Home / FAQ
Frequently Asked
Questions
Everything you've ever wanted to ask about accident repair, insurance claims, courtesy cars, manufacturer approval and the rest of it.
Choosing A Repairer
Your rights, plain English.
Can I choose where my car is repaired after an accident?
Yes. Under the Financial Conduct Authority framework, you have the legal right to choose your own accident repairer regardless of what your insurer recommends. Just say "I want Stanways Autobodies in Lytham St Annes to do the work" and the insurer must comply. They cannot refuse cover on that basis.
Why does my insurer push me toward their approved network?
Their approved network operates on rock-bottom labour rates negotiated centrally. The repairer takes the work for the volume; your repair is squeezed for time and care to fit those rates. An independent shop with the right accreditations gives you a better quality outcome at the same kind of standard rate.
What's the difference between a fault and non-fault claim?
If you caused the accident (or it can't be proven who did), you claim through your own policy and your no-claims bonus and excess are affected. If someone else caused it, you can claim through their insurer instead — no excess, no impact on your NCB. We can help you do this.
Estimates & Repairs
How we work.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes — completely free, no obligation. Drop in during opening hours, call 01253 735544, WhatsApp 07822 012901 or email info@stanwaysautobodies.com. We'll inspect your vehicle, document the damage and provide a written estimate.
How long will my repair take?
It depends on the damage. We'll give you an accurate completion estimate within 72 hours of the vehicle arriving on site, once we've assessed it and authorisation has been received. Light repairs can be a day or two; structural repairs can take two to three weeks depending on parts availability.
Why might my car be with you for several weeks?
The most common reason is parts availability — particularly for newer models or specific manufacturers. We always order OEM parts where the manufacturer requires them, which can occasionally extend the timeline. We'll keep you updated throughout.
Can you do additional repairs not related to my accident?
Yes. When your vehicle arrives, our Vehicle Damage Assessor will inspect it. If they spot any non-accident damage you'd like fixed at the same time — kerb scuffs, paint chips, dents — we'll quote separately and you can decide. Cheaper than booking the car back in twice.
Will the repair be valeted?
Yes — every vehicle leaves us with a complimentary service wash and vacuum. If you'd like a more thorough valet, our reception team can quote for that as a separate service.
Manufacturer Approval & Standards
Quality & accreditation.
Is Stanways a manufacturer-approved repairer?
Yes. We received Hyundai manufacturer approval in December 2025. We are also BS10125 accredited with zero non-conformances in both 2024 and 2025 audits, and members of the NBRA, IMI, ARIES, ABP Club and ISO. We are working towards additional manufacturer approvals.
Will my warranty be affected by the repair?
Not if the repairer holds the relevant manufacturer approval. We're Hyundai approved, so Hyundai warranties are preserved. For other manufacturers we follow OEM repair methods and use OEM parts, but full manufacturer warranty preservation is only guaranteed at a manufacturer-approved shop. Always check with your manufacturer if in doubt.
Do you do ADAS calibration?
Yes — on site. Most modern vehicles have driver-assistance cameras and radar that need recalibrating after almost any front-end repair. We perform calibration in-house using manufacturer-specified equipment, not at a third party.
Do you repair electric and hybrid vehicles?
Yes. Our technicians hold IMI TechSafe qualifications for safe high-voltage work. We have a dedicated EV-safe area in our workshop and follow manufacturer-specified safety procedures for battery isolation and assessment.
Logistics, Cost & Courtesy
The practical stuff.
Do you provide a courtesy car?
Yes. We offer courtesy cars subject to availability. If you're claiming non-fault, we can also arrange a like-for-like hire vehicle paid for by the third party's insurer for the duration of the repair.
Do you do free vehicle collection?
Yes. Free collection and delivery within a 40-mile radius of our Lytham St Annes facility. This covers the whole Fylde Coast, most of Lancashire, and parts of South Cumbria and Greater Manchester.
Will I have to pay an excess?
If you're claiming through your own policy, the excess agreed when you took out your insurance is payable to us on collection. If the accident was non-fault and we handle it through the third party's insurer, no excess is payable by you.
What if I'm VAT-registered?
If your vehicle is registered to your business and you're VAT-registered, the VAT element of the repair will be invoiced to you to reclaim through HMRC. We'll explain the process at the time.
Where exactly are you?
Unit 31 Queensway Park Farm, Queensway, Lytham St Annes, FY8 3FQ. We're a purpose-built 2024 facility, easily accessible from the A584 and well placed for the Fylde Coast, Blackpool, Preston and surrounding areas.