SmashCare

Woeful – I’ve continued this year to insure via RACV / IAG yet I’m bitterly disappointed to find that: SmashCare Ringwood 18 MOLAN STREET Ringwood remained as an RACV Partnered Repairer??? Their shoddy and incomplete repairs together with their lies and the additional damage they did to my vehicle was a disgrace. To remain promoting SmashCare Ringwood… Read more

is damaging to RACV’s brand to the extent that I will never again use an RACV recommended repairer, and I will actively seek to insurance for all products from non IAG and RACV providers.

According to your RACV's website https://www.racv.com.au/on-the-road/insurance/car-insurance/repairer-map.html “RACV Partner Repairers have the skills and the latest technology to deliver high quality repairs.”

This claim is either a false statement else SmashCare Ringwood otherwise use their skills to: - Drain gearboxes of coolant and not refill them; - Disable each car’s air conditioning and not refill with gas; - Provide sub- standard spray painting: my vehicle is covered in paint "speckles"; - Leave repair materials such as welding rods amongst the windscreen wipers - Refer customers to SmashCare’s Mechanic who is either incompetent else was primed to tell the same lies IE: - Accuse customers of not having their vehicles regularly serviced; - Tell customers that their regular mechanic hasn’t been doing a proper job and has been ripping me off.

Regards,

Excellent Service - Kedron – I recently had to take my care to Smash Care Kedron for an insurance claim repair. My insurance company recommended them. They originally said the repairs would take 7 business days, however my car was ready in 5 days. The receptionist was extremely helpful and said it wasn't a problem when I had to re-organise the day I could drop off and pick… Read more

up my car. They did an excellent job repairing the damage and also cleaned my car inside and out. I would have no problem recommending them to others. Overall, a very positive experience.

WOW! I don’t think a business could give any less f#cks – Smashcare Stafford. Usual story as most other people. Told five days, ends up being 3 weeks. Manager not happy with job etc. Pick up car and look under rubber door seal to discover big chunks of metal rusted away. Chunks. Manager told me door was repaired and not replaced and the door was already rusted out. I know this was a lie because I had the… Read more

doors replaced under warranty 2 years earlier and for that reason regularly inspect them. Asked to see their invoices from wreckers and sure enough Invoice for 2 wrecked doors. Lots of other issues. Chipped and peeling finish, different colour paint showing from donor doors, too many quality issues to mention. NRMA gave them opportunity to rectify. Again another 3 weeks. Assessor inspected car once complete and noted numerous issues including scratched unrelated panels, overspray, panels not lined up and ripples in paint. Assessor put car on truck and sent to new repairer. New one identified he couldn’t repair previous rectification as was unable to warrant due to poor quality work. Both doors replaced with new ones and all others issues resolved. Do not let Your insurer send you here. If you have been here in the past, have a close look at it or take it to an independent repairer to check their work. Insurers normally give life time warranty on repairs so never too late.

Better than I expected – I read all the negative reviews here after sending the car in for repairs, expecting the worst. On the day of collection, I got a call to collect the car two hours earlier, had a smooth complimentary cab ride to the service site (Vermont branch), and on top of finding everything repaired flawlessly, they even gave my car a good vacuuming that I… Read more

don't normally get even from my regular car servicing. And a 3-year-warranty for the repairs. Just thought it to be fair to give credit where it is due.

5 stars excellent service – Was very unhappy with the Kedron branch who had my car for almost 3 weeks before they even quoted and then said they couldn't start it for at least a fortnight. They suggested sending it to Virginia and I was very happy with their service. Such friendly staff at Virginia and Laurie was particularly helpful. Yes it took 2 go's to fix her but it… Read more

was a huge job and the things they missed were easily overlooked and there was no argument about fixing the missed items. Laurie sorted everything out with my insurance co and the 2nd time it was ready a day early. I would certainly use them again.

All Good – Had a very small job done in Ringwood and all went very smoothly. The manager assessed the job immediately on me stopping in. Only dealt with reception on the day, but they were very friendly and professional. This all made me want to leave a positive review somewhere, and then saw a poor star rating here. Perhaps the locations are franchised?

