How Do Insurance Car Repairs Work in New Zealand?

If you've never made a car insurance claim before, the process can seem confusing.

Who do you call first?

Who assesses the damage?

Who pays the panel beater?

And when can the repairs actually begin?

While the exact process depends on your insurance company and policy, here's a general idea of what you can expect in New Zealand.

Step 1: Something Happens to Your Vehicle

It could be:

• A collision
• Someone reversing into your vehicle
• Parking damage
• Weather-related damage
• Another insured event covered by your policy

Start by documenting what happened.

Take photographs and collect the details of other people or vehicles involved where applicable.

Step 2: Contact Your Insurer

Notify your insurance company and lodge your claim.

Your insurer will normally ask for information about what happened, when it happened and the damage to your vehicle.

Having photographs and the relevant details ready can make this easier.

Step 3: Your Vehicle Damage Is Assessed

The damage will need to be assessed so that the required repairs and likely repair costs can be determined.

Depending on your insurer and policy, your insurance company may direct you to an approved repairer or provide instructions about how the assessment and repair process will work.

If you would like Orewa Panel & Paint to be involved, talk to us and your insurer before authorising repairs so everyone understands the process.

Step 4: The Repair Is Authorised

For an insurance repair, don't simply instruct a workshop to begin work and assume your insurer will automatically pay for it.

Insurance repairs generally need approval from the insurer before work begins.

Once the necessary approval has been received, the repair process can proceed.

Step 5: Repairs Begin

Depending on the accident, repairs could include:

• Panel beating
• Dent repair
• Replacement of damaged components
• Rust or structural repairs where applicable
• Surface preparation
• Colour matching
• Automotive spray painting
• Reassembly and finishing

The exact work required depends on the vehicle and the extent of the damage.

Step 6: Your Excess

Depending on your policy and the circumstances of the claim, you may need to pay an excess.

An excess is the amount you contribute towards an accepted insurance claim.

The amount and circumstances in which it applies depend on your policy, so check your policy documents or ask your insurer.

Step 7: Getting Back on the Road

Once the authorised work has been completed, your vehicle can be returned to you.

At Orewa Panel & Paint, we understand that being without your vehicle can be inconvenient.

That's why we aim to make the repair process as straightforward as possible while keeping our customers informed.

Insurance Repairs in Orewa

If you've had an accident and need vehicle repairs in Orewa or around the Hibiscus Coast, speak to Orewa Panel & Paint.

With more than 35 years of industry experience, we provide professional panel beating, automotive refinishing, accident repairs and insurance repair services.

Had an accident?

Send us details and photographs of the damage through our online enquiry form or contact Orewa Panel & Paint to discuss your repair.