Best Panel Beaters in Hamilton
Browse top rated panel beating professionals, and know what you should expect to pay
Updated 1 May 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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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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Trusted and Reliable Hamilton Panel Beaters Available Right Now
Our list below, which is no particular order, covers Hamilton and Cambridge. We have selected these based on their history of longstanding service within Hamilton, 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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Chartwell Panel and PaintChartwell Panel and Paint provides a high standard panel repair and insurance assistance for customers in the Hamilton area. They are a certified structural repair centre as acknowledged by the Collision Repair Association.
What customers like:
Services include: Collision repair, insurance claim assistance and repainting Courtesy car? Yes, when available Google Rating: 5/5 Location: Frankton, Hamilton Website: Chartwell Panel and Paint Contact number: 07 847 0731 |
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Dave Metcalfe PanelbeatersDave Metcalfe Panelbeaters is a one-stop-shop for all auto restorations and repair services. Their operation started since 30 years ago, specialising in auto body repairs, rust repairs and major collision repairs for all types of cars and trailers.
What customers like:
Services include: Panel beating, spray painting, insurance claim assistance, restoration, brush touch-ups and full car buff. Courtesy car? Yes Google Rating: 5/5 Location: Hillcrest, Hamilton Website: Dave Metcalfe Panelbeaters Contact number: 07 856 5318 |
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King Street AutobodiesKing Street Autobodies is known as the most accessible panel and paint shop near Hamilton CBD. They are an experienced panel and paint shop that can work on different car types, regardless if it is old or new.
What customers like:
Services include: Small dent repairs, collision repairs, WOF rust repairs and paint works. Courtesy car? Yes Google Rating: 4.7/5 Location: Frankton, Hamilton Website: King Street Autobodies Contact number: 07 847 7995 |
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Rob's SpraypaintingRob's Spraypainting is in operation since 2002, and its owner has more than 25 years of experience in the industry, making them one of the trusted panel beaters in Hamilton.
What customers like:
Services include: Insurance works, panel works, car & truck painting, furniture coatings and WOF repairs. Courtesy car? Yes Google Rating: 5/5 Location: Frankton, Hamilton Website: Rob's Spraypainting Contact number: 07 848 1759 |
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Wade Collision RepairWade Collision Repair is a Certified Structural Repair Center that deals with all types of cars requiring panel beating and repainting work in the Waikato region. They are also a member of the Collision Repair Association in New Zealand.
What customers like:
Services include: Insurance works, collision repair and paint refinishing. Courtesy car? Yes Google Rating: 4.6 Location: Te Rapa, Hamilton Website: Wade Collision Repair Contact number: 07 849 2844 |
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Mills Collision Repair CentreMills Collision Repair Centre is a locally owned and operated collision repair centre that has been running for over 35 years in the industry. They have a 24-hour car towing service and on-site computerised estimating that is convenient for emergencies.
What customers like:
Services include: Insurance work, collision repair, paint finishing and general detailing. Courtesy car? Yes, by arrangement Google Rating: 5/5 Location: Frankton, Hamilton Website: Mills Collision Repair Centre Contact number: 07 847 8399 |
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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.
