When your car has been in a minor accident, you’re often left with two immediate questions: Is it safe to drive? And how quickly can I get it repaired?
Private accident repairs give you more control over how and when your vehicle is repaired, without waiting in lengthy insurer queues. At SMART Accident Repair Centres, we specialise in fast, high-quality collision repairs for drivable vehicles with light to medium damage – so you can get back on the road with confidence.
In this guide, we’ll explain what private accident repairs are, when they make sense, how the process works with SMART, and what we can repair on your car or fleet.
What Are Private Accident Repairs?
Private accident repairs are collision repairs that you arrange and pay for directly with the repairer, rather than going through your insurer’s standard claim and allocation process.
Instead of lodging a claim and waiting to be sent to a particular repairer, you:
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Choose your own repairer (in this case, SMART Accident Repair Centres)
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Obtain a quote for the accident damage
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Decide whether to proceed privately or in consultation with your insurer
Private repairs are commonly used for:
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Minor collision damage where the cost may be similar to, or below, your excess
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Cosmetic damage you want fixed quickly for presentation or resale
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Situations where you prefer not to lodge a claim (for example, to discuss impact on premiums or no-claim discounts with your insurer first)
While SMART works closely with major insurers, private repairs allow you to move faster, choose the timing, and still receive professional collision repairs aligned with manufacturer standards.
Important: Always check with your insurer about how private repairs may affect your policy, excess, or future claims. SMART does not provide financial, insurance, or legal advice – our focus is on safe, quality collision repairs.
When to Choose Private Accident Repairs
Private repairs can be a sensible option in several situations:
1. You’re Not at Fault but Don’t Want to Wait
If another driver is at fault, you may be able to recover costs through their insurer. However, claims can take time to progress. Choosing a private repair with SMART allows you to:
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Get your vehicle repaired quickly
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Maintain control over the repairer and timing
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Discuss reimbursement with the at-fault party or their insurer separately
2. Minor Collision or Cosmetic Damage
If your car is drivable and the damage is mostly cosmetic – such as dents, scrapes, or bumper damage – private repairs can be a fast, straightforward solution. This is common for:
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Car park bumps
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Low-speed rear-end collisions
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Scratches and scuffs on panels and bumpers
3. Damage Close to or Below Your Excess
If the repair cost is in the same range as your insurance excess, some drivers prefer to pay privately rather than lodge a claim. In these cases, a clear, itemised quote from SMART helps you decide what makes sense.
4. Presentation and Resale
If you’re planning to sell or trade in your vehicle, visible accident damage can affect perceived value. Private repairs allow you to tidy up panels, bumpers, and paint before valuation or sale.
Why Choose SMART Instead of Waiting in the Insurer Queue?
SMART Accident Repair Centres are designed around fast, high-quality collision repairs for drivable vehicles with light to medium damage. Choosing SMART privately offers several advantages.
Faster Turnaround for Drivable Vehicles
Our sites, processes, and workflows are built to move drivable vehicles with collision damage through quickly. By focusing on light to medium body and paint repairs, we can minimise downtime while maintaining quality.
Control Over Timing and Location
You can choose which SMART site suits you best and book at a time that works around your schedule, rather than waiting to be allocated or scheduled through an insurer network.
OEM-Aligned Repair Methods
SMART technicians work to OEM-aligned repair standards, using correct methods and materials for your vehicle. That means repairs are designed to restore safety, structure, and appearance in the damaged area where possible.
Clear Quotes and Communication
You’ll receive an itemised quote that explains labour, materials, and parts. Our team will talk you through options, help you understand the work involved, and keep you informed during the repair.
How Private Accident Repairs Work with SMART
We aim to make private accident repairs straightforward and transparent:
Initial Contact
Contact your nearest SMART Accident Repair Centre and let us know you’re interested in a private accident repair. Our team will explain what information we need.
Damage Assessment
We’ll assess your vehicle, either in person or using photos and digital tools where appropriate. This helps us understand the extent of collision damage and confirm it’s suitable for SMART’s drivable repair model.
Detailed Quote
You’ll receive a quote outlining the recommended repairs, labour, materials, paint, and parts. We’ll also provide an estimated repair time so you know how long your car will be off the road.
Approval and Booking
Once you’re comfortable with the quote, we’ll book your vehicle in for a convenient date. If you intend to speak with your insurer about reimbursement or future claims, you can do so before approving the work.
