Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book an appointment to get an estimate?

Not always. For straightforward cosmetic damage — scuffs, scratches, minor dents — you don't need to visit us at all: upload clear photos through our quote form and we'll email your estimate back, no appointment or trip to the workshop required. For anything that needs a closer look — hidden damage behind a bumper or trim, multiple panels, or anything insurance-related — we'll ask you to book a proper slot rather than fit you in around other walk-ins, so it gets a full inspection instead of a rushed glance.

Do you guarantee your repairs?

Yes — every repair we carry out is covered by a transferable workmanship warranty of up to 3 years, whether you're paying privately, through insurance, or as part of a non-fault claim. It covers genuine defects in our workmanship, and transfers automatically to any future owner if you sell or return the vehicle. See our Terms & Conditions for the full detail.

Can you repair a scratched bumper without replacing it?

In most cases yes — cosmetic scratches and scuffs can be repaired and refinished in the workshop without needing a replacement bumper.

How much does a bumper scuff repair cost in Stirling?

Costs vary with the size of the damage and the colour involved. Cosmetic bumper repairs are typically one of our more affordable jobs, and the quickest way to get an exact price is through our quote journey.

Can you repair car park dents and scratches?

Yes — this is core, everyday work for our workshop, and one of the most common reasons customers get in touch.

Do I need to claim on insurance for minor bodywork damage?

Not necessarily. For smaller cosmetic damage, a private repair often works out better value than an insurance claim, since it avoids any impact on your no-claims discount.

Is it worth repairing bodywork before selling my car?

Often yes — visible damage can reduce a buyer or dealer's offer by more than the repair costs. See our Lease Return & Pre-Sale page for more detail.

Do you repair hybrid and electric vehicle bodywork?

Yes. We hold IMI TechSafe recognition for working safely on hybrid and electric vehicles. Where a repair could come near high-voltage components, the system is isolated and shut down first, following the manufacturer's procedure, and paint is cured at a lower temperature to protect the battery. The repair itself follows the same manufacturer methods we use on any vehicle.

Does paint take longer to dry on an electric or hybrid car?

Usually, yes. High-voltage batteries can't take the heat of a normal spraybooth bake, so paint on electric and hybrid cars is cured at a lower temperature over a longer cycle. We allow for that extra drying time in the repair duration shown on your estimate, so there are no surprises.

Can every electric car be repaired by an independent bodyshop?

Most can, but not all. For some newer manufacturers, including some popular Chinese brands, official repair methods and parts aren't always readily available to independent repairers, and some models have quirks that make the dealer the safer choice for certain jobs. If that applies to your car, we'll tell you before any work starts.

Will a bumper repair affect my parking sensors or radar?

It can. Many modern cars have parking sensors, radar or cameras in or behind the bumper, and some repairs mean those systems need recalibrating afterwards. Before we quote, we check the manufacturer's repair method for your specific car and tell you up front whether calibration will be needed. Our guide to bumper repairs on cars with sensors or radar explains when it matters and why.

Can I choose my own bodyshop for an insurance repair?

In most cases yes — many policies let you choose your own repairer rather than the insurer's recommended network, though it's worth checking your specific policy terms.

Do I have to use the repairer my insurance company recommends?

No, not usually — but some insurers apply an additional excess or reduce certain benefits, such as a full guarantee, if you choose your own repairer instead of their approved network. We can help you challenge that if you'd like to use us — one good reason to is that approved repairers are often well outside Stirling, which can mean an inconvenient trip for an estimate or to drop off your car.

Should I claim on insurance for bodywork damage?

It depends on your excess, the impact on your no-claims discount, and how severe the damage is. Smaller cosmetic repairs often suit a private repair better, while larger damage usually suits a claim.

Why does an insurance repair cost more than a private repair?

It is not a difference in quality — every repair follows the same manufacturer repair methods and uses the same materials, whether paid privately or through insurance. The extra cost comes from the additional administrative and compliance steps insurance work requires, such as Audatex estimating and insurer liaison. Our private, retail rate is also set lower because we are paid on completion, rather than waiting on an insurer's invoice to be processed.

What is included in a manufacturer-method insurance repair?

It covers assessment, correct parts, approved repair techniques, colour matching and any required recalibration, following the vehicle manufacturer's specified process.

What should I do if someone hits my car and it was not my fault?

Exchange details with the other driver, take photos of the damage and scene, and contact us before agreeing to any repair route — we can talk you through the non-fault claims support process from there.

