In today’s turbulent economic climate, many motorists – especially those in business - are turning to austerity measures in an effort to bring down the cost of keeping their car on the road.

One increasingly popular move, as the experts as Basildon’s Newbridge Accident Repair Centre have discovered, is to opt for car insurance with a higher excess to pay in the event of a collision which can significantly reduce annual premiums. 

Often the damage costs less to put right than the insurance excess which means the driver is able to fix it privately and shop around for a great price.

“Over the past year or so we’ve seen a definite rise in private work which seems to be down to the current financial climate,” said Anita Hazel, from the Basildon-based car repair specialists.

“People are choosing to take out a higher excess in order to get lower premiums. If they do have an accident, they’re often prompted to come in for a quote to see whether it’s actually below the excess they would have to pay – and in cases where it is it obviously protects their no-claims bonus.

“Whether it’s insurance-related work or private, people seem to prefer the personal service we provide being a local, independent repair centre. We like to support the local economy and local businesses and like to think of ourselves as delivering the personal touch.”  

Newbridge Accident Repair Centre has carried out a professional car body repairs service to Basildon residents and business for more than 30 years. Its car body repairs centre, based in the town, is equipped with the latest in accident repair technology and offers a host of services from customised paintwork on cars and bikes, panel beating, 24-hour recovery and jig facilities.

The car specialists understand the effect economic pressures have on small businesses, especially those with a fleet of vehicles, and have created a recession-busting special offer to help ease the burden of car damage costs. The Centre is currently offering local businesses 10% off all body repairs (scratches and dents). It also provides free estimates and quotes to all customers and if you are based locally, they’ll come out to you rather than you come into the centre. 

Newbridge Accident and Repair Centre cover all forms of insurance work and is a member of the MVRA – the professional body for vehicle accident damage repair specialists. The business has a popular Facebook and Twitter account which contains all the latest information relating to the car repair industry and more details on its services. For more information, call  01268 502137.