Repair and Quality Checks
Your car is repaired by qualified collision repair technicians using modern tools and OEM-aligned methods. This includes panel repairs, refinishing, and quality checks before handover.
Collection and Aftercare
When repairs are complete, we’ll walk you through the work carried out and answer any questions about aftercare or future cosmetic care of the repaired areas.
What SMART Accident Repairs Include
SMART specialises in light to medium collision repairs for drivable vehicles. Our services typically include:
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Bumper Repairs and Replacement
For cracked, dented, or scuffed front and rear bumpers. -
Panel Repairs and Replacement
Including doors, guards, quarter panels, boots, and bonnets affected by minor collisions. -
Cosmetic and Paint Repairs
Scratches, scuffs, stone chips, and refinishing to restore a consistent, high-quality finish. -
Small to Medium Collision Damage
Low-speed impacts and car park accidents where the vehicle remains structurally sound and drivable. -
Minor Alignment and Fitment Adjustments
Ensuring doors, bonnets, and bumpers open, close, and align correctly after repair.
Where additional specialist work is required (e.g. certain glass, advanced sensor calibration, or more significant structural repair), our team will discuss options with you and, where appropriate, coordinate with suitable partners.
Safety Considerations After a Collision
Even when damage looks minor, safety should always come first.
You should not drive your vehicle and should seek immediate assessment if you notice:
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Steering pulling or vibrations after the impact
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Warning lights on the dashboard (e.g. airbags, ABS, stability control)
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Tyres rubbing or unusual noises from the wheels
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Bonnet, boot, or doors that no longer latch securely
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Fuel, fluid, or coolant leaks
Even if your car feels fine, minor damage to bumpers, panels, or crash structures can affect how the vehicle behaves in a future impact. SMART technicians will assess visible collision damage and highlight any concerns about safety or further repairs required.
Understanding Quotes and Parts for Private Accident Repairs
When you receive a private repair quote from SMART, it’s designed to be clear and transparent.
You can expect:
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Labour – the time required for panel work, preparation, refinishing, and assembly
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Paint and Materials – primers, paints, clear coats, and consumables
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Parts – new or replacement components such as bumpers, lights, and trims where needed
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Additional Operations – any blending, alignment, or associated repairs required to restore a consistent finish
Our team can discuss:
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Whether parts are new OEM, OEM-equivalent, or other approved options
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Why particular components need replacing rather than repair
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Any alternative approaches that may change cost or turnaround
This helps you make informed decisions, especially if you’re comparing repair options or considering how the work relates to your insurance excess or future claim choices.
What SMART Can Fix: At-a-Glance
SMART Accident Repair Centres are ideal for:
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Drivable vehicles with light to medium collision damage
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Bumper cracks, dents, and scuffs
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Dented or creased panels (doors, guards, quarter panels)
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Scratches, scrapes, and cosmetic paint damage
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Minor impact damage from car parks or low-speed collisions
SMART is not a mechanical service centre – we focus on collision and cosmetic repairs, not routine servicing, diagnostics, or engine work. For heavy structural damage or non-drivable vehicles, your car may be better suited to a different type of repair facility; our team can advise you if that’s the case.
Private Accident Repairs for Fleets
Private accident repairs aren’t only for individual drivers. Fleet owners and managers can also benefit from fast, drivable repairs arranged directly with SMART.
For fleets, private accident repairs can:
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Reduce time spent waiting in insurer queues
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Keep vehicles on the road through faster, predictable turnaround
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Maintain a consistent, professional appearance across all vehicles
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Integrate with your existing fleet policies and processes
Combined with SMART’s national network and dedicated fleet support, private repairs can be part of a broader accident repair strategy that reduces downtime and protects your brand.
Need a Private Accident Repair? Talk to SMART
If your car – or a fleet vehicle – has been involved in a minor accident, you don’t have to wait in line to get it fixed.
SMART Accident Repair Centres provide:
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Fast, high-quality private accident repairs for drivable vehicles
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Paint, panel, and bumper repairs for small to medium hits
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OEM-aligned methods and safety-focused assessments
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Clear, itemised quotes and straightforward communication
Get in touch with your nearest SMART Accident Repair Centre today to arrange a private accident repair quote and get your vehicle back on the road looking its best.