How Long Does It Really Take to Fix a Wrecked Car?

Dealing with a car in the auto body shop can be incredibly inconvenient. Finding alternative transportation to manage your daily routine, from work commutes to grocery runs, adds unnecessary stress. If you’ve been in an accident, one of the first questions on your mind is likely, “How Long Does It Take To Fix A Wrecked Car?” The repair duration can vary significantly depending on the extent of damage, the type of vehicle you drive, insurance processes, and various other factors.

For over two decades, CARDIAGTECH has been committed to providing clear and helpful information for car owners navigating the complexities of auto repair. We understand that a key part of a stress-free repair experience is knowing what to expect. This guide will break down the typical collision repair timelines, offering insights into average repair durations, the stages involved in the repair process, and the elements that can influence how long it takes to get your car back on the road.

Keep reading to gain a comprehensive understanding of collision repair times and learn how to navigate this process with confidence.

Average Collision Repair Time

If you’re asking, “how long does it take to repair a car after an accident?”, it’s important to understand that there’s no single answer. The average auto body repair time can range from just a few hours to several weeks or even longer, depending on numerous variables.

Chart showing average collision repair times for different types of damage

To provide a clearer picture of what you can expect, we’ve compiled a table outlining average repair times based on the severity and type of collision damage. This will help you get a general idea of the timeframe involved for different kinds of repairs.

Type of Collision Repair	Average Time to Fix
Minor Collision Repair	1-3 days
Major Collision Repair	1 to 3 weeks
Paintless Dent Repair	1-2 days
Bumper Repair/Replacement	1-3 days
Fender Repair/Replacement	1-4 days
Door Repair/Replacement	2-4 days
Glass Replacement	1-2 days
Suspension Repair	2-3 days
Frame Straightening	4 days – 2 weeks
Paint Repair (minor)	2-4 days
Paint Repair (major)	1-2 weeks
Airbag Replacement	2-5 days
Engine Repair/Replacement	1-4 weeks
Full Vehicle Restoration	4-8 weeks or longer

Minor vs. Major Collision Repair Times

Understanding the difference between minor and major collision repair is crucial in estimating how long your car might be in the shop.

Minor Collision Repair

Minor collision repairs typically take 1 to 3 days and address cosmetic damages that don’t affect the vehicle’s structural integrity. These often include small dents, scratches, or minor bumper issues.

These repairs are relatively quick because they are less complex and usually require straightforward fixes. They are not labor-intensive, and with readily available parts and the right tools, the actual repair work can often be completed within a few hours.

Examples of Minor Collision Repair:

1. Shopping Cart Dent: Accidental bumps in parking lots can leave minor dents.

Car door dented by a shopping cart

2. Tree Branch Scratches: Driving near trees or bushes can result in scratches to your car’s paint.

Car paint scratched by tree branches

3. Road Debris Chips and Scratches: Small stones and debris on the road can cause minor paint chips and scratches, especially on bumpers and hoods.

Car hood with minor paint scratches from road debris

Major Collision Repair

Major collision repairs, conversely, can extend from 1 to 3 weeks. These repairs are necessary for more substantial damage, such as frame damage, significant mechanical issues, or airbag deployment. The increased timeframe is due to the complexity of the repairs, the need for specialized equipment, and potentially longer wait times for specific parts.

Examples of Major Collision Repair:

1. Rear-End Collision: Impacts from behind often cause damage to the trunk, bumper, and rear panels.

Car with crushed trunk and damaged rear bumper from a rear-end collision

2. Side-Impact (T-Bone) Collision: Collisions to the side of a vehicle can cause significant damage to doors and side panels, and potentially the frame.

Car with crushed door and side panel damage from a side-impact collision

3. Parking Lot Collision with an Obstruction: Hitting poles or barriers in parking lots can damage bumpers and bend fenders, requiring more extensive repairs.

Car with front-end damage after hitting a pole in a parking lot

Severe Collision Damage

In cases of severe collision damage, particularly when there’s extensive frame damage or a need for rare parts, repair times can exceed 3 weeks. The greater the damage, the more intricate and time-consuming the repair process becomes.

Examples of Severe Collision Damage:

1. High-Speed Head-On Collision: Frontal collisions at high speeds result in extreme damage to the front end, including the engine compartment and windshield.

Car with severely crushed front end from a high-speed head-on collision

2. Rollover Accident: Vehicles rolling over can sustain damage to the roof, sides, and undercarriage, often requiring significant structural repair.

Car flipped on its roof showing extensive damage from a rollover accident

3. Severe High-Speed Side-Impact (T-Bone) Collision: High-speed side impacts can cause catastrophic damage, potentially affecting the frame and requiring extensive bodywork.

Car with severely crushed side from a high-speed side-impact collision

Stages of the Collision Repair Process

To better understand the overall timeframe, it’s helpful to be familiar with the typical stages involved in collision repair, from the initial assessment to the moment you get your keys back.

Flowchart outlining the stages of collision repair process

Assessment and Estimation

The first step in any collision repair journey is the assessment and estimation phase. A qualified repair technician will thoroughly inspect your vehicle to identify all damage, determine the necessary repairs, and prepare a detailed estimate outlining costs and timelines. This process involves taking photos, completing paperwork, and creating a comprehensive repair plan.

Timeframe: While some shops may take a day or more to provide a detailed estimate, CARDIAGTECH aims to offer efficient service, often providing estimates within a few hours.

Insurance Approval

If you’re filing an insurance claim for the collision repairs, the estimate will need to be submitted to your insurance provider for review and approval. This stage may involve negotiation between the repair shop and the insurance adjuster to agree on the scope and cost of repairs. The insurance company needs to verify if the vehicle is repairable and if the repair costs are reasonable and within policy limits. This approval process can add several days to the overall timeline.

