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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, you can ask for the repairer you want. Just say “I want Stanways Autobodies in Lytham St Annes to do the work” when you report the claim. Insurers will usually accept your choice, though your policy terms may affect your excess and any courtesy car, so it is worth checking those before work begins. We will help you do that.
Why does my insurer push me toward their approved network?+
Insurer networks run on labour rates and volumes agreed centrally with the insurer. Choosing an independent repairer lets you put the facility, the accreditations and the service you want first. Your policy terms may affect the excess or courtesy car, so we will help you check before any work starts.
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, typically with no excess and no impact on your NCB where their insurer accepts liability. We can help you do this.

Estimates & Repairs

How we work
Do you offer free estimates?+
Yes, completely free with 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, such as kerb scuffs, paint chips or 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 across our 2024, 2025 and 2026 audits, three years running, and our 2026 audit scope now includes structural aluminium repair. We are members of the NBRA, IMI, ARIES and the ABP Club, and 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. We have an IMI Level 4 qualified EV technician, the highest IMI tier for electric and hybrid vehicle work, which means we can safely carry out high-voltage repairs including battery isolation, removal and refit. Our technicians hold IMI TechSafe qualifications, we have a dedicated EV-safe area in the workshop, and we follow manufacturer-specified safety procedures throughout.

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, where liability is accepted by the at-fault driver’s insurer, you may be entitled to a similar-class hire vehicle at their cost. We can help arrange this.
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, there is usually no excess payable by you, and we will tell you up front if your case differs.
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.

Question we haven’t answered?

We’ll happily answer anything else over the phone, on WhatsApp, or by email.

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