The Best Panel Beaters in Tauranga
Browse top rated panel beating professionals, and know what you should expect to pay
Updated 7 May 2024
Summary:
Our Tauranga panel beaters guide covers:
- 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 Tauranga 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 Tauranga 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 Tauranga 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 Tauranga 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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Reliable Tauranga Panel Beaters Available Right Now
Our list below, which is no particular order, covers Tauranga and Mount Maunganui. We have selected these based on their history of longstanding service within Tauranga, location and data extracted from internet reviews on Google Business, Facebook, TradeMe Services, specialist panel beating forums, and other soures.
Bay Panelbeaters
Base: Mount Maunganui, Tauranga
Hours: Mon to Fri 7 am – 4:30 pm
Google Review rating: 4.6/5
Website: Bay Panelbeaters
Facebook Page: None
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 07 575 0547
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Hours: Mon to Fri 7 am – 4:30 pm
Google Review rating: 4.6/5
Website: Bay Panelbeaters
Facebook Page: None
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 07 575 0547
Customer Feedback:
- Friendly and courteous staff
- Work is done quickly
- Pocket-friendly charges
- Excellent service and repairs
Pros:
- Assists with the whole insurance process as required by their clients
- Offers courtesy car
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Bay Panelbeaters have been operating in Tauranga for over two decades to provide expert panel beating, vehicle repainting and repairs
- Provides panel beating, painting, corporate & fleet services and insurance works
Greerton Panel & Rust Repairs
Base: Greerton, Tauranga
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Website: Greerton Panel & Rust Repairs
Facebook Page: None
Email address: Not specified
Phone: 07 577 6242
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Website: Greerton Panel & Rust Repairs
Facebook Page: None
Email address: Not specified
Phone: 07 577 6242
Customer Feedback:
- Quick to repair
- Fair pricing
- Good quality paint job
- Provides valuable advice to help customers save money
Pros:
- Offers same-day service
- Provides free online quote
- Provides courtesy car
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Greerton Panel & Rust Repairs is based in Tauranga and has been providing full panel beating and painting services for all types of services for over 26 years
- Handles collision repairs, insurance works, full paint service, rust repairs and proofing, auto robot chassis machine and plastic welding.
Bay Precision Panel & Paint
Base: Mount Maunganui, Tauranga
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 4:30 pm, Sat 8 am – 12 pm
Google Review rating: 4.7/5
Website: None
Facebook Page: Bay Precision Panel & Paint
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 07 572 1857
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 4:30 pm, Sat 8 am – 12 pm
Google Review rating: 4.7/5
Website: None
Facebook Page: Bay Precision Panel & Paint
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 07 572 1857
Customer Feedback:
- Repairs the vehicle like it’s new again
- Work is done promptly
- Helps sort out the insurance processes
- Knowledgeable staff
Pros:
- Provides courtesy car
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Bay Precision Panel & Paint deals with all types of automotive smash repairs ranging from minor touch-ups to full panel beating
- Commits to providing a high quality of work and provides a convenient repair process for all their customers
Tom Allen Panelbeating
Tom Allen Panelbeating deals with both domestic and imported vehicles that require panel beating, repairs and body works. They also provide consultations and emergency services.
What customers like:
Services include: Panel beating, emergency services, collision repairs and painting
Courtesy car? Not specified
Google Rating: 4.9/5
Location: Whakamārama, Tauranga
Website: None
Facebook page: Tom Allen Panelbeating
Email address: None specified
Phone: 07 571 8170
What customers like:
- Reasonable rates
- Fast turnaround time
- Friendly and easy-going staff
- Great client communication
- Goes the extra mile to help their clients
Services include: Panel beating, emergency services, collision repairs and painting
Courtesy car? Not specified
Google Rating: 4.9/5
Location: Whakamārama, Tauranga
Website: None
Facebook page: Tom Allen Panelbeating
Email address: None specified
Phone: 07 571 8170
Elite Auto Painters
Base: Parkvale, Tauranga
Hours: Per appointment
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Website: Elite Auto Painters
Facebook Page: Elite Auto Painters
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 07 571 5378
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Hours: Per appointment
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Website: Elite Auto Painters
Facebook Page: Elite Auto Painters
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 07 571 5378
Customer Feedback:
- Honest staff
- Provides cost-friendly options
- Excellent service and paintwork
- Good client communication
- No hidden fees
Pros:
- Insurance approved auto painter
- Provides courtesy pick-up and drop off services
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Elite Auto Painters specialise in collision restorations and paintworks of classic cars, hot rods, muscle cars, Japanese vehicles and European cars
- Provides full panel beating, minor touch-ups, imported vehicles body works and full-body repainting
KSV Kingdom Special Vehicles
Base: Judea, Tauranga
Hours: Mon to Thur 7 am – 4 pm, Fri 7 am – 3 pm
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Website: KSV Kingdom Special Vehicles
Facebook Page: KSV Kingdom Special Vehicles
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 07 577 6605
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Hours: Mon to Thur 7 am – 4 pm, Fri 7 am – 3 pm
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Website: KSV Kingdom Special Vehicles
Facebook Page: KSV Kingdom Special Vehicles
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 07 577 6605
Customer Feedback:
- Excellent workmanship
- Neat with their work
- Fast turn around
- Good client experience
Pros:
- Accepts small jetski restorations and minor repair jobs
Cons:
- Does not offer a courtesy car
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- KSV Kingdom Special Vehicles works on large and small vehicle repairs as well as motorcycle repaints
- Offers services for WOF rust repairs, full vehicle collision repair, touch-ups, motorcycle repainting and small jet ski repair/repainting
Baileys Panelworks Limited
Base: Parkvale, Tauranga
Hours: Mon to Thu 7:30 am – 5 pm, Fri 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
Google Review rating: 4.7/5
Website: Baileys Panelworks Limited
Facebook Page: Baileys Panelworks Limited
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 07 578 0443
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Hours: Mon to Thu 7:30 am – 5 pm, Fri 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
Google Review rating: 4.7/5
Website: Baileys Panelworks Limited
Facebook Page: Baileys Panelworks Limited
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 07 578 0443
Customer Feedback:
- Quick to complete the job
- Cars look good as new after service
- Friendly and professional staff
- Excellent communication throughout the process
Pros:
- Offers a loan car
- MTA Assured
- Member of Collision Repair Association
- Assists with insurance claims
Cons:
- Closed during the weekends
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Baileys Paintwork was established in 1980, making them one of the long-running panel beating specialists.
- Their services include collision repairs, corrosion repairs and fleet/lease services.
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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 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.