Frequently Asked Questions

Specialised Panel & Paint is an insurance-approved accident repairer and specialist spray painting workshop based in Central Christchurch. We provide high-quality panel and paint services for customers throughout Christchurch and Canterbury.

Specialised Panel & Paint is located at 243 Lichfield Street, Christchurch Central.

Specialised Panel & Paint has been operating since 1990, and has been at its present site on Lichfield Street, Christchurch, since 2005.

We provide a comprehensive range of panel and paint and associated automotive services, including:
-Accident repairs of all sizes
-Rust repairs
-Restorations
-Sandblasting
-Underbody painting
-Vehicle fleet accident repairs
For the full range, see our Services page.

We don’t just work on cars, we also provide computer colour-matched spray painting on a range of other items such as heat pumps. Call us to see if we can help.

There are many reasons to choose Specialised Panel & Paint. We have a large fleet of free loan cars, a handy location in Christchurch Central, very high standards, excellent customer service, knowledgeable and experienced staff, on-site assessments, and we’re part of Right to Drive, which gives you a like-for-like loan car.

Yes, we are an insurance-approved repairer and can carry out accident repairs for all insurance companies.

Yes, we regularly work with AMI Insurance claims and can handle the repair process from start to finish.

Yes, we are on the IAG Approved Repairers list.

Yes, we can repair your vehicle no matter which insurance company you are with.

Yes, you can choose Specialised Panel & Paint even if your insurer suggests another repairer. Who repairs your car is entirely at your discretion.

You will need to complete the insurance claim yourself, but we’re happy to help guide you through the claim process if you need assistance.

No, you don’t need to contact your insurer before bringing your car to us. We can help advise you once the vehicle is here.

We can repair all types of car accidents and collision damage. That includes structural damage, small dings and dents, full or partial spray painting, restorations, rust removal, and repair certifications.

Yes, we can repair all accidents and collision damage from small carpark dents to major accidents.

Yes, we provide full spray painting and refinishing services in Christchurch.

Yes, we can colour-match your car’s paint colour. We use computer colour-matching technology to ensure a perfect match to your existing paint colour.

Yes, we repair small areas of minor rust damage.

Whether we can use genuine parts for your accident repair depends on your insurance company’s policy. If you prefer genuine parts, this needs to be confirmed with your insurer. Unfortunately, it’s not within our control.

To ensure a high-quality paint finish, we use advanced computer colour matching and Spies Hecker water-based paints, a world standard in automotive refinishing.

Yes, we provide full structural repairs and chassis straightening. We work with qualified certifiers who sign off your structural repairs once they’re completed.

Yes, we can repair plastic bumpers and panels.

Yes, we repair vehicles for many local businesses and fleets in Christchurch. Our central location makes us east and convenient for corporate customers.

To book your vehicle in, call us on 03 377 1106, email us at admin@specialised.co.nz, or visit us at 243 Lichfield Street, Christchurch Central.

Our panel beating process has eight steps designed to get you back on the road quickly. These include: Assessment, Claim Approval, Booking and Loan Car, Repair, Cleaning, and Return. Read the full process on our Process page.

The time a repair takes depends on the extent of the damage to your car and whether or not we need to wait for parts. A small supermarket carpark ding can take as little as three days, and a big accident repair could take up to a month.

Yes, we always provide a repair estimate before starting work. This is also required by insurance companies for claim approval.

It’s unlikely that we will find extra damage, but if we do, we will let you know and get authorisation from your insurance company before we go ahead with any extra work.

Yes, all repairs come with a warranty on workmanship.

Yes, your car will be safe to drive once all repairs are completed and signed off.

Yes, we have a fleet of free loan cars available for our customers while their vehicles are being repaired.

No, there is no cost to use one of our loan cars. However, they are supplied with a full tank of of petrol and must be returned full or there will be a filling charge.

This is generally not an issue, but if no loan car is immediately available, we might need to delay your repair booking very slightly.

Yes, the loan car must be returned with a full tank of fuel.

Yes, we clean your car before returning it to a level appropriate to the damage repair we’ve undertaken.

The key things that make Specialised Panel and Paint different from other Christchurch panel beaters is our total dedication to the quality of our work, highly experienced team, and the extremely comprehensive range of automotive repair and specialised painting services we offer in Christchurch.

Yes, all our technicians are I-CAR qualified and trained to the latest standards.

We use Spies Hecker water-based paints, a world-leading paint system known for its durability and finish.

Yes, we follow all New Zealand safety and repair standards as the minimum requirement for every job.

Yes, we provide free quotes for accident and collision repairs. To arrange a quote, call us on 03 377 1106, email admin@specialised.co.nz, or visit us at 243 Lichfield Street, Christchurch.

Yes, we restore classic and vintage cars, bringing older vehicles back to life with quality panel and paint work.

Yes, we repair electric and hybrid vehicles in Christchurch.

No, we do not currently offer after-hours drop-off.

Yes, we provide pickup and delivery of vehicles within Christchurch.

You can contact us by calling 03 377 1106, emailing admin@specialised.co.nz, or visiting us at 243 Lichfield Street, Christchurch Central.