WHAT HAPPENS
AFTER AN ACCIDENT

Most people only do this once every few years, so it’s no wonder it feels opaque. Here’s exactly what happens between the moment you ring us and the moment you drive away.

THE TEN STEPS OF A REPAIR

Typical repairs run from same day for small cosmetic work up to 2–3 weeks for larger structural jobs.
Where your car sits in that range depends mainly on parts and insurer authorisation.

STEP 1

YOU GET IN TOUCH

Ring 01723 370207, send photos, or bring the car to Salisbury Street. Tell us what happened and whether you’re claiming on insurance.

STEP 2

WE ASSESS AND ESTIMATE

We look at the car properly — a lot of damage isn’t obvious. A full estimate covers parts, paint and labour.

STEP 3

AUTHORISATION AND BOOKING IN

Insurance work needs the insurer’s authorisation first. We chase it and tell you where it’s up to, then book your car in.

STEP 4

PARTS ON ORDER

Ordered as soon as the job is authorised, wherever possible original manufacturer parts.

STEP 5

STRIP

The damaged area is stripped back — where hidden damage shows up, and where an estimate is occasionally revised.

STEP 6

PANEL WORK

Damaged panels repaired or replaced, structure brought back to manufacturer’s specification.

STEP 7

PREP AND PAINT

Colour mixed to your vehicle’s own code, tested, applied in our spray booth and baked.

STEP 8

REFIT AND RECALIBRATION

Trim, lights, sensors and cameras go back on. Driver assistance systems are recalibrated to manufacturer’s spec.

STEP 9

QUALITY CHECK

The car is inspected and every system checked to confirm it works as the manufacturer intended.

STEP 10

CLEANED AND READY

Your car is cleaned and we ring you to arrange collection. The work is guaranteed.

HOW WE KEEP YOU POSTED

Throughout all of that, one of our customer advisors calls you every two or three days with the stage your car is at: strip, panel, prep, paint or refit. If we can’t reach you by phone, we’ll text, then email.

You’re welcome to ring us at any point — you’ll speak to someone at the workshop who can go and look at your car.

Trenhams technician using a diagnostic tablet during an accident repair.
A Trenhams technician in a visor working on a bumper in the Scarborough workshop.

IF SOMETHING ISN’T RIGHT AFTERWARDS

Bring it back. One of our customers had a paint issue two years after a repair — we rectified it, gave her a courtesy car while we did, and charged nothing. Every job is guaranteed.

QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU START?

What happens first after an accident?

Contact us with details of the damage. We assess the car, produce an estimate, and where you're claiming, submit it to your insurer for authorisation.

Why does insurance authorisation take time?
What if you find more damage when you strip the car?
Why does my car need recalibrating after a repair?
Will my car be cleaned before I collect it?

ANY QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU START?

Call 01723 370207 or send us a message.