Collision & Accident Repair

Collision & Accident Repair

A collision is stressful enough without having to worry about whether the repair will be done properly. At DOP RESPRAY & DETAILING, we handle accident repair end to end — from insurance assessment and documentation through to panel beating, structural realignment, refinishing and final quality check. Every repair is done to OEM-standard using genuine materials, and we work directly with all major Kenyan insurers on direct-billing claims. Whether it's a small car park dent or serious collision damage, we treat every job with the same discipline: understand the full extent of the damage first, fix what needs fixing, and deliver a car that's safe and looks factory-fresh. Free inspection and honest assessment on every job.

• Free inspection & insurance assessment
• Direct billing with major Kenyan insurers
• OEM-grade panels, paint & materials
• Written workmanship warranty on repairs

The difference between cosmetic and structural damage

Not all accident damage is what it looks like on the surface. There are two categories of damage, and understanding the difference matters:

We always inspect for structural damage first, because it determines whether a repair will actually restore the car's safety and driving characteristics — not just its appearance. If a car has significant structural damage, we'll tell you honestly rather than hide it under cosmetic work.

Repairs we handle

From minor parking incidents to major collision damage, our capabilities cover:

• Panel beating & dent removal — from small dents to full panel reshaping using hand tools and heat.
• Bumper repair or replacement — plastic welding, crack repair, or full bumper replacement with colour match.
• Structural realignment — chassis, subframe and mounting point correction to restore factory geometry.
• Weld repairs — replacing rusted or damaged metal sections with proper MIG/TIG welding.
• Panel & door replacement — new or OEM-grade used panels fitted and colour-matched.
• Bumper & trim restoration — fog lights, grilles, sensor recalibration where needed.
• Full refinishing — respray of repaired panels in factory-matched colour, blended to adjacent panels.
• Glass & light replacement — windscreens, side glass, headlights and taillights.

How insurance claims work with us

We work directly with all major Kenyan insurers and can handle the majority of the claims process on your behalf:

If you're paying privately, we quote the repair clearly before starting. No hidden fees, no surprise additions. If we discover additional damage during disassembly (which is common with hidden structural damage), we call you before doing anything — never a surprise invoice.

How the process works

What to do immediately after an accident

If you've just had an accident, these steps protect your claim and get the repair started correctly:

• Move to safety — get yourself and other occupants to a safe location away from traffic. Turn on hazard lights.
• Take photos before moving anything — every angle, close-ups of damage, the other vehicle, road position, any injuries. Timestamps help.
• Exchange details — name, phone, ID, insurance provider, policy number, vehicle registration of the other driver.
• Report to police if required — for any incident with injuries or significant damage, a police abstract is often needed for insurance claims.
• Notify your insurer within 48 hours — most Kenyan policies require prompt reporting. Late reporting can weaken your claim.
• Bring the car to us for assessment — even if you haven't decided who will repair it yet. Our assessment is free and gives you a clear picture of the damage.
• Don't accept a low "cash settlement" without a real repair quote — insurers sometimes offer a quick payout that won't cover proper repair. Get our independent assessment first.

Aftercare for your repaired vehicle

Once we hand your car back, the repair should be treated like new paint for the first few weeks:

• Wait 30 days before waxing or ceramic coating — new paint needs to fully cure before being sealed. We'll advise exact timing based on the repair.
• Avoid automatic car washes with brushes — new paint is softer for the first month and more susceptible to fine scratches.
• Hand wash with pH-neutral shampoo — this protects both the new paint and any existing ceramic or PPF.
• Book a 2-week check-up with us — we inspect the repair for any settling, panel alignment or paint reaction. Free of charge.
• Consider ceramic coating or PPF after curing — this protects the new paint and the rest of the car against future damage. A wise investment after a major repair.
• Keep your repair documentation — useful if you ever sell the car, and essential if there's a warranty claim on the repair itself.

How long does accident repair take?

Timelines vary hugely depending on the extent of damage and whether insurance approval is needed:

• Minor cosmetic damage (scuffs, small dents): 1–3 days.
• Panel replacement & refinishing: 3–7 days.
• Structural repair (chassis, subframe): 1–3 weeks, depending on parts availability.
• Major collision damage: 3–6 weeks+ for full repair with extensive parts replacement.
• Insurance approval delays can add 1–7 days before work starts.

We'll give you a firm timeline at the assessment stage and keep you updated as work progresses. No vague promises — you'll know exactly where your car is in the process.

Why choose DOP RESPRAY & DETAILING for accident repair?

Accident repair is a service where cheap shortcuts cause serious problems — misaligned panels, unsafe structural repairs, colour-mismatched paint, rust forming under filler within 12 months. We refuse to work that way. Every repair at DOP uses proper structural realignment, quality body filler applied with discipline, genuine paint matched under controlled lighting, and corrosion protection on hidden surfaces. We also work with all major insurers and take responsibility for the documentation so you don't have to chase anyone.

We also care about the small things — cleaning your car before handover, taking photos of the repair process, keeping you informed. Because coming out of an accident is stressful enough.

Frequently asked about accident repair