SMART Repair FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

Question 1

What does “SMART repair” mean?

Accepted Answer

SMART stands for Small to Medium Area Repair Technology. It’s a specialised method used to restore cosmetic vehicle damage by repairing only the affected area instead of respraying entire panels. This makes the process quicker, more affordable, and far more convenient than traditional bodyshop repairs.

Question 2

Are SMART repairs mobile?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are a fully mobile service, completing all repairs at your home or workplace. Our mobile system is equipped to deliver high-quality, professional results on your driveway without the need for a workshop.

Question 3

What types of damage can be repaired using SMART techniques?

Accepted Answer

SMART repair is perfect for most types of cosmetic damage, including paintwork scratches and scuffs, bumper scuffs, scrapes and cracks, alloy wheel refurbishment for kerbing, scratches, peeling lacquer and corrosion, mobile diamond-cut style alloy wheel repairs, and minor dents and dings using Paintless Dent Removal (PDR) for car-park dents, door dings and minor impact marks.

Question 4

What are the benefits of SMART repair?

Accepted Answer

SMART repairs offer quick turnaround times (most repairs are completed within the same day), cost-effective results by treating only the damaged section, a high-quality finish with repairs blended to match your vehicle’s existing paintwork, and ultimate convenience with no bodyshop visits or time without your vehicle.

Question 5

When is a SMART repair not suitable?

Accepted Answer

SMART repair is intended for small to medium-sized areas. It is generally not suitable for full bonnets or full roofs. However, some bonnets can still be repaired using SMART techniques depending on their design. If the style and shape of the bonnet allow us to keep the repair area small (for example, bonnets with natural edges, body lines or raised sections), we may be able to complete the repair to a high standard. If you’re unsure, send us photos and we’ll assess it honestly.

Question 6

How much does SMART repair cost?

Accepted Answer

SMART repair prices vary depending on the type of damage, the size of the affected area, and the complexity of the repair. As a fully mobile service, we keep our pricing fair, transparent and consistent, and we also offer multi-panel discounts when more than one area needs repairing.

All prices listed are plus VAT and we have a minimum charge of £95 + VAT per visit. Some prices shown below fall under this amount because they usually apply when repairs are carried out as part of a multi-panel booking.

Scratch & scuff repairs — £50 to £250 + VAT: Light surface scratches fall toward the lower end, while deeper scratches that require additional preparation, colour matching and blending sit closer to the higher end. Metallic and multi-stage finishes can also affect cost. Standalone repairs must meet our £95 + VAT minimum charge, but smaller scratches can be discounted when combined with other work.

Bumper repairs — £50 to £300 + VAT: Minor scuffs and scrapes on plastic bumpers start from £50 when completed alongside other repairs. More severe damage (deeper gouges, cracks, or repairs around parking sensors and cameras) may cost more due to the extra precision required. Multi-panel bookings help reduce the overall cost per area.

Alloy wheel refurbishment — £65 to £125 per wheel + VAT: Pricing depends on wheel size, finish (painted or diamond-cut), and the extent of the damage. We also offer mobile diamond-cut style repairs for kerb rash and cosmetic marks. Refurbishing multiple wheels in the same visit often qualifies for discounted per-wheel pricing.

Dent removal (PDR) — £80 to £200 per panel + VAT: Smaller dents on flat, accessible panels are quicker and more cost-effective to repair. Damage located on body lines, curves or double-skinned areas may require more time and therefore cost more. Multiple dents on the same panel, such as hail damage, may qualify for package pricing.

All prices listed are plus VAT, our minimum charge is £95 + VAT per visit, lower-priced repairs are available only when combined with other work, and we offer multi-panel and multi-area discounts to make it more cost-effective when booking several repairs in one visit.

Question 7

What do you need to carry out the repairs on my drive?

Accepted Answer

Our mobile SMART repair service is fully equipped to operate at your home or workplace, but we do require a few essential conditions to ensure the work is carried out safely and to a professional standard.

We need a private driveway or off-road space so we can work in a safe, private area away from public roads. A driveway, private parking space or authorised workplace area is ideal. We cannot carry out repairs on public roads or in unsuitable locations.

We also need enough space to erect our 3m x 4.5m gazebo. We use a professional-grade gazebo to create a controlled environment, allowing us to complete repairs in all weather conditions. To set this up correctly, we need a clear area of approximately 3m x 4.5m around the vehicle.

Access to a standard power socket is usually required for most repairs. We can supply our own power if needed, but special arrangements must be made in advance, we cannot always guarantee the availability of our power supply, and an additional charge may apply depending on the job and location.

Finally, we need safe access around the vehicle with enough room to move around the repair area and open vehicle doors where required. A single parking space is typically sufficient once the gazebo is set up.

