Body Repair & Painting Terms & Conditions
1. Introduction
These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the body repair and painting services provided by Unit Eleven Ltd (“we”, “us”, “our”). By using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. Please read them carefully before booking.
These Terms apply to all body repair and painting services provided by us within the United Kingdom, including but not limited to accident repair, panel replacement, dent repair, rust treatment, full resprays, partial resprays, and cosmetic paintwork.
2. Services Provided
We offer professional body repair and painting services including collision repair, panel beating, dent removal, rust repair, primer and paint application, colour matching, and clear coat finishing. All work is performed by trained technicians using professional equipment and quality materials.
3. Bookings and Appointments
3.1 Bookings are subject to availability. Body repair and painting work often requires extended timeframes depending on the scope of work, parts availability, and curing times.
3.2 Estimated completion dates are provided in good faith but are not guaranteed. We will keep you informed of progress and any changes to expected completion.
3.3 If you need to cancel your booking, you must provide at least 5 working days’ notice. Cancellations made after parts have been ordered or work has commenced may result in charges for parts and labour already incurred.
4. Estimates and Quotations
4.1 All quotations are estimates based on visual assessment and the information provided. The final cost may vary if hidden damage is discovered once panels are removed or the vehicle is stripped.
4.2 We will contact you for authorisation before carrying out any additional work that exceeds the original estimate by more than 10% or £200, whichever is lower.
4.3 Quotations for insurance work are subject to the insurer’s approval. We will liaise with your insurer where required, but you remain responsible for any policy excess, betterment charges, or work not covered by your policy.
4.4 Quotations are valid for 30 days from the date of issue unless otherwise stated.
5. Pricing and Payments
5.1 All prices include labour, materials, and paint unless otherwise stated. Parts are charged separately and will be itemised on your invoice.
5.2 A deposit of 25% may be required before work commences, particularly for larger repairs or custom paintwork. This deposit is non-refundable if you cancel after work has commenced.
5.3 Full payment is due upon completion of the work and prior to the vehicle being released from our premises. The vehicle will not be released until payment has been received in full.
5.4 We accept payment by cash, bank transfer, and debit/credit card. American Express and corporate cards are not accepted.
5.5 In the event that full payment is not received upon completion of work, we reserve the right to charge interest on overdue balances at a rate of 8% per annum in accordance with the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, or 2% per month for consumer contracts, whichever is applicable.
5.6 We reserve the right to exercise a lien over the vehicle until all outstanding charges are paid in full.
6. Vehicle Release
6.1 The vehicle will only be released from our premises once full payment has been received and cleared.
6.2 If any concerns are raised regarding the quality of work prior to collection, our standard procedure is for the vehicle to remain in our care until rectification is complete.
6.3 Vehicles left on our premises for more than 7 days after completion of work without prior arrangement may incur storage charges of £20 per day.
7. Pre-Work Assessment and Disclosure
7.1 Upon arrival, your vehicle will be assessed to document existing damage and condition. Photographs will be taken and form part of our records.
7.2 CUSTOMER DISCLOSURE: You must disclose any known previous repairs, accident damage, rust issues, filler, or non-original paintwork on the vehicle. This information is essential for us to assess the work correctly and provide an accurate quotation.
7.3 Failure to disclose previous repairs may result in additional charges if hidden damage, poor-quality previous repairs, or excessive filler is discovered during the repair process. We cannot be held responsible for issues arising from undisclosed previous work.
7.4 We do not accept liability for pre-existing damage, rust, or defects that are not part of the agreed repair scope.
8. Colour Matching and Paint Finish
8.1 COLOUR MATCHING LIMITATIONS: While we use computerised colour matching systems and professional techniques, achieving a 100% perfect colour match is not always possible. Factors affecting colour match include:
- (a) Age and condition of existing paintwork (fading, oxidation, weathering);
- (b) Variations in original factory paint between panels or production batches;
- (c) Previous repairs or resprays using non-standard colours;
- (d) Metallic, pearl, and tri-coat finishes which are inherently difficult to match;
- (e) Viewing conditions (lighting, angle, indoor vs outdoor).
8.2 For partial repairs (spot repairs, individual panels), we blend into adjacent panels where possible to minimise visible colour variation. Blending may be recommended at additional cost to achieve the best finish.
8.3 We do not guarantee an invisible repair on partial paintwork. Some colour variation may be visible under certain lighting conditions, particularly on metallic, pearl, and special-effect finishes.
8.4 Full vehicle resprays achieve uniform colour across the entire vehicle but may differ slightly from the original factory colour code due to the factors above.
9. Paint Finish Characteristics
9.1 ORANGE PEEL: All automotive paint, including factory finishes, exhibits some degree of “orange peel” texture when viewed closely. This is a normal characteristic of spray-applied paint and does not constitute a defect. We aim to achieve a finish consistent with or better than factory standards.
9.2 DUST NIBS: Despite controlled spray environments, microscopic dust particles may occasionally become trapped in the paint surface. Minor dust nibs that do not affect the overall appearance are considered within acceptable tolerances and can be polished out upon request.
9.3 RUNS AND SAGS: We inspect all paintwork before delivery. Visible runs, sags, or drips are not acceptable and will be rectified before release.
9.4 CLEAR COAT: Modern paint systems use a base coat / clear coat system. The clear coat provides gloss and protection. The final finish quality depends on correct application and curing of both layers.
