The Best Panel Beaters in Wellington

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

Updated 28 April 2023

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 Wellington 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 Wellington 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 Wellington panel beaters guide covers:

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 Wellington 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.

Trusted and Reliable Wellington Panel Beaters Available Right Now

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

Airflowe Panel and Paint Ltd (Kaiwharawhara)

Base: Kaiwharawhara, Wellington
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 4.9/5
Website: Airflowe Panel and Paint Ltd (Kaiwharawhara)
Facebook Page: Airflowe Panel and Paint Ltd (Kaiwharawhara)
Email address: info@airflowe.co.nz
Phone: 04 472 0122
Courtesy car? No

Customer Feedback:

Friendly service
Works efficiently with fast turnaround time
Accessible location for the clients
Responds promptly to client's enquiries

Pros:

Provides quality paint job

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Airflowe Panel and Paint Ltd is a Wellington-owned and operated business located in Kaiwharawhaura
Specialises in insurance works for vehicles requiring repair services of any nature
Offers services for panel beating, dent repairs and full car re-spray

Wellington Panel and Paint (Rongotai)

Base: Rongotai, Wellington
Hours: Mon to Fri 7 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 4.7/5
Website: Wellington Panel and Paint (Rongotai)
Facebook Page: None
Email address: Not specified
Phone: 04 387 8318
Courtesy car? No

Customer Feedback:

High-quality spray painting
Helpful and upfront about the cost
Gets the job done as fast as possible
Friendly and approachable staff

Pros:

Offers reasonable price
Caters to all types of vehicles

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Wellington Panel and Paint is an auto body shop in Rongotai that offers quality panel beating and paint services for all types of land vehicles
Accepts re-painting and accident repairs

Edwards Panel & Paint (Lyall Bay)

Base: Lyall Bay, Wellington
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 4.6/5
Website: Edwards Panel & Paint (Lyall Bay)
Facebook Page: Edwards Panel & Paint (Lyall Bay)
Email address: mike@edwardspanel.co.nz
Phone: 04 387 3105
Courtesy car? Yes

Customer Feedback:

Finishes the work on time
Quality panel beating services
Offers professional and personalised service

Pros:

Reasonable prices
Provides accurate quotation

Cons:

Usually booked and busy

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Edwards Panel & Paint provides private vehicle repair services ranging from minor dents to major collision repairs
Uses of the latest technologies to make sure that your car is restored and calibrated to its original form
A member of the Motor Trade Association (MTA) and the Collision Repair Association (CRA).
Offers premium services for collision repairs, panel beating and insurance works

Spot On Panel & Paint Ltd (Mount Victoria)

Base: Mount Victoria, Wellington
Hours: Mon to Fri 9 am – 5 pm, Sat 9 am – 12nn
Google Review rating: 4.9/5
Website: Spot On Panel & Paint Ltd (Mount Victoria)
Facebook Page: Spot On Panel & Paint Ltd (Mount Victoria)
Email address: spotonpanelpaint@gmail.com
Phone: 04 384 2717
Courtesy car? No

Customer Feedback:

Provides high-quality work
Communicates clearly with clients
Discusses everything the client has to know

Pros:

Has an excellent value for money
Offers modern procedures on spray painting and panel beating

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Spot On Panel & Paint Ltd has been in the industry for over 29 years
It is now operating under the management of AutoXpress that has 15 years of experience in the automotive mechanical field
Provides services for spray painting and refinishing, panel beating, insurance works, rust repairs and other general vehicle services

Porirua Motor Body Repairs Ltd

Base: Elsdon, Porirua
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Google Review rating: 4.5/5
Website: Porirua Motor Body Repairs Ltd
Facebook Page: None
Email address: admin@pmbr.co.nz
Phone: 04 237 8917
Courtesy car? Yes

Customer Feedback:

Does an excellent job at minimal expense
Great customer service
Willing to go the extra mile for their clients
Quality finish and excellent workmanship

