The Best Panel Beaters in Christchurch

Browse top rated panel beating professionals, and know what you should expect to pay

Updated 24 October 2024

Summary:

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 Christchurch 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 Christchurch 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 Christchurch panel beaters guide covers:

MoneyHub's Top Trusted Christchurch Panel Beater

Our research highlighted the leading panel beaters in Christchurch who deliver exceptional results for their clients.
We suggest contacting Hy Class Panel and Paint—our top panel beater has proven reviews and has delivered outstanding results to Christchurch residents just like you.
Contacting a panel beater directly by phone is the best way to start – you can discuss your specific repair needs, get expert advice on the necessary fixes, and understand exactly how they’ll get your vehicle back in top shape.

Hy Class Panel and Paint

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:

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 Christchurch 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.

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.

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.

MoneyHub's Top Trusted Christchurch Panel Beater

Our research highlighted the leading panel beaters in Christchurch who deliver exceptional results for their clients.
We suggest contacting Hy Class Panel and Paint—our top panel beater has proven reviews and has delivered outstanding results to Christchurch residents just like you.
Contacting a panel beater directly by phone is the best way to start – you can discuss your specific repair needs, get expert advice on the necessary fixes, and understand exactly how they’ll get your vehicle back in top shape.

Hy Class Panel and Paint

The Best Christchurch Panel Beaters Available Right Now

Our list below, which is no particular order, covers the wider Christchurch area. We have selected these based on their history of longstanding service within Christchurch location and data extracted from internet reviews on Google Business, Facebook, TradeMe Services, specialist panel beating forums, and other sources.

Hy Class Panel and Paint

Base: Papanui, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Thur 7:30 am – 4:00 pm
Fri 7:30am – 2:00 pm
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: Hy Class Panel and Paint
Facebook Page: None
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 03 352 3834

Customer Feedback:

Flexible and approachable service
High-quality workmanship, especially in paintwork touch-ups
Transparent about timeframes and pricing
Friendly and accommodating staff
Prioritises customer satisfaction over profit
Helpful and customer-focused service

Pros:

Provides free loan cars to minimise disruption

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Specialises in automotive paint and panel work
Offers services from minor touch-ups to major collision repairs
Handles panel beating for vintage vehicles
Provides spray painting and chassis straightening
Works with major insurance companies for claim processing

Paul Hussey Panelbeaters

Base: Upper Riccarton, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Google Review rating: 4.7/5
Website: Paul Hussey Panelbeaters
Facebook Page: None
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 03 348 1616

Customer Feedback:

Friendly and professional service
Knowledgeable car mechanics
Highly considerate to their clients

Pros:

Reasonable price and charges
Speedy service with a professional finish

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Paul Hussey Panelbeaters has been operating for more than ten years with thousands of satisfied customers
Provides panel beating and spray painting services for both personal and fleet cars
Offers accident repairs, rust removals and insurance works

Advanced Panel & Paint

Base: Opawa, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 4.4/5
Website: Advanced Panel & Paint
Facebook Page: Advanced Panel & Paint
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 03 377 7372

Customer Feedback:

Professional panel beating and paint service
Friendly local workers
Faultless paintwork
Finishes the job on the agreed time

Pros:

Able to restore the car to its original form
Reasonable price

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Advanced Panel & Paint has a team of skilled repairers that specialises in collision repairs, car painting as well as panel beating services
Servicing the Christchurch area for more than 15 years and is providing excellent customer service to all customers
Covers almost all types and brands of cars with Toyota, Jaguar, Audi and Hyundai, to name a few. Advanced Panel & Paint is an active member of the MTA and CRA

JA Ward Panel & Paint Ltd

Base: Sydenham, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 am – 5 pm, Sat (By appointment)
Google Review rating: 4.9/5
Website: Currently unavailable
Facebook Page: JA Ward Panel & Paint Ltd
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 03 366 5318

Customer Feedback:

Keeps the client informed of all processes
Helpful and friendly to all customers, including travellers
Quick to schedule a repair and painting service
Finishes work on time
Handles all repairs professionally

Pros:

Repair the damage to an unnoticeable extent
Approved MTA member that guarantees all works and services provided

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

JA Ward Panel & Paint Ltd is proudly serving Christchurch for more than 50 years, making them one of the most well-known and trusted automotive repairers in the area
Offers insurance works, collision repairs and re-painting services

MoneyHub's Top Trusted Christchurch Panel Beater

Our research highlighted the leading panel beaters in Christchurch who deliver exceptional results for their clients.
We suggest contacting Hy Class Panel and Paint—our top panel beater has proven reviews and has delivered outstanding results to Christchurch residents just like you.
Contacting a panel beater directly by phone is the best way to start – you can discuss your specific repair needs, get expert advice on the necessary fixes, and understand exactly how they’ll get your vehicle back in top shape.