Smashcare Ringwood: No! NO! – our car had scratch and paint marks after being sent and worker dismissed it as marks incurred by shopping centre trolleys and challenged us why would they do that. Thankfully we took pictures before sending the car over. Bad recommendation by Coles Insurance. If you're concerned about your reputation, then you have to put Smashcare Ringwood out of your listing.

Poor repair work – Panel not flush with adjacent panel. Paint slightly different colour..was small accident but can't repair properly. Got sms on day going it will be 6 days more. Then phone call 4 hours later saying pick up today. Lady gave wrong keys then wrong file. Noone is competent. Coles insurance set me up with them. Ask for another repairer.

Brendale – Don't take your car here. My car came back with half tank diesel & l left it there with a full tank. Also my prescription sunglasses were stolen from my car. I rang the manager & he fobbed me off. Avoid at all costs.

Workmanship was fine, but don't leave anything valuable in the car – I recently had my car into Smashcare at Chermside, as I have a work car and they use them as their preferred repairer. They originally told me it was going to be a 48 hour job, as it was just some scratches that needed to be filled and painted. When it came time to book the car in, they said they would need it a week. At the end of the week on… Read more

the Friday, I was told that the boss was not happy with the quality of the work, so they needed another week to redo it. The next working day, on the Monday, they rang and said it was finished. Not sure how that works - what happened to "we need it another week"????

When I picked my car up, I went to put my wallet and other bits and pieces into the center console and noticed that everything in there had been rearranged - it was a mess. I straightened everything up and then I noticed that my Smith and Wesson emergency safety knife that I always keep in there, was missing. I bought it after the Brisbane 2011 floods when I heard people drowned in their cars because they were trapped inside and couldn't get out. It's one of those safety seat belt cutter, window smasher things. It never leaves the car and is always wedged into its little spot in the center console. I immediately informed the receptionist that it was missing and she rang the workshop manager. He said that they guy that had worked on the car had gone home for the day, but they would "take a look around" for it. The next day I emailed a photo of the missing safety knife and asked for it to be returned or replaced. The workshop manager rang me back and started the conversation by telling me that they were never inside the car, as it was a repair to a back panel, so they couldn't have taken it. When I said that they had clearly cleaned and detailed the inside of the car, he said that his guys don't do that work, someone else does. He then went on to tell me that no one from his bunch of guys would do anything like steal. After that, he told me that he had spoken to his superiors about their responsibilities and then essentially told me it wasn't their problem, that I needed to take it up with my insurance company and that in the end it would come down to their word against mine. Nice!

I had my car into Smashcare last year and around that same time I "lost" my good Senheiser ear phones. I was sure I had left them in the car, but convinced myself I must've lost them somewhere else. Now, I'm positive they were in the car and they have been stolen by Smashcare repairers too!

Don't leave anything of value in the car and don't expect any help from Smashcare if something goes missing.

If you have no life then it’s fine – Been to Stafford twice in the past month and both times car was not ready on day. They expect you to just sit around waiting for their call for you to collect the car. No apologies, only “these things happen”. Was told at midday that car would be ready by 5 but would call me at 2 to advise on a time. I cancelled an appointment so I could pick up only to be called at 2.45 to say not ready until tomorrow...

SmashCare Kedron – Concerned at first because of the negative reviews. My experience was positive: Regular contact with me so I knew each stage of the repair process. Reception staff polite & helpful. Car ready when stated - excellent service. No problem recommending Kedron branch of SmashCare

Siglurlarly, This Has To Be The Worst Service Experience Of The Last Twenty Years!!! – My vehicle was repaired at Stafford SmashCare three years ago my claim was a relatively minor one. Through systematic incompetence my vehicle was kept there for six months. (Yes Really) Recently, the repair failed, NRMA are repairing it again. The parts used were found to be defective and non original the window mechanism that had snapped was glued in place. My car has never been the same.

You go you regret – Worst place ever. Very rude staff, bad worksmanship and the car came home with new damage. All they say to me, call the insurance company!

Disgusting, useless and rude – Horrible. Every experience with them just got worse. Inspection - had to wait 20mins from my set time because another woman was in there complaining about the dodgy workmanship they did to her car. While I waited the receptionist told me I would have a hire car for only a $1 authorization on my account. Finally had a look at my car and said it… Read more

would take 4 days once they took it in, in a few weeks time.

