After an accident, one of the first questions drivers ask is, “How long will repairs take?” While it seems like a straightforward question, the truth is that collision repair timelines vary greatly. Factors like the severity of the damage, availability of parts, insurance approvals, and even the make and model of your vehicle can all affect how long it stays in the shop.
Understanding the typical process helps set realistic expectations and ensures you're better prepared to navigate your repair experience.
Minor vs. Major Damage
For minor repairs such as replacing a bumper, fixing dents, or repainting a small area, the timeline is shorter. These jobs often take between two and five days, depending on paint drying time and parts availability. However, even seemingly small jobs can be delayed if there are underlying issues not visible at first glance.
Major repairs, such as frame straightening, full panel replacement, or fixing suspension damage, can take a week or more. In cases where airbags have deployed or structural parts are affected, expect an extended timeline that may range from two to four weeks or longer.
Parts Availability Plays a Big Role
Modern vehicles often require very specific parts that may not be stocked locally. If your repair involves special sensors, cameras for driver assistance systems, or rare body panels, ordering those parts can add several days or even weeks to the process.
Imported or luxury vehicles often experience longer wait times for parts. Similarly, if your car is an older or discontinued model, it might take longer to locate compatible replacements.
Insurance Approvals and Adjustments
If you're going through insurance, the repair timeline is also tied to how quickly the estimate is approved. After an initial inspection, an adjuster reviews the shop’s quote before giving the go-ahead. If more damage is found after disassembly, the shop must request supplemental approval, which adds more time.
Communication delays between the shop, insurance company, and sometimes the customer can stall repairs. Choosing a shop experienced in handling insurance claims can speed things up.
Hidden Damage Isn’t Unusual
When your vehicle first arrives at the shop, technicians perform a visual and structural inspection. But once the car is disassembled, they often uncover hidden damage that wasn't visible from the outside. This can include bent frame components, damaged electronics, or misaligned suspension parts.
These discoveries usually require additional parts, time, and insurance authorization. It’s one reason why the original timeline may change during the repair process.
Paint Matching and Drying Takes Time
Even with quick repairs, refinishing takes more time than many realize. Technicians must match your car’s original color and finish, prep the area, apply primer, base coat, and clear coat, then allow each layer to cure. After painting, the vehicle must be reassembled and undergo a final quality inspection to ensure proper fit and finish.
Rushed paintwork can lead to flaws or mismatched panels, so experienced shops don’t cut corners when it comes to finishing the job right.
Post-Repair Inspections and Testing
Before a car is returned to the customer, shops typically perform a road test and final inspection. This confirms that systems such as steering, alignment, lighting, and sensors are functioning properly. If your vehicle has safety systems such as blind spot monitoring or adaptive cruise control, calibration may be necessary. These adjustments require specialized equipment and, in some cases, the services of outside specialists, which may extend the repair time by one to two days.
What You Can Do to Minimize Delays
Staying in contact with your repair shop and promptly responding to requests for approvals or documents can help keep your repair on track. Providing your insurance claim number and adjuster information at drop-off also helps the shop begin processing quickly.
Choosing a reputable repair facility that communicates clearly and provides updated timelines is the best way to avoid surprises and unnecessary delays.
Get Transparent Timelines and Quality Work at B & R Auto Body Works in Pompano Beach, FL
Every collision repair is different, but with the right team and clear communication, the process doesn’t have to be stressful. We take the time to assess your vehicle thoroughly, keep you updated every step of the way, and work efficiently to get you back on the road.
Call
B & R Auto Body Works in Pompano Beach, FL, today to schedule your estimate or repair. We’ll help you understand your timeline and make sure your car looks and drives like new again.
