Electric and hybrid vehicles are repaired differently. Capital SMART repairs accident damage on EVs and hybrids at all our repair centres, with technicians trained in high-voltage safety and repairs carried out to the manufacturer’s procedures.
Accident repairs for electric and hybrid vehicles
The panels, bumpers and paintwork on an electric or hybrid vehicle take the same knocks as any other car. What sits underneath is different: a high-voltage battery, orange-sheathed cabling, charging hardware and, on hybrids, a combustion engine alongside an electric drive system. Many EVs also use aluminium and composite structures and carry more cameras and sensors than a conventional car.
We repair drivable EVs and hybrids with low to medium accident damage at all our centres. Technicians trained in high-voltage safety isolate the high-voltage system before body or paint work begins, and repairs follow the manufacturer’s procedures. Repairs are available as a private repair or through our partnered insurers: AAMI, GIO, Apia, Shannons Insurance, Vero, Bingle and Suncorp Car Insurance.
What we repair on EVs and hybrids
Panels, doors and guards
Dented, scraped and creased panels repaired or replaced, lightweight EV materials handled to the manufacturer's method.
Front and rear bumpers
EV bumpers carry radar, cameras and parking sensors. Repaired, refinished or replaced, with sensors accounted for.
Dents and scratches
Dings, dents and scratched paintwork repaired and refinished once the high-voltage system has been made safe.
Paint and refinishing
Colour matching and blending carried out within the manufacturer's requirements for battery-equipped vehicles.
High-voltage components
Damaged charging ports, battery packs or other high-voltage components repaired or replaced to the manufacturer's procedures.
ADAS calibration
Cameras, radar and sensors recalibrated where a repair requires it, through our coordinated calibration process.
How EV and hybrid repairs are handled
Assessment
Estimators assess the damage and what sits behind it: proximity to the battery, charging port or high-voltage cabling, sensors that may be affected, and the manufacturer's procedure.
High-voltage isolation
Before any body or paint work starts, technicians trained in high-voltage safety de-energise and isolate the high-voltage system, protecting the people working on the vehicle and its systems.
Repair to the manufacturer's procedure
Panel, bumper and paint repairs follow the manufacturer's procedures for that make and model, including body materials, how panels are joined and replaced, and any battery-related limits.
Reinstatement, calibration and quality check
The high-voltage system is reinstated and any ADAS calibration carried out or coordinated, then our quality assurance check. Every repair is backed by our warranty on all repairs.
Worth knowing about EV and hybrid repairs
Is it safe to drive after a minor accident?
For a scrape or dented panel, usually yes. If it shows warning lights, reduced power, charging problems, a burning smell or any damage near the battery or charging port, don't drive it. Contact your insurer or roadside assistance, and mention it's an EV or hybrid.
Hybrids have a high-voltage system too
It's easy to think of a hybrid as a petrol car with a battery, but hybrids carry a high-voltage battery and cabling. The same isolation steps apply before body or paint work, so hybrid repairs are handled the same way as full EVs.
Which makes and models?
We repair electric and hybrid models from the manufacturers we repair, following the repair procedures for each. If you're unsure whether your vehicle is covered, request a free quote with your registration and we'll confirm.
Insurance claims for EVs and hybrids
Claims work like any other: your insurer books the assessment, we scope the repair, including any high-voltage and calibration steps, and repair the vehicle in line with your policy. We currently only accept insurance repairs from our partnered insurers; otherwise, book a private repair.
Related repair services
ADAS Calibration
Recalibrating the cameras and sensors that EVs and hybrids depend on.
Panel Repairs
Panels repaired or replaced to the manufacturer’s method.
Front and Rear Bumper Repairs
Sensor-laden bumpers repaired, refinished or replaced.
Paint and Refinishing
Colour matching and blending for a factory finish.
Structural and Internal Repairs
Repairs to internal parts and structures on drivable vehicles.
All accident repair services
Explore the full range of accident repair services we offer for drivable vehicles.
Common questions about EV and hybrid repairs
Do you repair electric cars after an accident?
Yes. We repair drivable electric vehicles with low to medium accident damage at all of our repair centres, including panel, bumper, dent, scratch and paint repairs, with the high-voltage system isolated first by technicians trained in EV high-voltage safety.
Do you repair hybrid vehicles?
Yes. Hybrids carry a high-voltage battery and cabling like a full EV, so the same isolation steps and manufacturer procedures apply. Repairs are available at all of our centres.
Is it safe to repair the bodywork on an EV?
Yes, when it’s done properly. The high-voltage system is de-energised and isolated before body or paint work begins, and the repair follows the manufacturer’s procedures for the vehicle, including any requirements around the battery.
Can a minor accident damage the battery?
It can, depending on where the impact was. Batteries are usually mounted low in the floor and can sit close to sills and the underside of bumpers, so damage in those areas is assessed with the battery in mind. If a charging port, battery pack or other high-voltage component is damaged, it is repaired or replaced to the manufacturer’s procedure.
Will my EV need ADAS calibration after a repair?
Often, yes. EVs typically carry extensive camera, radar and sensor suites, and bumper, panel or windscreen work can move them. Any calibration requirement is identified at assessment and carried out or coordinated as part of the repair. See ADAS calibration.
Can I claim an EV or hybrid repair through my insurer?
Yes, if your insurer is one of our partnered insurers: AAMI, GIO, Apia, Shannons Insurance, Vero, Bingle and Suncorp Car Insurance. Your insurer books the assessment and we repair the vehicle in line with your policy. We currently only accept insurance repairs from our partnered insurers; otherwise you can book a private repair.