Pros:

Extends their services to motorbike repairs, furniture paint jobs and wheel replacements

Cons:

Only accept insurance claim service

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Porirua Motor Body Repairs Ltd prides itself as the longest established collision repair shop in Porirua
They started operating in 1963, providing panel beating and spray painting services

Heretaunga Collision Repair Centre

Base: Trentham, Wellington
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 am – 4:30 pm, Sat 9:30 am – 12 pm
Google Review rating: 4.9/5
Website: Heretaunga Collision Repair Centre
Facebook Page: Heretaunga Collision Repair Centre
Email address: info@hcrc.co.nz
Phone: 04 528 6507
Courtesy car? Yes

Customer Feedback:

Friendly and professional service
Fast turn around
Great client communication and thoroughly explains what needs to be done
High-quality finish

Pros:

Transparent with their job
No budget surprises

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Heretaunga Collision Repair Centre has been serving the Wellington and Hutt Valley area for over 11 years
Provides professional panel beating and spray painting services for all types of vehicles
MTA assured and is an authorised repair centre of Mazda, Holden, Hyundai cars

Rolrich Panel & Spray

Base: Lower Hutt, Wellington
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
Google Review rating: 4.6/5
Website: Rolrich Panel & Spray
Facebook Page: Rolrich Panel & Spray
Email address: office@rolrichpanel.co.nz
Phone: 04 568 4837
Courtesy car? Yes

Customer Feedback:

Shows care about their work and their customers
Provides thorough and honest quotes
Friendly and knowledgeable staff
Provides top-notch workmanship

Pros:

Approved by all major insurance companies
Uses the latest colour technology and fully qualified staff

Cons:

Usually booked and busy

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Rolrich Panel & Spray is a family-owned and operated business servicing the Wellington region for 25 years
Ensures that all cars are correctly repaired to manufacturers specifications and that they are safe to use
Accepts vehicle repair, panel beating, painting and spray-painting services

Alan Rea Panelbeaters & Spraypainters

Base: Lower Hutt, Wellington
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 4.7/5
Website: Alan Rea Panelbeaters & Spraypainters
Facebook Page: None
Email address: alan.rea.panel@gmail.com
Phone: 04 568 5422
Courtesy car? No

Customer Feedback:

Helpful and friendly staff
Assures client of their professional workmanship

Pros:

Provides online quote
Answers questions via email
Experienced and professional panel beaters

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Alan Rea Panelbeaters & Spraypainters is a small organisation that is currently servicing the area of Wellington
Specialises in providing service in the areas of panel beating, automotive repairs and more

Eastern Hutt Panelbeaters

Base: Lower Hutt, Wellington
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 4:30 pm
Google Review rating: 4.9/5
Website: Eastern Hutt Panelbeaters
Facebook Page: None
Email address: crash@easternhutt.co.nz
Phone: 04 567 8978
Courtesy car? No

Customer Feedback:

Excellent customer service
Goes the extra mile to achieve the result that a client expects
Impressive service and communication

Pros:

Provides lower price with no hidden charges

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Eastern Hutt Panel & Paint is a Lower Hutt, Wellington-based repair shop that provides high-quality service for Panel Beaters, Spray Painting, Accident Repair and Insurance claims

Plimmerton Panel & Paint

Base: Porirua, Wellington
Hours: Per appointment
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Website: Plimmerton Panel & Paint
Facebook Page: Plimmerton Panel & Paint
Email address: plimpanel@xtra.co.nz
Phone: 027 312 1289
Courtesy car? No

Customer Feedback:

Excellent and professional service
Fast turnaround time with quality result
Helpful and accommodating staff
Provides reliable resolution and information
Shows expertise on their services

Pros:

Provides guaranteed service

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Plimmerton Panel & Paint is an organisation under PRA
Specialises their service on panel beating, spray painting, rust repairs, fibreglassing, camper vans and more

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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