Business Details
49 Years
experience
Expert Vehicle Repairs in St Austell, Cornwall
Established in 1977, our family-run business has built a reputation for excellence in automotive repair through three generations of dedicated craftsmanship. We prioritise precision and integrity in every repair, meeting stringent industry standards through regular quality audits and manufacturer approvals. Our team combines cutting-edge techniques with traditional values to deliver exceptional service to individual car owners, businesses, fleets, and insurance claimants. Committed to transparency and customer satisfaction, we ensure each interaction reflects our passion for automotive excellence and long-standing principles of honesty and trust. 
Services
Body repair & paint
Dent repair
Welding
Jig repairs
Polishing
Air conditioning maintenance
Insurance claims handling
Details
- Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
- We operate as a BS10125 accredited independent family business since 1977.
- Our team holds manufacturer approvals from Audi, Mercedes Benz, and Volkswagen.
- Three generations of automotive repair expertise ensure unparalleled technical knowledge.
- We guarantee repairs completed to exacting quality standards with full transparency.
- Specialist services include air conditioning maintenance and precision bodywork.
Associations and certifications
- BS10125
What people say
Excellent service
Superb repair
Spotless condition
Real craftsmen
Totally invisible repairs
Services
Body repair & paint
Specialist bodywork and painting services for family cars and prestige vehicles. We deliver dent repair, welding, and jig repairs with exceptional finish quality, adhering to manufacturer specifications. Our techniques ensure seamless blending and flawless results for both minor scratches and major collision damage.
Dent repair
Precision dent removal and panel repair services using advanced tools and methods. We restore vehicle exteriors to original condition without compromising structural integrity. Services apply to both standard and premium vehicles, maintaining factory finish standards for optimal aesthetic outcomes.
Air conditioning maintenance
Comprehensive air conditioning servicing and repair for optimal vehicle climate control. Our technicians diagnose and resolve cooling issues, recharge systems, and replace faulty components. Services ensure year-round comfort and maintain cabin air quality in personal and commercial vehicles.
Insurance claims handling
Specialist support for insurance repair claims with direct collaboration between our team and insurers. We manage paperwork, provide detailed damage assessments, and guarantee repairs meeting insurance standards. This streamlined process reduces customer administrative burden while maintaining quality guarantees.
Polishing
Professional vehicle polishing services to eliminate scratches and restore paintwork lustre. We use multi-stage polishing techniques to achieve showroom-quality finishes. Services address oxidation, swirl marks, and UV damage while preserving paint integrity for extended vehicle longevity.
People
Keith Rule
Founder
Keith established KJ Rule in 1977, driven by lifelong passion for automotive engineering. His commitment to quality and craftsmanship continues to shape the company's culture, ensuring exceptional repair standards and customer service across three generations.
Kizzy Udy
Managing Director
Kizzy oversees strategic operations at KJ Rule, maintaining family business values while driving continuous improvement. With extensive industry experience, she ensures compliance with manufacturer standards and fosters strong relationships with insurance partners and vehicle marques.
Sam Rule
Director & Quality Manager
Sam ensures technical excellence and quality assurance across all repair processes. His expertise in automotive standards and manufacturer approvals guarantees that every vehicle meets exacting specifications, combining modern techniques with traditional craftsmanship principles.
Simon Tilley
Bodyshop Manager
As Bodyshop Manager, Simon leads the technical team with over 20 years' experience in collision repair. He specialises in complex bodywork restoration and damage assessment, maintaining KJ Rule's reputation for precise repairs and exceptional finish quality.
Craig James
Panel Technician
Craig delivers expert panel repairs with meticulous attention to detail. His technical proficiency in dent removal and structural repairs ensures vehicles meet KJ Rule's exacting standards, combining traditional skills with modern repair methodologies.
Questions
What automotive services does KJ Rule offer?
We provide body repair, painting, dent removal, air conditioning maintenance, and insurance-approved repairs for personal and commercial vehicles.
Do you handle insurance claim repairs?