Drop off - told I had to pay $100 for rental car. When I showed concern and explained I was told it was only $1 another woman on reception could not care less and told me to take it up with Budget car rental. Then told me as I was walking out they were having delays and my car would likely take longer.

Pick up - called the same afternoon it was ready and told to be there for 5pm for pickup. Had to ask work for more last minute time off – not on the day they had suggested it would be ready. When I got there I was asked to sign that I was happy with the work before I had even seen my car!!! When questioned she said to call if there was issues as it was closing time.

I collected my car and the workmanship looked fine but i was devastated to see the condition the interior of my car had been left in. I have photos and am happy to supply. I only purchased my car 6 weeks prior and the cream interior WAS in immaculate condition. I came back to dirt all over the cream seats. Dirt of some sort all over the steering wheels and when I looked at my hands they were black from touching it. Fingerprints all around the door frame and along the door. But worse of all was oil all over the floor mat! And it was still wet! The puddle of it was about the size of my palm! On my cream mats! Disgusting! I called straight back with my concern and the lady (who had originally told me the rental was a $1) answered. I explained everything and how upset I was and she said I could bring it back another time and they could ATTEMPT to clean it. I asked if they had proper detailers/cleaning products for this there and she said no. I said I’d have just as much luck cleaning it at home then and I wouldn’t have to take time off work for the 4th time! She said she would pass on my feedback but that’s it. I’ve since heard nothing. No apology, nothing.

Bunch of useless pigs.

SmashCare Brendale: poor repair and service – I was referred to these people by my insurer as their preferred repairer. My car was returned in an unsatisfactory state with the following issues: 1. Overspray on paintwork and rubber 2. White flecks of buffing compound on paintwork, rubber and plastic 3. Black grit on windscreen and wipers 4. Damage to 2 alloy wheels I rang and spoke to… Read more

the manager about it and followed up with an email detailing my concerns. I never received any reply. I had to go back through the insurance company and eventually took the car back for a single day on the condition that the insurance assessor kept his eye on the car while it was there.

The finish was now better but far from perfect. And still no explanation about the damaged wheels.

I would avoid this repairer as they do not do a professional job and they do not look after your vehicle. I am also quite unhappy with my insurer for sending me to them.

Smashcare Wantirna delivered great service! – Smashcare Wantirna in Victoria has been fantastic in repairing my car. I was very, very apprehensive when I was told to send it there because of the awful reviews on this site. However, I realise now that there are many branches and I have been very pleased with the work done on my car (body work and mechanical repairs). They originally… Read more

estimated 4 weeks but completed the work in 3. The car was spotless, paintwork was great and the car was clean and ready for me to drive home. They were good with communications and everything was done professionally and well.

Absolutely disgusting service and speed – I have currently been waiting two months for smash care chermside to repair my car. I was told I could collect my car this afternoon (which after two months, I thought was well overdue) only to receive a call an hour before estimated collection time to inform me that they would take a minimum of a further three weeks to repair. My car was… Read more

taken here by AAMI and I was a little sceptical at first due to reading the reviews however now I know why others were so frustrated.

When asked for the reason behind the delay I was told ‘these things just happen’.

Managers of the business were rude and offered no consolation regarding the delay, no apologies and no commitment to a new collection date.

I would recommend you avoid this repairer at all possible costs, if your car is taken here by an insurer, I’d suggest you request they take it somewhere else as soon as possible.

Good customer service and fixed my car----- SmashCare Virginia – This RACQ repairer fixed my car properly (radiator and front bumper). I was worried because of the previous reviews from other customers. However, the staff were helpful, informed the process and contacted me to pick up the car earlier than the scheduled date. Also, they cleaned inside of my car. would like to give them 5 stars if they give me the quote without delay.

Was almost perfect – Experience was good, each person I spoke to were professional. Told me what they'd do to my car (insurance assessment) and when they thought they could have it done. Car was ready to picked up a day earlier than I was told which was great. Got home and realized a small amount of money that was inside the car was gone.. Would have been 5 stars otherwise. Brendale branch.

STAFFORD SMASHCARE.......DONT CARE – Was given Smashcare as repairer by NMRA, and had my first inspection appointment cancelled on the day THREE TIMES. Lady on reception was very nonchalant when i suggested ill go somewhere else to get it fixed. It would seem they have a staffing problem, and never have someone there to inspect repairs. I suggest you give this repairer a BIG MISS.

