panel beater repairs, which you pay before insurance settles the rest of the bill.

2 Must-do tips to have your vehicle repaired quickly

To understand how Car Insurance covers panel beaters, it helps to look at how claims are processed. Once the accident is reported and approved, the insurer authorises repairs, appoints a trusted repairer and confirms the timeline. This protects you from inflated costs, mediocre-quality repairs, or lengthy delays that can happen when using a non-approved repair shop.

Here are some tips for when your car is in an accident:

Tip 1: Properly document the damage

Before contacting your insurer, you need a full record of what happened.

• Take clear photos of the damage from different angles

• Capture the accident scene

• Collect witness statements if possible

• File a police report if required

Proper documentation supports your claim and speeds up approval for panel beater repairs.

Tip 2: File your claim as soon as possible

Once you have the necessary documents, submit your claim immediately. Delays can complicate investigations, prolong repair timelines, and even impact payout decisions. Quick reporting helps your insurer fast-track approval and get your car booked with a trusted panel beater sooner.

Tip 3: If selecting your own panel beater, do your research!

If you prefer to choose a panel beater, due diligence is critical.

• Look for positive customer reviews, legitimate certifications and experience repairing your car’s make and model.

• Check whether they offer warranties on their work and whether parts used are genuine rather than generic replacements.

• If the repairer is not approved by your insurer, you may need to pay out of pocket for the repair. Insurance won’t cover non-approved panel beaters.

Tip 4: Know the excess

Even though Comprehensive Insurance covers most repair costs, you still need to pay the excess. Your policy documents or insurer can provide you with the exact amount, whether it is fixed or percentage-based, and to whom you should pay it. In most cases, the excess is paid directly to the panel beater before the repair work begins, though some insurers accept payment directly. Understanding your excess upfront helps avoid unnecessary delays, allowing repairs to start as soon as possible.

Why you should use an approved panel beater through Budget Insurance

Insurance companies work with a preferred network of approved repairers – panel beaters who have been vetted for reliability, skill, turnaround time, and quality of workmanship. An approved panel beater meets strict standards, uses suitable parts and tools, and guarantees repairs aligned with manufacturer safety requirements. Budget Insurance only uses approved repairers for quality results and a seamless claims experience.

Choosing an unapproved panel beater may seem like a good idea if you want someone local or recommended by a friend, but there are real risks associated with this decision. Your insurance company may refuse to pay for repairs, workmanship quality may be inconsistent, and problems discovered later may not be covered.

The benefits of approved panel beaters include faster claims approval, guaranteed workmanship, simpler billing, and protection from inflated repair quotes.

Frequently asked questions

• Can I choose my own panel beater?

No. With Budget Insurance, you can’t choose your own panel beater for an insurance-funded repair – only approved repairers are covered. You can use your own if you prefer, but you’ll need to pay for the repairs out of pocket.

•  Do I have to pay an excess even if the accident wasn’t my fault?

Yes. Most policies require you to pay the excess upfront, even if you weren’t responsible for the accident. In some instances, you may be reimbursed later if the insurer successfully recovers costs from the at-fault party.

To learn more about what to do in the event of a car accident – including practical Car Insurance tips, read our dedicated guide.

• How do I find approved panel beaters?

Approved panel beaters are listed through your insurer. With Budget Insurance, you can contact the claims team, and they will provide a nearby, trusted panel beater from their approved network.

• Do I need comprehensive insurance to cover a panel beater?

Yes. Panel beater repairs are typically only covered under comprehensive Car Insurance. Third-Party or Third-Party, Fire and Theft Policies do not include accidental damage to your own vehicle.

Get a Budget Insurance quote

Whether you’ve just had an accident or want peace of mind for the future, get free, no-obligation Car Insurance quotes from Budget today and enjoy cover that makes panel-beater repairs fast, simple, and reliable. Accidents are stressful, but the repair process doesn’t have to be! Our friendly team is always here to help if you have any questions. 

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sources:

Road Traffic Management Corporation:

https://www.rtmc.co.za/images/rtmc/docs/traffic_reports/quarterly/January-to-March-2024-and-2025-State-of-Road-Safety-Report.pdf

Information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or medical advice. Budget Insurance is a licensed non-life insurer and FSP, Ts & Cs online.