Question 8

What is a blend in SMART repair?

Accepted Answer

Blending is a professional paint technique used to ensure a seamless colour match when repairing a damaged area. Instead of repainting only the exact section that has been repaired, we gradually fade and blend the new paint into the surrounding panels to create a smooth transition so the repaired area matches the rest of the vehicle with no visible colour difference.

Even when a vehicle has a specific manufacturer paint code, not all panels will look exactly the same colour. Parts such as bumpers are often painted off the vehicle in the factory, while main body panels are painted on the production line. Differences in materials (plastic vs metal), temperature variations, different paint absorption, separate manufacturing processes and sun exposure/ageing can all cause colour variation.

When repairing a bumper, wing or quarter panel, simply spraying the damaged area can highlight these natural variations. Blending allows us to fade new paint into the adjacent panel, match the overall appearance more accurately, avoid a harsh line between new and old paint, and achieve a consistent, factory-like finish.

Question 9

Is SMART repair cheaper than a traditional body-shop repair?

Accepted Answer

Yes — SMART repair is usually 50–70% cheaper. Because we repair only the damaged area instead of whole panels, labour and material costs are far lower than a traditional bodyshop repair.

Question 10

Will the repaired area be noticeable?

Accepted Answer

A properly performed SMART repair should be virtually invisible. Blending and precise colour matching ensure the finish looks consistent with the surrounding panels so the repair does not stand out.

Question 11

Is there any aftercare required?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The aftercare for SMART repairs is the same as that recommended by a traditional bodyshop. Fresh paint continues to cure for several days, so it’s important to follow some basic guidelines.

Avoid jet washing for at least 2 weeks after the repair. You can wash the car during this period, but you must keep the jet wash nozzle at least one foot (30cm) away from the freshly painted area. Getting too close with a jet wash nozzle can damage new paint, especially along the edges of the repaired panel. High-pressure water at close range may lift or remove fresh paint before it has fully hardened.

Following these simple aftercare steps helps the repair cure correctly and maintain a long-lasting, professional finish.

Question 12

Do I need to be present during the repair?

Accepted Answer

We don’t require you to stand with the technician while the repair is being carried out, but someone does need to be home during the appointment. This ensures we have access to the vehicle, access to a power socket if needed, and someone available in case we need to discuss repair details or unexpected issues. Once the vehicle is set up and we have everything we need, you’re free to continue with your day while we complete the repair.

Question 13

Can SMART repair help avoid lease return charges?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SMART repair is one of the best ways to avoid expensive end-of-lease or PCP wear-and-tear penalties for cosmetic damage. Repairing scratches, scuffs, dents and wheel damage before returning the vehicle can significantly reduce or eliminate lease return charges.

Question 14

Is SMART repair suitable for all vehicles?

Accepted Answer

Yes — SMART repair works on all makes and models, including cars, vans and commercial vehicles. Certain colours or finishes may require specialist techniques, but most cosmetic repairs are suitable.

Question 15

Can SMART repair fix bumper scuffs or cracks?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SMART repair is ideal for bumper scuffs, scratches, minor cracks and light impact damage on plastic bumpers.

Question 16

Does SMART repair include alloy wheel refurbishment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We repair kerbing, scratches and corrosion and offer mobile diamond-cut style repairs for cosmetic restoration of alloy wheels.

Question 17

How soon can I book a SMART repair?

Accepted Answer

Availability varies, but most customers can book within a few days. Busy periods may require a bit more notice, but we always try to offer an appointment as soon as possible.

Question 18

How can I pay?

Accepted Answer

Payment is simple and convenient. All of our technicians carry card machines on their vans, so you can pay by card on completion of the repair. We accept debit cards, credit cards, contactless payments and Apple Pay / Google Pay where supported. This allows the repair to be completed and paid for in one visit, with no need for cash or advance payment unless previously agreed.

Question 19

When can I pay for my SMART repair?

Accepted Answer

For most bookings, payment is taken on completion of the repair. Once our technician has finished the work and you’re happy with the result, you can pay using the card machine carried on the van.

If a third party is paying for the repair, we require a pre-authorised payment before the booking can be confirmed. A third party can be anyone other than the vehicle owner who is covering the cost of the repair, such as a friend or family member, an employer or business, a fleet company, a neighbour or another driver, or someone who has caused the damage and agreed to pay for the repair.

A pre-authorised payment is a secure way of reserving funds without taking the money upfront. The third party provides their card details and an amount is temporarily held to guarantee the booking and ensure funds are available. This ensures the appointment is fully secured, there are no delays on the day of the repair, and payment for the work is guaranteed once completed.

After the repair is finished, the pre-authorisation is either captured (converted into a payment) or released if another payment method is used.