There’s nothing worse than walking up to your car and spotting a scratch, dent, or—worse—graffiti or a keyed panel. Whether it's a car park bump, a hit-and-run, or an act of vandalism, your heart sinks, your jaw clenches, and your brain starts whirring: What now? 

We’ve pulled together a practical guide to help you stay calm and take the right steps if your car gets damaged—whether you were there or not. Plus, we’ll explain how SERE Motors and our expert body repair centre, Bodytech in Carrickfergus, can help you get everything sorted. 

If you’re present when the damage occurs—say someone reverses into you in a car park or clips your wing mirror—it’s important to gather as much information as possible. 

Here's what to do: 

• Stay calm and assess the damage. 
• Exchange details with the other driver: full name, contact number, vehicle registration, and insurance details. 
• Take photos of the scene and the damage from multiple angles. If there are witnesses, get their contact info too. 
• Report it to your insurance if needed (we recommend always notifying them, even if you don’t intend to claim, so it’s on record). 
• Call us at SERE Motors or Bodytech for advice. We can guide you through the repair process, help with estimates, and liaise with insurers. 

You return to your parked car to find a dented bumper or scraped paintwork, and the culprit is nowhere in sight. Annoying? Yes. Hopeless? Not at all. 

Here's what to do next: 

• Check for a note – if the person who caused the damage was decent, they may have left their contact and insurance info. 
• Take photos of the damage, surroundings, and any nearby CCTV cameras. 
• Ask around – if you’re near shops, businesses, or homes, someone may have seen something or have access to CCTV. 
• Report it to the police – especially if the other driver didn’t leave details. You’ll need a crime reference number for your insurance. 
• Inform your insurance company and decide whether to make a claim. 
• Book a damage assessment at Bodytech in Carrickfergus – we’ll inspect the damage and give you a quote. We’re trusted by insurance companies and private customers alike, and our team are masters of blending out dents, colour matching paint, and reversing scrapes. 

If Your Car Has Been Vandalised 

Graffiti. A keyed door. Smashed windows. It’s the kind of senseless damage that’s infuriating and feels personal - even though it's not your fault. 

Vandalism doesn’t always come with witnesses or evidence, but there are still steps you should take to protect yourself and get things sorted. 

Take action: 

• Photograph the damage immediately. 
• Report it to the police – vandalism is a crime, and you’ll need a police report or crime reference number for insurance. 
• Check nearby CCTV or ask neighbours/locals if anyone saw something suspicious. 
• Avoid cleaning or repairing anything before the police or your insurer have advised—it could affect your claim. 
• Contact your insurance provider – some policies cover vandalism as standard, but not all, so it’s worth checking. 
• Bring your car to Bodytech – we specialise in cosmetic and structural repairs. Whether it’s paintwork restoration, panel replacement, or more involved bodywork, we’ll help get your vehicle looking its best again—without cutting corners. 

At Bodytech in Carrickfergus, we repair all makes and models—whether you drive a SEAT, KGM, Mitsubishi, or anything else. We pride ourselves on using manufacturer-recommended parts and adhering to the highest industry standards, and we’re known across Northern Ireland for our attention to detail, quick turnaround, and honest pricing. 

Not sure how serious the damage is? Drop in or give us a call - we offer repair assessments and will always explain your options clearly, whether it’s a full respray or a simple touch-up. 

Don’t Panic. Just Call Us! 

Whatever the situation; accidental bump, mystery dent, or malicious damage, SERE Motors and Bodytech have your back. We’ll take the stress out of the process and make sure your car is back on the road (and looking sharp) in no time.