5 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Mobile Car Repair Service

Written on the 21 January 2026

Finding a scratch or dent on your car is frustrating. It’s that sinking feeling in your stomach when you walk back to your parked car at the shops or notice a new scrape after a tight turn. For many vehicle owners in South East Queensland, the next thought is often about the hassle of getting it fixed.

Taking your car to a traditional panel shop usually means days without your vehicle, arranging lifts, and dealing with rental cars. That’s why mobile car repair services are becoming the go-to solution for busy Queenslanders. But not all mobile repairers are created equal.

Your car is one of your biggest investments, so you want to make sure the person working on it knows exactly what they are doing. Before you hand over your keys, here are five critical questions you need to ask to ensure you’re getting quality work from a trusted professional.

1. Are You Fully Qualified and Experienced?

This might seem obvious, but it is the most important question you can ask. In the mobile repair industry, experience varies wildly. You need to know if the technician arriving at your driveway is a fully qualified tradesperson or someone who just picked up the trade recently.

Repairing bumper scuffs, alloy wheels, and paint scratches requires a specific set of skills. It isn't just about covering up the damage; it’s about restoring the finish so it lasts.

What to look for:
Ask specifically about their background. Have they worked in traditional panel shops? How long have they been doing mobile repairs? A seasoned professional will be happy to tell you about their qualifications and years in the trade. Experienced technicians can assess damage quickly and tell you honestly what can be fixed mobile and what might need a full shop environment.

2. Can I See Examples of Your Previous Work?

Talk is cheap, but photos don't lie. A reputable mobile repair service should be proud of their results. In the age of smartphones and social media, there is no excuse for a business not to have a portfolio of "before and after" shots.

Seeing previous work gives you confidence in the finish quality. You want to check for colour matching and texture. Does the repaired area blend seamlessly with the rest of the panel? Or does it look like a patch job?

Where to look:
Check their website gallery or ask if they have a social media page. Look for repairs that are similar to the damage on your own car. If you have a deep gouge in your bumper, look for examples of how they handled similar plastic repairs. If they hesitate to show you their work, that’s a red flag.

3. Do You Offer a Warranty on Your Repairs?

A professional repair service stands by its workmanship. If a technician is confident in their materials and their skills, they will offer a warranty. This gives you peace of mind that if the paint starts to peel or fade a few months down the track, you aren't left out of pocket.

In the harsh Queensland sun, paint repairs need to be done correctly to withstand UV exposure. Cheap materials or poor preparation will show up very quickly in our climate.

What to ask:
"What kind of guarantee do you offer?"
A solid warranty generally covers the paintwork and the labour. Be sure to ask how long the warranty lasts. A 3-to-5-year warranty is a good industry standard for mobile paint repairs. This shows they are using high-quality automotive paints and primers, not cheap alternatives that will crack or fade.

4. How Do You Determine Your Pricing?

Nobody likes hidden costs. When you get a quote for a mobile repair, it should be transparent. One of the main benefits of mobile services is often the cost savings compared to traditional panel shops, as mobile operators have lower overheads. However, the cheapest quote isn't always the best option.

If a price seems too good to be true, it often is. Extremely low prices might mean they are cutting corners on preparation time or using inferior paint products. On the flip side, you want to ensure you aren't being overcharged.

The best approach:
Ask for a written quote or a firm estimate before work begins. Most professional mobile services can give you a very accurate quote just by seeing photos of the damage. Ask if the price includes everything—labour, materials, and travel. This ensures there are no nasty surprises when it comes time to pay the bill.

5. What Areas Do You Service and How Quickly Can You Book Me In?

Convenience is the whole point of mobile repair. You want someone who can come to your home or workplace in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, or the Sunshine Coast without a fuss. However, availability is also a key indicator of a business's health.

Good repairers are often busy, but they should also have a system in place to get to you in a reasonable timeframe. If they can come out immediately, that’s great, but if they are booked out for weeks, it might be inconvenient for you. Conversely, if they have absolutely no work, you might wonder why.

Logistics to confirm:
Check their service map. Do they actually cover your suburb? Also, ask about the repair duration. Most bumper repairs and minor paint touch-ups can be completed in just a few hours. Knowing this helps you plan your day. You can often have your car fixed while you’re at work, meaning zero disruption to your weekend.

Making the Right Choice for Your Car

Your car deserves the best care. By asking these five simple questions, you can weed out the amateurs and find a mobile repair professional who will treat your vehicle with respect.

Choosing a qualified, transparent, and guaranteed service means you get your car looking showroom-fresh without the headache of losing your vehicle for days. It saves you time, it often saves you money, and it definitely saves you stress.

If you want results you can trust, contact BumperTech today. Our expert team proudly services Brisbane, Ipswich, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast—bringing convenient, high-quality repairs straight to your door. Get in touch now for an obligation-free quote and see how easy getting your car back to its best can be.

If you have a scrape, scratch, or dent that needs attention, don't just guess. Reach out to a professional who ticks all these boxes.