When your vehicle is involved in an accident, one of the first questions you’ll ask is, “How long will the repair take?” The time needed to fix a car at a collision center depends on the severity of the damage, the parts required, and the complexity of the repairs. Below is a breakdown of the average repair times based on different types of damage and the factors that influence the timeline.
Average Repair Times by Type of Damage
Minor Dents and Scratches
Repairing small dents and surface scratches usually takes 1 to 3 days. These fixes are straightforward, especially if the damage doesn’t involve paint matching or extensive bodywork. Paintless Dent Removal (PDR) can often speed up the process since it avoids the need for repainting.
Moderate Damage
Moderate damage—like bumper dents, minor frame adjustments, or multiple scratches—typically requires 3 to 7 days. These repairs often involve replacing parts or repainting affected areas, which takes more time for the paint to dry and cure.
Major Collision Repairs
If your vehicle sustains severe damage, such as significant body damage, frame realignment, or airbag replacement, the repair process can take 2 to 4 weeks. Major repairs require extensive bodywork, system checks, and safety recalibrations, all of which add to the timeline.
Factors That Affect Repair Timelines
Extent of Damage
Larger damage takes longer to repair. Small dings or scratches can be addressed quickly, but deep structural issues will require more time. Additionally, repair technicians may discover hidden damage during disassembly, further extending the time needed for repairs.
Parts Availability
If your vehicle needs replacement parts that are in stock, repairs will move faster. However, ordering parts—especially for older or rare vehicles—can add days or even weeks to the repair process.
Repair Complexity
More complex repairs require specialized tools and skills, which take longer. Frame realignment, advanced paint matching, or precise bodywork might extend the time necessary to ensure accurate results. The use of specialized equipment also adds time to complete the job properly.
Insurance Approval
Repair work cannot start until your insurance company approves the estimate. Delays in this approval process can push back the timeline. It’s helpful to stay in touch with your insurance provider to avoid unnecessary hold-ups.
The time it takes to repair a vehicle at a collision center varies depending on the extent of the damage, availability of parts, and complexity of the repair. Minor repairs, like small dents, might take only a few days, while major bodywork can last several weeks. Staying in communication with the repair shop and your insurance company can help keep the process as efficient as possible, getting your vehicle back on the road faster. Contact us to know more details.