Don’t actually do the repair properly! – Had my car for 2 days to repair minor scratches in bumper and a damaged sensor that went off constantly when car was in reverse due to car on being hit on back corner while parked. Picked it up, car had been reversed into spot and I stupidly didn’t put it into reverse to double check as looked ok. Got home, rear sensor still sounding constantly… Read more

when in reverse but in different spot - when I looked I realised they had just moved damaged sensor to different position. Rang to complain, attitude from woman answering phone was that she didn’t do the job so not her problem, told me I just had to bring it back Monday so they could “look”. After I’d just spent over an hour getting there and back, not to mention an hour to drop it off, and an hour previously when they inspected (and ironically, told me they would replace the sensor). Disgusted with the job they did (or didn’t do) and the attitude, and very disappointing that this place is an RACV preferred repairer (my closest one).

Good experience – On the wrong end of a hit and run i had every concern about my vehicle. The inconvenience of the christmas holidays was a slight setback. Smashcare were informative and the repair was conducted immediately after the new year break. Delivery date was brought forward 2 days which took me by surprise. My experience with Smashcare was a positive one. Thank you to selena for providing assistance during the process.

Smashcare virginia - disgusting!!! – Took my car (ASX) to get repaired, got contacted AFTER the repairs were finished saying my car was ready. I went to collect the car and nothing lined up like it did previously when it went in. However they never called me during the repair to say they would not be able to complete it properly. They never told me when i went to pick it up. They… Read more

just tried to get away with it. The reception staff were so rude. Would never recommend. Avoid at all costs (unless of course this is what you want).

Avoid Ringwood SmashCare in Molan street Ringwood – Do not use the Ringwood branch of this company, the people were ok to deal with but my car was missing pieces and had to go back several times. This involved having the car reassessed by the insurance company and having the initial repair redone, (insurance assessor wanted to check on progress twice during the re-repair) as the first repair was very poor.

Smash Care Brendale - great service – Based on other reviews, I almost doubted we're talking about the same place. I had a great experience. Regular sms updates, friendly staff. Repairs carried out with lifetime warranty (at least for RACQ-insured).

Met and exceeded expectations – My car was needing repair being sideswiped in the street. The team was efficient, communicated clearly and the job was professional and on time. Really impressed with the counter staff and the team out the back who were friendly and helpful. Darren the Manager has a decent team here!

Better take your car straight to a wrecker – Horrible. Driveable, mechanically sound car with no external damage was brought for repair by insurer. Took them three days to approach the car. Even without taking on a hoist the car was declared a total loss. When asked for explanations they suddenly remembered of an "urgent meeting". The car was written off by insurer. Vicroads papers that came later say REPAIRABLE write-off. Better take your car straight to a wrecker.

SMASHCARE VERMONT WAS FANTASTIC – I would like to put a review, that my car was hit by another person RACV recommend this company, from start to finish they were fantastic could not recommend more thank you

Smash care - Virginia Qld – Excellent customer service, quality repair work. Assessment was done within 10 minutes of my arrival and taxi was there 5 minutes later to take me home. Very friendly, efficient and informative staff. If you are going to have an accident and want the rest of the process to be painless....I highly recommend this team of professionals. So very happy with my experience here at Smash care Virginia Qld

Smashcare Vermont - avoid if you want your car back in reasonable time – Car was hit when it was parked, they sent it to engineering place for 2 weeks to fix the wheel and mechanics which this place is not capable of handling, on return instead of 3-5 business days guaranteed by Coles Insurance was told 1 full week wait because they were too "busy" - you accepted the car 2 weeks before so you could plan ahead and book… Read more

it for panel repair on return from your engineering place! Anyway, spoke to manager so pickup on Fri "was a possibility". On Fri the manager was off and I could not find a single person in charge, just blunt receptionist ("we never give 100% guarantee when the car would be ready) + workshop guys who don't speak to customers. 3 full weeks without the car just to repair the damage when someone hit in the corner while parked - very unhappy! The car could be disassembled and reassembled in less time.

Poor workmanship no quality control – We were sent to Smashcare Virginia for repair of very minor damage to panel and grill. When we got our car back it we detected 12 defects when we took it back to RACQ they agreed with us and found more faults. I would never recommend this company due to the poor workmanship and customer service.