Hy Class Panel and Paint

Shepherd & Kime

Base: Addington, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
Google Review rating: 4.7/5
Website: Shepherd & Kime
Facebook Page: Shepherd & Kime
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 03 366 8256

Customer Feedback:

Work done on time and exactly to specifications
Great service in an excellent price range
Helpful, friendly and efficient staff
Professional and fast service

Pros:

Provides a wide range of repairs, including small touch-ups and full-body repairs
Offers emergency towing

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Shepherd & Kime is an automotive repair centre with skilled technicians and professional service
Offers professional service for all types of vehicles
A member of the NZ Collision Repair Association and the Motor Trade Association, which makes them a trustworthy repair centre
Offers panel beating, spray painting, mechanical repairs, electrical works and car detailing

Tandem Smash Repairs

Base: St Asaph Street, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 7 am – 5:30 pm
Google Review rating: 4.7/5
Website: Tandem Smash Repairs
Facebook Page: Tandem Smash Repairs
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 03 982 4862

Customer Feedback:

Skilled staff offering professional services
Excellent value for money
Quickly finishes the job
Great customer service

Pros:

Helps their client save money by providing innovative options
A member of the New Zealand Collision Repair Association

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Tandem Smash Repairs is a locally owned and operated collision repair centre located in the Central Christchurch
Specialises in panel repairs and spray painting of all types of vehicles
Provides air conditioning repairs, vehicle detailing, wheel alignment checks, 3D measuring and repair certification

Straighten Up Panel & Paint

Base: Wigram, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 am – 5 pm, Sat (By appointment)
Google Review rating: 4.7/5
Website: Straighten Up Panel & Paint
Facebook Page: Straighten Up Panel & Paint
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 03 348 6311

Customer Feedback:

Friendly and efficient staff
Provides good advice
Easy to deal with
Goes the extra mile for their clients’ satisfaction

Pros:

Car looks new after servicing
Fair prices and quick to finish the job
A member of the CRA and MTA

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Straighten Up Panel & Paint offers panel work and paint services for a diverse range of vehicles, including caravans, buses, boats, jet-skis, motorcycles, personal cars and fleet cars
They are a locally owned repair shop with more than 25 years of experience in the industry

Specialised Panel & Paint Limited

Base: Central City, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
Google Review rating: 4.9/5
Website: Specialised Panel & Paint Limited
Facebook Page: None
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 03 377 1106

Customer Feedback:

Fast turnaround time
Provides helpful advice about taking care of the vehicle
Friendly and efficient staff
High-quality work and finish
Excellent client communication and easy to deal with

Pros:

Finds the best solution to address their client’s needs

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Specialised Panel & Paint Limited is a trusted panel and paint service provider in the Christchurch area with over 25 years of experience in the automotive industry
Deals with all makes and models of vehicles such as Hyundai, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Suzuki and Great Wall
Registered Structural Repair Centre for the Collision Repair Association with I-Car certified and highly skilled repairers

MoneyHub's Top Trusted Christchurch Panel Beater

Our research highlighted the leading panel beaters in Christchurch who deliver exceptional results for their clients.
We suggest contacting Hy Class Panel and Paint—our top panel beater has proven reviews and has delivered outstanding results to Christchurch residents just like you.
Contacting a panel beater directly by phone is the best way to start – you can discuss your specific repair needs, get expert advice on the necessary fixes, and understand exactly how they’ll get your vehicle back in top shape.

Hy Class Panel and Paint

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.

⚠️ Disclaimer: MoneyHub.co.nz has no financial or otherwise relationship with any businesses listed on this page. The pricing information provided is for informational and guidance purposes only and may not accurately represent the actual quotes or final bills for individual services. No provider has paid to appear on our website, and this list should not be considered comprehensive. Please research and obtain quotes directly from a range of businesses to ensure accurate pricing and suitability for your needs.

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