SMR: Choose your smart repairer wisely

Mark Llewellyn, managing director, Revive! UK

While smart repairs have been widely adopted and accepted into the bodyshop sector, there are still occasions when they go wrong.

However, as many of us in the smart repair industry have become more professional and are working hard to drive up standards, there is a much clearer divide between a professional repairer working to professional standards and  the old-style ‘cowboy’ worker providing a cheap and cheerful service.

The difficulty for customers is understanding the differentiation. If a customer gets the wrong colour on their car because they have paid for a cheap repair it may be that they have to accept that.

If, however, the repairer does a quick job on a body part that should not be repaired as there is potentially structural damage, then this can be a more sinister problem.

The reasons for this are partly due to the lack of legislation in the sector and partly due to the ease of becoming a smart repairer. Until recently, there was no way to differentiate between a repairer working to professional standards and a man in a van with little or no experience.

The IMI-promoted Cosmetic ATA launched in the past couple of years provides a way for customers finally to understand the difference.

The ATA provides a rigorous accreditation for minor paint repairers and ensures that clear work processes are undertaken and health and safety standards strongly adhered to.

Part of the training involves understanding just what damage can and cannot be repaired using the smart technique – and inappropriate use of smart repair is a major reason why jobs go wrong.

The answer is quite straightforward. If you want a smart repair to be carried out safely and to professional standards, chose an ATA-accredited technician.

The cost of top-quality mobile repairs is always very competitive.

Why risk botching the job just for the sake of a few pounds? There will be always be an option for people who want a cost-effective solution, but if the repairer holds an ATA you can be sure that your repair will be carried out safely and to professional standards.