Body & Paint Inspection
Also called accident history and paint checking
A body and paint inspection looks for evidence that the car has been repaired. Paint thickness readings around every panel, panel gap measurement, glass date codes, weld seam condition, overspray in door shuts and fresh underseal all indicate previous work. We report what the car shows. A good old repair may leave very little evidence, so this reduces your risk rather than guaranteeing a car has never been in an accident.
Signs you need this
- Panel gaps that look uneven between the two sides
- One panel a slightly different shade in sunlight
- Overspray visible on rubber seals or in door shuts
- Fresh underseal on part of the underbody only
- Bolt heads with paint chipped or marked at the edges
Not all of these have to be present, and one of them on its own can mean something else entirely. That is what the diagnosis is for.
What the job includes
- Paint thickness readings taken at multiple points on every panel
- Panel gap and shut line comparison from side to side
- Checking glass and light unit date codes against the car's build
- Inspection of weld seams, sealant beads and underseal for repair work
- A written summary with photographs of anything suspicious
How we do it
Map the paint
Thickness is measured at several points per panel and compared, since a repaired panel reads far thicker than factory.
Compare the gaps
Shut lines and panel gaps are measured side to side, because a repaired shell rarely lines up quite as evenly.
Check the details
Glass date codes, seal overspray, sealant beads and marked bolt heads all show where parts have been removed.
Report with photos
Findings are written up with photographs so you can see the evidence rather than take our word for it.
How we work
The same on every job, which is why we can write it down.
Diagnosis before quote
We find the fault first. A price given over the phone for a noise nobody has heard is a guess.
The price is agreed first
You approve the work and the cost before a spanner is picked up. Extra work means another call.
Parts you can check
We tell you whether a part is genuine, OEM, aftermarket or used, and what each one costs.
Old parts returned
Ask and we will hand back whatever we replaced. It is the simplest proof that the job was done.
Book body & paint inspection
Fill this in and a person will call you back to confirm the time and the price. Only your name and one way to reach you are required.
You send this
Takes a minute. No payment, no obligation.
We call you
To confirm the car, the time and the location.
Tell us the car and the symptom
We will arrange a mechanic at your location, or a slot at the nearest workshop. No payment until the price is agreed.