How Long Does Collision Repair Take?

Every car collision is unique, so the time it takes for auto body repair to be completed can vary based on a variety of factors. Depending on the severity of the collision, some vehicles can be back on the road within a few days, while others could be in the shop for a few months.

There is no way for sure to determine how long car repairs will take after an accident, but at Freedom Automotive, we’ve put together a list of factors that can affect repair times. Below are the facts you need to know about the average time frame for auto body repair.

Talk to Your Insurance Company for a Repair Estimate

After an accident, you will need to get a repair estimate from your insurance company. A claims adjuster from your insurance company will evaluate and estimate the damage to your vehicle, using this information to produce a repair estimate.

In addition to talking to your insurance claims adjuster, you will also want to speak with a few different collision repair shops in your area to get the most accurate estimate. The estimate and the timeline your claims adjuster gives you for your collision repairs can differ for a wide range of reasons, so it is essential to get a few other estimates for the most accurate information.

Time for Repairs will Depend on the Damages

If your car suffered a dented bumper, this minor repair could be completed within a few days, but if you were in a major accident, it could take twice as long to get your vehicle back on the road. With a major car accident, there is sometimes damage that cannot be evaluated correctly until the car is taken apart. With many factors to take into consideration, it is recommended that you get more than one collision repair estimate from several different auto repair shops and give the estimates to your claims adjuster.

Factors that Could Delay Repairs

In some cases, you may go to pick up your car after repairs to find out there has been a delay, and the shop needs more time to complete the necessary repairs. This may be because as the work was being completed, it was found that additional repairs are required, or they may find that the damage was more severe than expected, so more time to finish the repairs is needed.
These circumstances can be accounted for in your estimate. You can also communicate with your auto body repair shop and your insurance company during the repairs if these delays come up.

What can you do while your car is being repaired?

While you wait for your car to be repaired, you may be wondering how you can pass the time. You can either wait in the lobby for the repairs to be completed, but depending on how long the repairs can take, you may want to consider other options.

If you will be waiting a few hours or overnight for your car to be finished, you can rent a car. This will allow you to get back to work, run errands, and more while you wait. You can check with your auto insurance carrier to see if a car rental is covered through them.

You may also consider using a ridesharing app such as Lyft or Uber to get a ride home or to your favorite coffee shop to pass the time. You can download these apps on Apple and Android devices. Once you’ve downloaded the app, you can complete a quick sign-up process, and then you’re on your way to requesting a ride to your destination!

You can also enlist the help of a trusted family member or friend to help you with a ride while your car is in the shop.

Accurate Auto Body Repair Estimates at Freedom Collision Center

At Freedom Collision Center, we understand how frustrating it can be when your vehicle is damaged in a collision. When you experience an accident, our expert team is here to help! Our highly trained technicians at our body shops in Morgantown use the most innovative equipment to ensure your vehicle is restored to its safe and beautiful pre-accident condition. Contact us today to learn more about our collision repair services.