10. Curing Times and Aftercare
10.1 Freshly painted surfaces require time to fully cure and harden. While the vehicle may be safe to drive, the paint remains softer than fully cured paint for approximately 30-90 days depending on environmental conditions.
10.2 During the curing period, you must:
- (a) Avoid washing the vehicle for at least 7 days;
- (b) Avoid waxing, polishing, or applying any coatings for at least 30 days;
- (c) Avoid parking under trees where sap or bird droppings may land;
- (d) Remove any bird droppings, insect residue, or tree sap immediately using a damp microfibre cloth;
- (e) Avoid automatic car washes and pressure washers for at least 30 days;
- (f) Park in shade where possible to avoid excessive heat.
10.3 Failure to follow aftercare instructions may result in damage to the paint finish which will not be covered under warranty.
11. Rust Repair and Treatment
11.1 Rust repair involves cutting out affected metal and welding in new sections, or treating surface rust with appropriate products. The extent of rust is often greater than visible from the surface and may only become apparent once work commences.
11.2 We will advise you if additional rust is discovered and seek authorisation before proceeding with extended repairs.
11.3 Rust treatment and repair can slow or halt corrosion but cannot guarantee that rust will not recur, particularly in vehicles with underlying structural corrosion or those exposed to road salt and harsh conditions.
11.4 Vehicles with extensive corrosion may not be suitable for cosmetic repair alone and may require structural assessment.
12. Parts
12.1 Where panel replacement is required, we may use new OEM parts, new aftermarket parts, or quality recycled parts depending on availability, vehicle age, and customer preference.
12.2 Aftermarket and recycled parts will be advised and agreed before fitting. OEM parts can be sourced upon request at additional cost.
12.3 Parts lead times vary. Delays in parts supply may extend the repair timeframe beyond initial estimates.
13. Insurance Work
13.1 For insurance claims, we will work with your insurer to agree the scope and cost of repairs. We are not responsible for delays caused by insurer approval processes.
13.2 You are responsible for paying any policy excess directly to us before vehicle release.
13.3 If your insurer does not cover the full cost of repair (due to betterment, policy exclusions, or write-off decisions), you remain liable for any shortfall or must make alternative arrangements.
13.4 We do not guarantee that insurers will approve all repairs or methods requested.
14. Warranty
14.1 Our paint warranty covers defects in workmanship including peeling, flaking, bubbling, or delamination for 24 months from the date of completion.
14.2 Our body repair warranty covers structural repairs and panel fitment for 24 months from the date of completion.
14.3 The warranty does not cover:
- (a) Damage from accidents, impacts, stone chips, or vandalism after repair;
- (b) Rust recurrence in areas with underlying structural corrosion;
- (c) Colour fading or weathering due to normal UV exposure;
- (d) Damage caused by failure to follow aftercare instructions;
- (e) Damage from automatic car washes, pressure washers, or abrasive cleaning;
- (f) Damage from bird droppings, tree sap, or chemicals left on the surface;
- (g) Third-party work or modifications to repaired areas;
- (h) Vehicles used for motorsport, track days, or commercial hire.
14.4 Warranty claims must be reported within 14 days of the issue becoming apparent. The vehicle must be returned to our premises for inspection.
15. Quality and Rectification
15.1 We are committed to delivering work of the highest standard. If you are not satisfied with any aspect of the work, you must notify us immediately upon collection or as soon as the issue is identified.
15.2 In accordance with the Consumer Rights Act 2015, where any element of the service does not meet the required standard, we will remedy the work at no additional cost to you.
15.3 If concerns are raised, the vehicle should remain in our care until rectification is complete. Removing the vehicle before rectification does not reduce the amount owed.
16. Liability
16.1 We do not accept liability for pre-existing damage, rust, or defects not included in the agreed repair scope.
16.2 We do not accept liability for colour variation that falls within industry-acceptable tolerances or results from factors beyond our control (faded original paint, previous non-standard repairs, etc.).
16.3 We do not accept liability for issues arising from undisclosed previous repairs or body filler.
16.4 Our total liability in respect of any claim shall not exceed the total value of the services paid for by the customer.
17. Customer Responsibilities
17.1 The customer must provide accurate information about the vehicle’s history, including any previous repairs, accident damage, or known rust.
17.2 The customer must remove all personal belongings and valuables from the vehicle. We do not accept liability for items left in the vehicle.
17.3 The customer must collect the vehicle promptly upon notification that work is complete.
17.4 The customer must follow all aftercare instructions provided.
18. Force Majeure
We shall not be liable for any failure to perform or delay in performing our obligations where such failure or delay results from circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, severe weather affecting paint curing, pandemic, parts shortages, industrial action, or government restrictions.
19. Data Protection and Privacy
We take the privacy and security of your personal data seriously. Any information collected will be used solely for the purposes of providing the requested services. Data will be stored securely in accordance with UK GDPR.
20. Governing Law
These Terms and any services provided are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising in relation to these Terms will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
21. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
Acceptance of Terms
By booking and using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. You confirm that you understand the limitations of colour matching and accept that perfect colour match cannot be guaranteed on partial repairs.
Unit Eleven Ltd Unit 11 Railway Street Industrial Estate, Railway Street, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 1YQ
Last updated: January 2025