Technical feasibility
The proposed method must restore the relevant structure, safety systems and functions using appropriate information and equipment.
Home Accident Repairs Is My Car Repairable
The evidence behind repairabilityIs My Car Repairable After an Accident?
This page explains the factors behind a repairability decision after an accident, including technical safety, repair method, parts, calibration, vehicle value and total repair cost.
Managed accident repairs
Technical feasibilityThe proposed method must restore the relevant structure, safety systems and functions using appropriate information and equipment
Economic comparisonThe responsible party compares repair cost and associated factors with the vehicle’s assessed value and claim rules
Parts and processAvailability, calibration, specialist operations and hidden damage can change the estimate after initial inspection
Authority stays visibleSterling coordinates assessment and communication; only the engineer or insurer responsible for the claim determines repairability and settlement
Who decides whether repairs can begin?
How repairability is decided after an accident
Whether an accident-damaged car is repairable depends on technical safety and the commercial claim decision. Damage location, manufacturer method, parts, calibration, pre-accident value and total repair cost may all matter. A severe-looking panel does not automatically mean total loss, and modest external damage does not guarantee repair.
This page is for a vehicle owner waiting for an engineer or insurer to decide between authorised repair and a write-off route.
What the assessor needs
What determines whether a damaged car can be repaired
Economic comparison
The responsible party compares repair cost and associated factors with the vehicle’s assessed value and claim rules.
Parts and process
Availability, calibration, specialist operations and hidden damage can change the estimate after initial inspection.
From estimate to repair
A practical sequence for this enquiry
The estimate, engineering decision and authority must line up before the repairer commits to work.
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1
Protect and place the vehicle
Use qualifying recovery when it should not be driven.
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2
Complete the assessment
Document visible and hidden damage plus necessary technical operations.
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3
Build a full estimate
Include parts, labour, paint, calibration and justified supplements.
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4
Obtain the decision
The engineer or insurer reviews method, value and commercial repairability.
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5
Follow the outcome
Move into authorised repair or the practical total-loss and valuation process.
Common reasons authorisation is delayed
Common mistakes when judging whether a car is repairable
Judging from appearance
Photographs alone may not show load-path or electronic damage.
Repair quote as final verdict
An estimate informs but does not make the insurer’s total-loss decision.
Removing the vehicle too early
Storage, salvage or repair movement should follow the responsible party’s written instructions.
Responsibility boundary: Sterling coordinates assessment and communication; only the engineer or insurer responsible for the claim determines repairability and settlement.
Questions about repair decisions
Questions about this vehicle route
Whether an accident-damaged car is repairable depends on technical safety and the commercial claim decision. Damage location, manufacturer method, parts, calibration, pre-accident value and total repair cost may all matter. A severe-looking panel does not automatically mean total loss, and modest external damage does not guarantee repair.
Start with technical feasibility, economic comparison, parts and process. Use qualifying recovery when it should not be driven. Document visible and hidden damage plus necessary technical operations.
Photographs alone may not show load-path or electronic damage. An estimate informs but does not make the insurer’s total-loss decision. Storage, salvage or repair movement should follow the responsible party’s written instructions.
Sterling coordinates assessment and communication; only the engineer or insurer responsible for the claim determines repairability and settlement.
Other repair guidance
Guidance for assessment, repair and return
Accident repairs managed from assessment to handover
See how assessment, authorisation and the repair hand-off work.
View repair guidanceManage the claim and the repair together
See how assessment, authorisation and the repair hand-off work.
View repair guidanceReplacement-vehicle assistance while yours is off the road
Review eligibility, availability, costs and terms before accepting a vehicle.
View mobility guidance
Start with an accurate vehicle record
Report the accident details you have
Sterling will review the vehicle position, explain the available coordination route and identify which organisation must make the next decision.