1. Define what “one panel” means
For a door, ask whether the quote covers the outer face alone or also the edges and inner areas. For a bumper, establish which fittings need removing. Ask for each surface to be named; a part name does not define the whole job.
Separate substrate repairs from paint preparation. The 3M procedure distinguishes cleaning, sanding and primer work, among other stages. This supports asking about scope, rather than prescribing one method for every car. The method must suit the vehicle and material system.
2. Compare the same items in both quotes
Copy these questions into your quote request. Ask whether each item is included, charged separately or unnecessary, with a reason. Not every repair needs every operation.
| Item | What to establish | Question for the quote |
|---|---|---|
| Panel and surfaces | Part, side, edges and inner areas | Which surfaces does the price cover? |
| Substrate condition | Scratch, deformation, corrosion and previous repairs | Are substrate repairs priced separately? |
| Removal and refitting | Handles, trim, lamps and fittings as applicable | What needs removing, and what does refitting cover? |
| Preparation and materials | Cleaning, sanding, primer and coating system | Are preparation work and materials included? |
| Colour and blending | Shade selection, test panel and transition area | Does the quote cover a neighbouring panel, and why? |
| Finishing and checks | Coating checks and checks after reassembly | What will be checked at collection? |
| Total and scope changes | Net amount, VAT, gross total and exclusions | What is the gross total, and how do we approve extra work? |
3. Why can colour expand the job?
PPG recommends colour selection tools and a spray-out test panel; a paint code alone does not complete the match assessment. Ask how the shade will be checked before painting the car.
Blending creates a gradual colour transition and may involve a neighbouring panel. PPG PD-0706 describes a solvent basecoat process, while baslac shows a separate three-stage version. This does not make blending mandatory for every scratch. Ask which panel is involved, why, and which materials are included.
4. What should you prepare for an initial estimate?
Photographs help describe visible work but cannot confirm the condition beneath fittings or previous paint layers. Establish which assumptions need inspection and how a price change will be agreed after they are checked.
- Provide the make, model, year and panel; add the paint code if available.
- Show the whole panel with its neighbours and a damage close-up in daylight without filters.
- Describe known corrosion, dents, earlier painting or repairs.
- Request a written scope, exclusions, gross total and quote validity period.
- Agree how additional work will be approved before it is carried out.
5. The workshop price and an OC or AC settlement
In Poland, OC is compulsory motor third-party liability insurance; AC is voluntary cover for your own car. OWU are the policy’s general terms and conditions. A workshop quote and the insurer’s claim calculation are separate documents to compare; do not assume the entire quote will automatically be covered.
For AC, check your own policy option and settlement rules. Distinguish net from gross in every quote and request the VAT amount. The price alone does not establish VAT deductibility or an insurer’s decision. This guide does not determine an individual claim.
Next step: ask about scope and pricing
Prepare photographs and vehicle details, then ask Glossline about assessing the paintwork scope. Agree how to share the materials and arrange an inspection. A comparable description of the work is what makes quotes useful to compare.
Scope of this guide
This is general information, not a decision on a specific claim. The right next step depends on the documents, damage and insurer’s position.
Sources and further reading
The manufacturers’ sources are in English; PZU’s term definitions are in Polish. Procedures concern the stated systems and do not establish Warsaw prices or Glossline equipment. PZU product conditions are not applied to other policies. Accessed 22 October 2026.
- 3M: Panel Repair & Paint Prep (© 2024; accessed 22 October 2026)
- PPG: Poor Color Match — colour selection and test panels (accessed 22 October 2026)
- PPG: PD-0706 — solvent basecoat blending (accessed 22 October 2026)
- baslac: 3 Stage blend in adjacent panel, VOC 45 Line (accessed 22 October 2026)
- PZU: OC, AC and OWU definitions (27 November 2024; accessed 22 October 2026)