Knowledge centre

Advice for when something goes wrong

Advice for when something goes wrong

Advice for when something goes wrong

Plain-English answers to the questions Maidstone gets asked most, from insurance claims and assessments through to looking after a repair once it’s done.

Plain-English answers to the questions Maidstone gets asked most, from insurance claims and assessments through to looking after a repair once it’s done.

Plain-English answers to the questions Maidstone gets asked most, from insurance claims and assessments through to looking after a repair once it’s done.

Maidstone Panelbeaters workshop with insurer signage and cars out front

Insurance

Can I choose my own panelbeater after an accident?

Can I choose my own panelbeater after an accident?

Can I choose my own panelbeater after an accident?

Your insurer may have a preferred repair network, but the exact rules depend on your policy. Here is what to ask before deciding where your vehicle is repaired.

Your insurer may have a preferred repair network, but the exact rules depend on your policy. Here is what to ask before deciding where your vehicle is repaired.

4 min read · Sep 2026

White ute with scrapes and red paint transfer along the side panels

Repairs

How does a Collision Repair assessment work?

How does a Collision Repair assessment work?

How does a Collision Repair assessment work?

An assessment is about understanding the full extent of the damage, not just what is visible. Here is what happens and what you can expect afterwards.

An assessment is about understanding the full extent of the damage, not just what is visible. Here is what happens and what you can expect afterwards.

5 min read · Sep 2026

Close-up of the Tesla badge on the front of a white car

Tesla & EV

Repairing a Tesla, EV or hybrid: what is different?

Repairing a Tesla, EV or hybrid: what is different?

Repairing a Tesla, EV or hybrid: what is different?

Electric and hybrid vehicles can require different materials, systems and repair procedures. Here is why specialist Collision Repair capability matters.

Electric and hybrid vehicles can require different materials, systems and repair procedures. Here is why specialist Collision Repair capability matters.

5 min read · Sep 2026

Car masked with tape and plastic, ready for painting

Paint

Why car paint colour matching is harder than it looks

Why car paint colour matching is harder than it looks

Why car paint colour matching is harder than it looks

A paint code is only the starting point. Age, finish, application and colour variants can all affect how a repaired panel needs to be matched.

A paint code is only the starting point. Age, finish, application and colour variants can all affect how a repaired panel needs to be matched.

4 min read · Sep 2026

Freshly repaired blue Toyota SUV outside the Maidstone workshop

Aftercare

Looking after your car after a panel or paint repair

Looking after your car after a panel or paint repair

Looking after your car after a panel or paint repair

A few sensible aftercare habits can help protect a freshly repaired finish. Here is what to do, what to avoid and when to contact the repairer.

A few sensible aftercare habits can help protect a freshly repaired finish. Here is what to do, what to avoid and when to contact the repairer.

3 min read · Sep 2026

Van stripped back to its frame for structural repairs in the workshop

Repairs

Structural damage: what does it mean for your vehicle?

Structural damage: what does it mean for your vehicle?

Structural damage: what does it mean for your vehicle?

Structural damage is not always obvious from the outside. Here is what it means, how it is assessed and why accurate repair planning matters.

Structural damage is not always obvious from the outside. Here is what it means, how it is assessed and why accurate repair planning matters.

6 min read · Sep 2026

Talk to the team

Talk to the team

Talk to the team

Send us a few details about your vehicle and the damage. We’ll come back to you with the best next step.

Send us a few details about your vehicle and the damage. We’ll come back to you with the best next step.

Send us a few details about your vehicle and the damage. We’ll come back to you with the best next step.

Already have an insurance claim number?

Pick a time that suits and book your assessment online.

Book an Assessment

Or call the office

Mon–Thu 7.30am–5pm
Fri 7.30am–4.30pm
36–40 Park Street, Kingsley Heights, Upper Hutt 5018

Already have an insurance claim number?

Already have an insurance claim number?

Pick a time that suits and book your assessment online.

Pick a time that suits and book your assessment online.

Book an Assessment

Book an Assessment

Or call the office

Or call the office

Mon–Thu 7.30am–5pm
Fri 7.30am–4.30pm
36–40 Park Street, Kingsley Heights, Upper Hutt 5018

Mon–Thu 7.30am–5pm
Fri 7.30am–4.30pm
36–40 Park Street, Kingsley Heights, Upper Hutt 5018