Can I choose Refinish Limited for a non-fault accident repair?

Yes — an appropriate non-fault claims support route is set up to keep the repair with the bodyshop of your choice, so your vehicle can be repaired at Refinish Limited.

Will I have to pay my excess if the accident was not my fault?

In general terms, a properly handled non-fault claim aims to avoid you paying an excess, though exact terms depend on your circumstances rather than being a guarantee.

Can I get a replacement car while mine is being repaired?

This is typically arranged as part of the non-fault claims support route, which can include a replacement vehicle for the repair period, depending on your circumstances.

How does a non-fault claims support route work with Refinish Limited?

It manages liability, replacement vehicle arrangements and cost recovery from the at-fault driver's insurer, while the physical repair stays with us throughout — get in touch and we'll explain the specifics for your case.

Should I repair scratches before returning a lease car?

Usually yes — a proper repair often costs less than the lease company's penalty charge for the same damage, and it lets you choose the repairer.

Do damage charges apply when I hand back a PCP car?

Yes, if you choose to hand the car back at the end of your PCP agreement rather than paying the optional final payment and keeping it. Many PCP finance companies inspect returned cars against the same BVRLA fair wear and tear standard used for lease returns, and charge for damage beyond it. Repairing it properly beforehand is usually cheaper than the charge. If you're keeping the car or trading it in instead, there's no return inspection, but repairing visible damage usually still protects its value.

Can you repair lease return damage in Stirling?

Yes — this is a named service line, covering scuffs, scratches, dents and bumper damage ahead of lease return inspections.

Is it cheaper to repair bodywork before handing back a lease car?

Generally yes, compared with the penalty charges lease companies apply for the same damage — it's worth comparing a repair quote against your lease company's damage charge schedule.

Should I fix bumper damage before selling my car?

Often yes — it tends to improve presentation and protect resale value by more than the cost of the repair itself.

Does your repair work come with a warranty?

Yes — every repair comes with a transferable workmanship warranty of up to 3 years, transferable to a leasing company or any subsequent owner. If you're returning a lease vehicle, this is exactly the kind of documented, warrantied repair the BVRLA's own guidance expects — see our Terms & Conditions for the full detail.

Can you sort kerbed alloy wheels before a lease return?

Yes, alongside any other lease return or pre-sale bodywork we're carrying out. The wheel refurbishment itself is done by a specialist wheel refurbisher a few hundred metres from us on the same Broadleys estate, and we coordinate it with your bodywork — so you deal with one business, one visit and one invoice. Refurbished wheels come with a 12-month guarantee on the finish, handled through us. If it's only your wheels that need attention, with no bodywork, we'll point you straight to the specialist instead.

How do I book my repair once I have a quote?

Every estimate we send includes an expected repair duration and a personal booking link — just click the link in your estimate to choose a repair date. Booking is only available once you have a quote for your specific vehicle and job.

What if I can't find my booking link?

No problem — send us your name, vehicle registration and estimate number if you have it, and we'll resend it.

Do you provide a courtesy car?

No — we don't provide courtesy cars. If your repair is going through the non-fault claims support route, a replacement vehicle may be arranged as part of that process, depending on your circumstances. If you'd prefer to hire a car while yours is with us, Enterprise and Arnold Clark both have car rental branches close to the workshop. Every estimate we send includes the expected repair duration, so you'll know in advance how long you'll need one.

What payment methods do you accept?

Cash, debit and credit cards (excluding Amex), Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, direct bank transfer, and a secure payment link via Worldpay — a safer alternative to reading card details out over the phone.

Can someone else pay on my behalf, like the at-fault driver?

Yes — a third party is welcome to cover the cost, whether that's part of a private settlement or a direct payment from them. We'll need clear confirmation of who's paying before the vehicle is released, so it's worth agreeing this in writing with them beforehand.

When is payment due?

Before the vehicle is released, whichever payment method is used and whoever is paying.

Do you take American Express?

No — we accept Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards, but not Amex. It comes down to the fees: on jobs that include new parts, what we're charged for accepting an Amex payment can be more than the trade discount we get from our parts supplier — so instead of making money on the job, we'd be losing it, and the bigger the bill, the bigger that loss. It's a straightforward cost decision, nothing more.

What is the Worldpay payment link, and is it safe?

It's a secure link we send you to pay by card online, rather than reading card details out over the phone. It works from any device and is a safer way to pay than a card payment taken by phone.