Every stage, in the right order
pre-scan to handover.
Modern vehicles do not tolerate shortcuts. We follow manufacturer repair methods and BSI-aligned standards in sequence, and we document each stage as we go.
- Pre and postRepair scans
- ManufacturerRepair methods
- ADASCalibration
- RealisticTimelines
How your vehicle moves through the workshop
Each stage has a clear owner, a clear output and a point where we update you.
- STAGE 01
First call and booking in
We check whether the vehicle is safe to drive, explain your practical options and book the next step, usually the same day.
- Damage description, photos and vehicle details taken
- Safety check: is it drivable, are lights and airbags affected
- Recovery or collection arranged through our partner network
- STAGE 02
Pre-repair diagnostic scan
Before a single panel is touched the vehicle is scanned so every stored and live fault is on record from the start.
- Full system pre-scan, fault codes recorded against the job
- Identifies ADAS, airbag, sensor and network faults early
- Baseline report kept with the repair file
- STAGE 03
Strip-down and full damage assessment
Panels come off so the damage can be measured rather than guessed at. Hidden damage is found here, not halfway through.
- Controlled strip of damaged assemblies and trim
- Manufacturer repair methods looked up for that exact model
- Written estimate updated with supplementary findings
- STAGE 04
Parts ordering and authorisation
Parts are specified to the manufacturer's build for your vehicle and ordered once the repair plan is agreed.
- Correct grade of part specified and confirmed
- Lead times shared with you before the car is booked in
- Work only starts once parts and authorisation are in place
- STAGE 05
Structural repair, jig and geometry
Where the shell is affected the vehicle is measured on a jig and pulled back to the manufacturer's tolerances.
- Electronic measuring against factory datum points
- Sectioning and welding only where the manufacturer allows it
- Four-wheel geometry and alignment checked after structural work
- STAGE 06
Panel work and fitting
Panels are repaired or replaced, then fitted and aligned dry so gaps and shut lines are right before paint.
- Bonded, riveted or welded to the manufacturer's specified method
- Corrosion protection and seam sealing reinstated
- Panel gaps and shut lines set before anything is painted
- STAGE 07
Preparation and priming
The unglamorous stage that decides the finish. Everything is flatted, filled, primed and masked properly.
- Substrate prepared and correct primer system applied
- Edges, arches and cavities protected
- Masking checked before the vehicle enters the booth
- STAGE 08
Paint and refinishing
Colour is matched to your vehicle, then applied and baked in a controlled booth for a factory-consistent finish.
- Spectrophotometer reading taken from the vehicle itself
- Blending into adjacent panels where the manufacturer allows it
- Low-bake cure, then de-nib and polish
- STAGE 09
Reassembly, ADAS calibration and post-scan
The vehicle goes back together, driver assistance systems are calibrated and a post-repair scan proves it is clear.
- Static and dynamic ADAS calibration where the manufacturer requires it
- Post-repair scan compared against the pre-scan report
- Road test to confirm braking, steering and assistance systems
- STAGE 10
Quality inspection and valet
Every vehicle is inspected against a written checklist, then cleaned inside and out before you see it.
- Paint finish, panel gaps, alignment and electrics signed off
- Anything not right goes back into the workshop, not back to you
- Full valet and protective covers removed
- STAGE 11
Handover and aftercare
We walk you round the repair, hand over the documentation and stand behind the work.
- Repair documentation and scan reports provided
- Workmanship guarantee explained
- Any aftercare question answered by the site that did the work
Quality checked before you see it
Every vehicle is inspected against a written checklist, scanned and road tested. If anything is not right, it goes back into the workshop before it goes back to you.
“Someone went into the back of my car and I had no idea where to start. SAR explained everything clearly and the repair was flawless.”
“Really honest team. They talked me through the options rather than pushing me, and kept me updated the whole way through the repair.”
“Paint match on my Golf is perfect and they helped me stay mobile while the work was done. Genuinely a great experience.”
“Dropped my van in on the Monday and had it back looking like new by the Friday. Clear updates the whole time, no chasing needed.”
“First accident I have ever had. They walked me through what happens next without any pressure and sorted the repair beautifully.”
“Quality of the bodywork is excellent. You genuinely cannot tell where the damage was. Friendly team in the office too.”
“They kept me informed by text and phone at every stage. Car came back cleaned inside and out, which was a lovely touch.”
“Used SAR for two of our company vehicles. Straightforward, quick turnaround and no surprises. We will keep using them.”
“Someone hit my parked car and drove off. SAR explained my options and got the repair done properly with no fuss.”
“Great communication from the first phone call. Honest advice, fair timescales and a finish that matches the factory paint.”
Not sure what to do next after your accident?
Talk to a real person on the repair side. We'll explain your practical options, what information to gather, and how a proper repair works, with no pressure.