Our doors first opened in 1970, when A F Tann Ltd. opened multiple sites across South London including our crash repair centre here in Sutton.
19 members of staff were employed at our location, some of whom still work with us to this day.
Mike Wilmer, one of our directors, joined A F Tann in 1974.
In 2000, Mike bought out the Sutton business and set up as ‘Coombe Coachworks’. The business continued to grow and thrive under new direction and in 2005 we welcomed Derren Harries as a joint partner and director.
Together, Mike and Derren successfully established Coombe Coachworks as the one-stop shop for accident repairs within Sutton and South London, delivering the highest standard of repairs and services that has led the business to become a trusted and reputable provider to leading insurance companies and approved by major manufacturers.
Today, the business is named Coombe Accident Repair Services (CARS).
We are firmly established within the local community and have successfully built and nurtured deep-rooted relationships with our clients, both past and present.
We’ve invested in state of the art equipment and specialist technology to provide every vehicle with a tailored and quality repair which is second to none. We’ve ensured we remain up to date with the latest repair methods and skills so we continue to adapt and develop in time with the motor industry.
Every customer can expect a made-to-measure yet consistent service. We’ve introduced the Littlestrong Academy, a tried and tested in-house training facility, undertaken by every member of our staff to teach them the vital skills that will enable them to provide a positive experience for you, our customers.
FIX YOUR DENT
In 2015 we launched our sister company; Fix Your Dent, situated just a mere 100 metres away from the CARS workshop.
Fix Your Dent focuses on smaller repairs and is fully equipped with specialist tools designed for fixing minor bodywork damage, some of which can be completed whilst you wait.
You’ll receive the same quality assurance and precision that you would expect from CARS, not to mention our on-site coffee shop where you can get a coffee as good as any you’d find on the high street. The coffee shop is furnished with a TV and free wifi so you can relax while we fix your dent.
Visit the Fix Your Dent website.
WHO WE ARE
MIKE: COMPANY DIRECTOR
Mike has been in the business since 1974 and bought the company in 2000. Together with Derren, he manages the day-to-day operations of both businesses - CARS and sister organisation, Fix Your Dent.
DERREN: COMPANY DIRECTOR
Derren joined Mike as a company director in 2005 and together they manage both businesses. Derren’s proactive approach and business acumen has seen the business go from strength to strength.
MATHEW: WORKSHOP MANAGER
Mathew is the Workshop Manager. He is responsible for ensuring that every vehicle is repaired with meticulous precision to the highest standard at every step of the process and within good time.
GAVIN: GENERAL MANAGER
Gavin was recruited specifically for his customer facing experience and skills. He oversees the smooth running of all front of house activities and operations to ensure the customer’s experience is the best it can be.
JASMINE: OFFICE MANAGER / CUSTOMER SERVICES
With the expansion of CARS, Jasmine brought her excellent communication skills to the team to maintain the high quality of customer service.
ZOE: RECEPTION
LITTLESTRONG ACADEMY
Training is extremely important to us. We have developed our own training scheme, with the support of training professionals, covering all aspects of our service.
We have created a dedicated training facility, and every member of our team attends regular training sessions. Our investment in our people forms part of our commitment to delivering the highest standards of customer service.
FAQs
What are your opening times?
Monday to Friday 07.30 – 17.00 (Last vehicle collection/drop off 16.30)
Will I get a Courtesy Car?
We have a fleet of ‘Group A’ vehicles available, both Manual and Automatic transmission. We also have a courtesy van available. These can be supplied subject to terms and conditions.
Do I have to pay my insurance excess to you?
Yes, the insurance excess is payable to us at the end of the repairs. Please note that any Credit Card transactions are subject to a 2% surcharge. (No Surcharge applicable for Debit Card transactions.)
How long will my vehicle repairs take?
The average duration of repair is 5 to 10 working days subject to parts availability and authority status.
Will my car get cleaned?
At the end of the repairs we will give your car a courtesy wash outside and vacuum the interior. You can also upgrade the courtesy clean to a full valet for an additional £50.
Can you service/MOT my car while it is in for repair?
Yes, we provide MOT and servicing. Please enquire at reception for pricing options.
My Air-conditioning needs recharging is that something you can do?
Yes, we have a top of the range Air-Conditioning machine on site and can provide a full Health Check and Recharge of your Air-Conditioning system.
While my vehicle is with you can you check the Tracking and Tyres?
We have a laser wheel alignment machine on site for geometry tracking and offer a very competitive price on all makes and sizes of Tyres.
Are the repairs guaranteed?
All repairs hold a three year guarantee or for new vehicles we will match the manufacturer’s warranty period.
OUR PARTNERS
Our prompt, professional service and ability to restore vehicles to their pre-accident condition has made us the preferred provider to some of the major insurance companies.
We are also proud to have been approved by some of the motor industry’s leading manufacturers, following a thorough auditing process.
As an approved accident repair centre, these manufacturers have found us to be compliant to their audited standards, including the use of genuine and recognised parts, and confident that we have the skill and knowledge to ensure that their anti-perforation guarantee is upheld.
We are an audited BSI Vehicle Damage Repair approved accident and bodywork repair centre.
These standards apply to all vehicle models we repair so you can be assured we are able to work safely and within the standards of other automotive manufacturers.
We also have contracts with large fleet operators and vehicle hire companies.
[LOGOS: Addison Lee, Enterprise Rent-A-Car]
We work with all makes and models of cars and are also approved / specialist repairers by the following manufacturers,
meaning that your anti-corrosion/anti-perforation guarantee is maintained:
Manufacturer approvals are very important in crash repair and getting your vehicle back to how it should be.
Our technicians attend regular training courses, we only use manufacturer supported
products and warranties on the repair are supported by the manufacturer.
So you can rest assured that the repairs will be the best they can possibly be.