Does a Wellington business cover the Hutt and Kapiti?
Many do, but the further ends of the region carry travel time and it shows in the quote. NovaPay asks businesses covering your end first — the Kapiti Coast in particular is served by its own trades rather than by the city.
Why do Wellington quotes ask about access and steps?
Because they are most of the labour. Carrying materials up sixty steps or working off a boundary with no parking is genuinely a different job to the same work on a flat Hamilton section, and a quote that ignores it is the one that gets revised on the day.
Do I have to use the repairer my insurer picks?
Often not. Many New Zealand policies let you choose, though using a preferred repairer can simplify the claim. Ask your insurer, and say in your request that it is an insurance job.
Will the paint match?
A good shop matches to the paint code and blends into adjacent panels, which is why a repair on a metallic finish sometimes covers more panels than the damage does. Ask how they plan to blend it.
What is paintless dent removal?
Working a dent out from behind without refinishing, which is cheaper and quicker where the paint is unbroken. It suits door dings and hail rather than creased or cracked panels.
How long will they have the car?
A small dent may be a day, a collision repair a week or more once parts are ordered. Ask whether a courtesy car is available, since that often matters more than a small price difference.