Seen Here: J Hanekom SAMBRA national director Photo Credit: Supplied
Motorists are being warned against rushed repairs and opportunistic operators following widespread storm damage, as the motor body repair industry prepares for increased insurance claims and demand for specialised services.
GAUTENG – The severe storms that swept across Gauteng on Sunday have placed thousands of motorists at risk of unexpected vehicle repair costs, prompting the South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA) to urge vehicle owners to prioritise professional damage assessments before committing to repairs.
The storm damage, which includes dented body panels, shattered windscreens and damaged vehicle components, is expected to increase demand for motor body repair services, insurance assessments and specialised hail-damage restoration.
For motorists, the immediate concern extends beyond visible damage. Identifying hidden structural, mechanical and electronic component damage is equally important to ensuring vehicles remain safe and roadworthy.
Juan Hanekom, National Director of SAMBRA, a constituent association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), says motorists should resist the temptation to rush into repair arrangements without first establishing the full extent of the damage.
“Following a major hailstorm, we typically see an increase in enquiries from motorists who are understandably concerned about the condition of their vehicles and what the damage will mean for them financially. Our advice is not to panic or rush into repairs. The first step is to have the vehicle properly assessed by a reputable, suitably qualified motor body repairer who understands hail damage and the available repair options,” says Hanekom.
The warning comes as the automotive repair sector prepares to manage the operational pressures associated with widespread weather-related damage, including increased assessment volumes, specialised labour requirements and potential delays in sourcing replacement components.
Paintless Dent Removal offers an alternative to conventional repairs
One of the key considerations for motorists following a hailstorm is selecting the appropriate repair method.
Paintless Dent Removal (PDR) has become an important specialised service within the motor body repair industry, offering an alternative to conventional panel beating for certain types of hail damage.
The technique involves trained technicians using specialised tools to carefully manipulate dents from behind affected panels, restoring the original surface without conventional filling, sanding or repainting.
Where the vehicle’s paintwork remains intact and the dents are suitable for treatment, PDR can offer several advantages, including shorter repair times and the preservation of the manufacturer’s original factory paint finish.
However, the method is not universally applicable.
Deep dents, cracked or chipped paintwork and stretched metal may require conventional panel repairs or complete panel replacement. Horizontal vehicle surfaces, particularly roofs, bonnets and boot lids, are especially exposed during severe hailstorms.
Hanekom emphasises that repair decisions should be based on a proper technical assessment rather than the appearance of the damage alone.
This distinction is important for vehicle owners seeking to protect their investments while avoiding unnecessary repair expenditure.
Insurance claims and repair quality take priority
Beyond the technical considerations, the financial implications of hail damage can be significant, particularly for motorists who are uninsured or face substantial insurance excess payments.
SAMBRA advises insured motorists to contact their insurers promptly, establish the applicable claims procedures and obtain the necessary authorisation before proceeding with repairs.
Motorists are also encouraged to photograph all visible damage, record when and where the incident occurred and retain relevant documentation to support their claims.
Choosing an accredited motor body repairer is another critical consideration.
Following major weather events, the sudden increase in demand for repair services can create opportunities for unqualified or opportunistic operators seeking to capitalise on motorists’ urgency.
SAMBRA therefore recommends using reputable, SAMBRA-accredited repair businesses with the appropriate technical expertise, equipment and experience to handle hail-damaged vehicles.
The association also cautions against accepting unsolicited repair offers without verifying the service provider’s credentials.
Importantly, vehicle owners should ensure that damaged windscreens, windows, lights, mirrors, cameras and advanced driver-assistance systems are professionally inspected. Damage to these components can compromise visibility, vehicle safety and the operation of important electronic systems.
Vehicles with broken glass, impaired visibility or loose body components should not be driven until their safety has been assessed.
Industry faces increased demand and potential repair delays
The commercial implications of widespread hail damage extend throughout the automotive repair value chain.
A significant weather event can place additional pressure on insurers, motor body repairers, parts suppliers and specialised technicians, particularly where multiple communities are affected simultaneously.
Increased claims volumes can create backlogs in vehicle assessments and repair authorisations, while demand for replacement panels, glass and specialist services may affect turnaround times.
For motor body repair businesses, the challenge is balancing increased workloads with the technical standards and quality controls required to deliver safe, reliable repairs.
Hanekom says motorists should anticipate possible delays and maintain communication with their insurers and appointed repairers throughout the claims process.
“Motorists should understand that a widespread hail event can affect repair turnaround times. Repairers and insurers may need to manage a substantial number of claims simultaneously, and certain parts or specialised services may take longer to secure,” he says.
The warning highlights the importance of realistic repair timelines and transparent communication between customers, insurers and service providers.
Protecting vehicle value through professional repairs
For many South African households, a vehicle represents a significant financial investment. Poor-quality repairs can therefore have implications beyond immediate appearance, potentially affecting resale value, paint integrity and long-term vehicle condition.
SAMBRA maintains that motorists should not sacrifice repair quality for the convenience of getting their vehicles back sooner.
“Your vehicle is a significant investment, and the quality of the repair matters. A properly assessed and professionally repaired vehicle is always preferable to a quick fix that may create further problems down the line,” Hanekom concludes.
As Gauteng motorists begin assessing the aftermath of Sunday’s storms, the message from the motor body repair industry is clear: professional assessments, informed insurance decisions and qualified repair services are essential to protecting both vehicle safety and financial value.
For the automotive industry, the storm also underscores the importance of specialised repair capabilities, responsive insurance processes and consumer education in managing the growing operational demands associated with severe weather events.
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