Best Panel Beaters in Auckland
Browse top rated panel beating professionals, and know what you should expect to pay
Updated 23 June 2020
Nothing is more annoying than discovering a car dent. Not only is a getting panel beating inconvenient, it's also an almost-certainly expensive. If you're insured, then you will need to decide whether or not you you claim given the excess costs and affects on your car insurance premiums. The next step involves finding a reliable, skilled and trusted panel beater in Auckland who can fix the damage as quickly as possible.
To help you and put you in the strongest position, we've handpicked a list of reliable, affordable and trusted panel beaters in Auckland to save you time and money. Our guide to how much panel beating jobs cost helps pre-empt what you can expect to pay.
Some minor dents and dings can be solved with a DIY approach, but you'll need to be careful. We guide you through what you can do if you're happy to sort out the problem yourself first.
Our Auckland panel beaters guide covers:
To help you and put you in the strongest position, we've handpicked a list of reliable, affordable and trusted panel beaters in Auckland to save you time and money. Our guide to how much panel beating jobs cost helps pre-empt what you can expect to pay.
Some minor dents and dings can be solved with a DIY approach, but you'll need to be careful. We guide you through what you can do if you're happy to sort out the problem yourself first.
Our Auckland panel beaters guide covers:
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How much does panel beating and smash repairs cost?
What you pay will depend on many different factors, so no repair is like another. The factors that affect your quote include:
Generally, all things being equal, the cheapest type of cars to fix will be a Toyota Corolla or Mazda Demio, and the most expensive will be a French or German make.
Nothing is straightforward - it's normal for panel damage repair to look worse than it is when it comes to getting a quote, but conversely, sometimes minor damage can end up costing more than you expect if specialist paint or hands are needed.
- Parts required - if the damage means you'll need a new door or panel, then it'll be more expensive than merely repairing some superficial paint damage.
- The time taken to do the work (panel beaters and painters labour) - time is usually charged on a 10-minute basis, so the greater the extent of the damage, the more time spent. A minor scratch will be faster to repair than severe paint damage.
- Your car's make, age and model - European parts can often be more expensive than Japanese or Korean, and if your car is old, finding a replacement door can be tricky.
- The type of paint required - does the panel beater need a specialist car paint? If so, there will be an extra cost.
- Whether or not you're insured, and the excess - needless to say, if you're uninsured, you'll have to stump up the entire bill yourself. If you are insured, your excess will usually be anywhere between $250 and $750. If if the damage wasn't your fault, claiming from your insurer will likely affect your car insurance premium when you renew.
- If complications arise - it may look like a regular job, but if during the repairs your panel beater finds rust or other damage, the job cost may increase.
Generally, all things being equal, the cheapest type of cars to fix will be a Toyota Corolla or Mazda Demio, and the most expensive will be a French or German make.
Nothing is straightforward - it's normal for panel damage repair to look worse than it is when it comes to getting a quote, but conversely, sometimes minor damage can end up costing more than you expect if specialist paint or hands are needed.
What can I expect to pay?
- The average panel beater job costs around $1,000, but can quickly get to over $3,000 or $5,000.
- Scratch repairs and paint damage removal can cost under $1,000.
- Because no quotes are alike, and knowing that expertise and trust is everything, we have listed Auckland panel beaters who have trusted reputations and deliver on quality.
- We believe those panel beaters who give customers a low price for a quick job can compromise on quality and often lead to problems and more cost later on.
How does a panel beater charge me?
A bill from a panel beater is usually made up of a number of factors:
- Labour charge - this is a set rate, exclusive of GST, often between $80 and $130 per hour. There will often be a minimum first-hour charge.
- Parts and materials - this can include doors, paint and anything specific to your repair. There may be a markup as well.
- Specialist equipment costs - if your job requires non-standard tools or expertise, you will most likely pay an hourly charge on whatever was used.
- GST - the total of 1, 2 and 3 above will be added, and GST (15%) added.
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When should and shouldn't I claim on my insurance?
If you have comprehensive insurance, your policy will likely cover any panel beating costs. But it doesn't always make financial sense to claim on your policy. Depending on the type of insurance, a claim today can increase your policy cost when it comes time to renew or switch car insurers.
To help explain things more clearly, we identify five common accident scenarios and estimate the cost of panel beating repairs. We aim to help you decide whether it makes sense to claim with your car insurance company or pay for it yourself.
To help explain things more clearly, we identify five common accident scenarios and estimate the cost of panel beating repairs. We aim to help you decide whether it makes sense to claim with your car insurance company or pay for it yourself.
Damage |
Estimate |
DIY Repair? |
Claim? |
Dented bumper |
$400 to $700 |
Possible |
Consider claiming if panel beating cost significantly exceeds excess |
Minor paint scratches |
$250 to $600 |
Possible |
Claiming is likely to be more cost effective if costs exceed $1,000+ |
Deep paint scratches |
$500+ |
Unlikely |
Claiming is likely to be more cost effective if costs exceed $1,000+ |
Rear end damage |
$500+ |
Unlikely |
Claiming is likely to be more cost effective if costs exceed $1,000+ |
For more details about car insurance excesses and quotes in general, visit our car insurance comparison guide.
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10 Reliable Auckland Panel Beaters Available Right Now
Our list below, which is no particular order, covers Central, East, West, North and South Auckland. We have selected these based on their history of longstanding service within Auckland, location and data extracted from internet reviews on Google Business, Facebook, TradeMe Services, specialist panel beating forums, and other soures.
No panel beating company has paid to appear on this list, and MoneyHub.co.nz has no relationship with any panel beating company listed below.
No panel beating company has paid to appear on this list, and MoneyHub.co.nz has no relationship with any panel beating company listed below.
