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.

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

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

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

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

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

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
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
Collision Repair in Upper Hutt since 1986.




Terms of trade
Collision Repair in Upper Hutt since 1986.




© 2026 Maidstone Panelbeaters
Terms of trade
Collision Repair in Upper Hutt since 1986.




Terms of trade