Yes, we work directly with insurance providers to manage claims efficiently while maintaining repair quality standards for customer vehicles.
Are your technicians manufacturer-approved?
Our team holds approvals from Audi, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, and other brands through regular quality audits and training.
What makes KJ Rule different from other garages?
We combine three generations of family expertise with BS10125 accreditation and manufacturer partnerships for guaranteed repair quality.
Can you repair prestige vehicles?
Yes, our specialists handle repairs for luxury and prestige vehicles to exacting manufacturer specifications and finish standards.
Do you work on commercial fleets?
We provide priority repairs for business and public service vehicles with guaranteed quality and efficient turnaround times.
Reviews (7)
Jonathan Dean
Nov 14, 2021
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We were rear ended on the M5 in our Mercedes C63.
Mercedes Truro and Merc Autocare counselled us to have the car repaired only by KJ Rule as they were Mercedes Approved Repairers. This was the best advice we could have been given. It is only when things dont go to plan that the best service providers stand out and rise above the rest. Despite parts delays and electronic gremlins Keith, Steve and their team kept us informed, provided a courtesy car and ensured that, what could have been a worrying and frustrating experience, was not. We would recommend them without reserve
Jonathan & Sally
Mercedes Truro and Merc Autocare counselled us to have the car repaired only by KJ Rule as they were Mercedes Approved Repairers. This was the best advice we could have been given. It is only when things dont go to plan that the best service providers stand out and rise above the rest. Despite parts delays and electronic gremlins Keith, Steve and their team kept us informed, provided a courtesy car and ensured that, what could have been a worrying and frustrating experience, was not. We would recommend them without reserve
Jonathan & Sally
Geoff James
Mar 16, 2021
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My Audi had a poor quality repair carried out by the previous owner (not by KJ Rule I'd like to stress!) and I went to KJ Rule in January 2021 to provide an estimate for me to send to Audi Salisbury to be repaired under warranty. Simon was very helpful and informative straight away, pointing out several areas of concern on the rear bumper. Simon supported my warranty claim with e-mails to Audi Salisbury including liaising with their bodyshop manager. The car was repaired this month (March 2021). The finish is superb, during the repair process I was kept informed of progress. Simon and the team
Kayley Squire
Oct 11, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Punctuality,Quality,Value
Amazing service. Both the workshop technician and the boss went above and beyond to make up for the mess made by insurers. Would highly recommend to everyone.
Services:Air conditioning,Steering/Suspension,Check engine light diagnostic,Body & Trim,Battery
Amazing service. Both the workshop technician and the boss went above and beyond to make up for the mess made by insurers. Would highly recommend to everyone.
Services:Air conditioning,Steering/Suspension,Check engine light diagnostic,Body & Trim,Battery
Holly Welch
Sep 20, 2020
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The staff here were amazing following my accident. They perfected my bodywork earlier than expected, and even touched up some unrelated scuffs which was unexpected but greatly appreciated. Would definitely go back.
Dave Nash
Aug 04, 2020
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K J Rule & Son are without doubt the finest bodyshop in Cornwall. The standard of workmanship is fabulous. The staff are all so professional, friendly and nothing is too much trouble. The repair of my car and the quality of finish returns it to 'as good as new'. The little extra touch ins were fantastic and even noticing that I had directional tyres which were on the wrong side. Simply brilliant. An awesome experience once again. I can throughly recommend this local business and wish them continued sucess. Thank you once again for doing a tremendous job on my Hyundai i30. Well done all.
Nikola Aleksandrov
Jul 16, 2020
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They did a brilliant job repairing my vehicle to a very high standard. Staff were friendly and professional. But I was very disappointed to find out that they have damaged my back seat . The car was with them for 3 weeks and looks like someone has left something quite heavy on the seat . I spoke to the manager but they didnt take responsibility .
Cornish Cowboy
Jul 05, 2020
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A family run business with an ethos of both customer service and satisfaction in their ability to provide excellent repairs. The repairs made to my car are totally invisible, the blending perfect. If you need a body shop you need look no further.