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Steve Nuich Panelbeaters (West Auckland)Steve Nuich Panelbeaters is located in Waitakere and has been working with Auckland car owners and insurers for over 30 years.
What customers like:
Services include: Accident work and insurance work. Courtesy car? Available Google Rating: 4.5/5 Location: Westgate, Waitakere (West Auckland) Website: Panel Beaters West Auckland Contact number: 09 416 8483 |
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A Dracevich PanelbeatersDracevich Panelbeaters has been servicing the Auckland area for over 75 years and is located in Glen Eden, West Auckland.
What customers like:
Courtesy car? Available Google Rating: 4.8/5 Location: West Coast Road, Glen Eden Website: Dracevich Panelbeaters Contact number: 09 818 7121 |
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Cameron PanelbeatersCameron Panelbeaters has been in the industry since 1974, and now serves West Auckland from its New Lynn workshop.
What customers like:
Courtesy car? Available Google Rating: 4.7/5 Location: Puriri Street, New Lynn Website: Cameron Panelbeaters Contact number: 09 827 0787 |
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Golden Gun PanelbeatersGolden Gun Panelbeaters is located in New Lynn and has been servicing the West Auckland and the greater Auckland area for the past 45 years.
What customers like:
Courtesy car? Available Google Rating: 5/5 Location: Stock Street, New Lynn Website: Golden Gun Panelbeaters Contact number: 09 827 6071 |
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Evoke Bodyworks LtdEvoke Bodyworks Ltd has a well-earned reputation for automotive bodywork and painting and is conveniently located in the heart of Auckland CBD.
What customers like:
Courtesy car? Available Google Rating: 4.7/5 Location: Hargraves Street, College Hill Website: Evoke Bodyworks Ltd Contact number: 09 354 4864 |
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West Auto Panel Beaters & PaintersLocated in Henderson, West Auto Panelbeaters & Painters was established in 2016 but has already established itself and has a growing reputation as a reliable repairer and panel beater.
What customers like:
Courtesy car? Not available Google Rating: 4.9/5 Location: Bruce McLaren Road (Henderson) Website: West Auto Panelbeaters and Painters Contact number: 09 836 3897 |
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Jordan PanelbeatersJordan Panelbeaters has been in the automotive industry since 2017 and is centrally located in the Ponsonby Grey Lynn area, servicing the Auckland CBD, inner-city and inner west.
What customers like:
Courtesy car? Not Available Google Rating: 4.8/5 Location: Great North Road (Arch Hill/Grey Lynn) Website: Jordan Panelbeaters Contact number: 0800 234 922 |
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Main Autocentre Car Repairs Panel BeaterFor more than 30 years, Main Autocentre Ltd has evolved to become a one-stop automotive service within the southeast of the city centre.
What customers like:
Services include: Panel beating, mechanical repairs, insurance claim management and end of lease term vehicle refurbishment. Courtesy car? Available Google Rating: 4.4/5 Location: Gavin Street Penrose Auckland Website: Main Autocentre Car Repairs Panel Beater Contact number: 09 5800 323 |
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Glenfield Panelbeaters & PaintersGlenfield Panelbeaters & Painters has been offering guaranteed repairs for over 20 years in Auckland's North Shore, working with all major insurance companies.
What customers like:
Services include: Collision repairs, panel beating, spray painting and Insurance work Courtesy car? Available Google Rating: 4.5/5 Location: Ashfield Road, Wairau Valley Website: Glenfield Panelbeaters & Painters Contact number: 09 444 9197 |
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Panmech ServicesPanmech Services is a smash repair specialist with over 35 years of experience. They work with most insurance companies and use a computerised measuring system, allowing for high precision repairs.
What customers like:
Services include: Panelbeating and spray painting Courtesy car? Available Google Rating: 4.8/5 Location: Eden Street, Newmarket Website: Panmech Services Contact number: 09 520 4005 |
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DIY damage repairs for small dents and damage
If you're happy to try a DIY approach, minor damage can be tackled with common household tools without the risk of making it worse.
Small shallow dents (up to 5-8 cm in diameter) – if a flying stone has hit you or had someone back into you ever so slightly, hold a toilet plunger over the centre and apply pressure. When you release tension, the dent should be pulled out, and the panel will fall back into shape. It won't work on corner dents, but if your dent is on the bonnet, roof, boot or door, you may be in luck. This video explains more about what you should and shouldn't do, and the limitations of DIY.
Warning – unless you have the experience, correct tools and confidence, DIY panel beating could make the situation worse. If in doubt, don't proceed. If you see that the dent has ripples or a crease, it's likely only a panel beater is going to be able to help. This may be frustrating due to the small size of the damage, but panel beating is a highly skilled profession for a reason.
Small shallow dents (up to 5-8 cm in diameter) – if a flying stone has hit you or had someone back into you ever so slightly, hold a toilet plunger over the centre and apply pressure. When you release tension, the dent should be pulled out, and the panel will fall back into shape. It won't work on corner dents, but if your dent is on the bonnet, roof, boot or door, you may be in luck. This video explains more about what you should and shouldn't do, and the limitations of DIY.
Warning – unless you have the experience, correct tools and confidence, DIY panel beating could make the situation worse. If in doubt, don't proceed. If you see that the dent has ripples or a crease, it's likely only a panel beater is going to be able to help. This may be frustrating due to the small size of the damage, but panel beating is a highly skilled profession for a reason.
Disclaimer: MoneyHub.co.nz has no relationship, financial or otherwise, with any of the companies listed on this page. Quotes and final bills for individual panel beating jobs vary, and our pricing guide is for guidance purposes only.