Timeframe: Expect insurance approval to take 3 to 5 business days on average.

Ordering and Receiving Parts (if needed)

Depending on the damage, the make and model of your car, and the specific areas affected, the repair shop might need to order replacement parts. The time it takes to order and receive parts varies greatly depending on their availability. Common parts might be sourced quickly, while specialized or less common parts could take longer to arrive, especially with ongoing supply chain considerations in the automotive industry.

Timeframe: Parts ordering and receiving can range from a few hours to 1-2 days, or potentially longer for uncommon parts.

Body Repair and Painting

This is the core of the collision repair process where the physical repairs take place. Technicians will work to restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition, adhering to manufacturer specifications. This involves dent removal, panel replacement, frame straightening if necessary, and ensuring the vehicle’s structural integrity is restored. Premium paints are then used to match your vehicle’s original color and finish, ensuring a seamless repair.

Timeframe: Body repair and painting can take anywhere from 1 day to 4 weeks, depending on the complexity of the damage, parts availability, and any unforeseen issues discovered during the repair.

Reassembly and Quality Control

Once the structural and cosmetic repairs are complete, the vehicle moves into the reassembly and quality control phase. Detail pieces, moldings, and trim are reinstalled. The vehicle is then thoroughly cleaned, washed, and meticulously inspected to ensure all repairs meet high standards. Crucially, all vehicle systems are checked for safety and performance to guarantee your car is safe to drive.

Timeframe: Reassembly and quality control usually take 1 to 2 days to complete, ensuring a thorough final check.

Additional Factors to Consider

Beyond these typical stages, it’s important to be aware of potential unforeseen circumstances that can affect the repair timeline. Hidden damage may be discovered during the repair process, requiring additional work and potentially extending the time. Some vehicles may need specialized repairs like frame straightening or wheel alignment, adding to the duration. External factors like supply chain disruptions or a high workload at the repair shop can also contribute to longer wait times. Understanding these potential variables is key to having realistic expectations about how long it takes to fix a wrecked car.

Factors Affecting Collision Repair Time

The answer to “how long does it take to fix a car?” is influenced by a range of factors. These include the severity of the damage, the availability of necessary replacement parts, the type of vehicle you own, the involvement of insurance claims, and the workload of the repair shop.

Diagram outlining factors affecting collision repair time

Severity of Damage

The extent of the damage is a primary determinant of both the cost and the duration of repairs. Minor damage, like dents and scratches, is generally quicker and less expensive to fix, with costs ranging from $150 to $2,000. Major damage, such as frame or bumper damage, can escalate costs to $30,000 or more. While minor repairs might be completed in a few hours, major repairs can take days or weeks. Simple touch-ups, like buffing out a scratch, can sometimes be done in as little as an hour.

Availability of Replacement Parts

The ease of sourcing replacement parts significantly impacts both the cost and the repair timeline. Common parts are typically less expensive, ranging from $100 to $3,000, and readily available, allowing for quicker repairs—often within a few hours to a couple of days.

However, rare or custom parts are more expensive, sometimes exceeding $5,000, and can take days or even weeks to be delivered. This delay not only increases the overall repair cost but also extends the time your car spends in the shop, as work cannot proceed until the necessary parts arrive.

The choice between Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts and aftermarket parts also plays a role. OEM parts might be backordered due to high demand or limited production, while aftermarket parts are generally more accessible but might not meet OEM quality standards, potentially affecting the vehicle’s long-term durability. Decisions about part types and potential backorders add complexity to both repair costs and timelines.

Type of Vehicle

The type of vehicle you drive is a significant factor in repair costs and timelines. Common vehicles, including widely available brands like Toyota, Honda, Ford, and Chevrolet, generally have readily available aftermarket and OEM parts. This makes repairs faster and often more affordable, with costs typically ranging from $500 to $3,000 and repair times of just a few days.

In contrast, luxury or rare vehicles, such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Lexus, and Tesla, often require specialized parts and technicians trained in handling their unique features and technologies. Repairs for these brands can be considerably more expensive, frequently exceeding $5,000, and take several weeks, particularly if rare parts are required or if specialized technicians are booked.

Newer vehicles across all brands may sometimes experience quicker and more cost-effective repairs due to better parts availability and warranty coverage, potentially reducing both the time and financial burden of collision repairs.

Insurance Company Involvement

Involving insurance in collision repair often adds to the overall repair time due to claim processing and approval procedures. Minor repairs, typically under $1,000, are sometimes quicker and cheaper to handle out-of-pocket to avoid the insurance process. However, for larger repairs, where costs can range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more, insurance claims are usually necessary. The insurance claim process can extend repair times from days to weeks as estimates are reviewed, negotiations take place, and approvals are granted. CARDIAGTECH can assist in this process by working directly with claims adjusters and your insurance company, aiming to minimize delays and streamline the process for you.

Repair Shop Workload

The current workload of the auto repair shop also plays a role in how long it takes to get your car back. If the shop is experiencing a high volume of repairs, you may encounter delays. Choosing a reputable collision repair shop is essential. These shops prioritize quality workmanship, transparent pricing, and clear communication. Many also offer services to assist with insurance claims and provide financing options. While average collision repairs can cost between $1,500 and $5,000, the repair time can vary from a few days to several weeks depending on the shop’s schedule and the complexity of your specific repair.

Conclusion

So, how long does it take to fix a wrecked car? As you can see, the answer is variable, ranging from less than a day to several weeks. This wide range is due to the many factors that influence repair times, including the severity of damage, the type of vehicle, mechanic workload, and insurance processes.

Understanding the stages of the collision repair process and the factors that can affect the timeline can help you manage your expectations and reduce stress during what can be an inconvenient time. While it can be frustrating if repairs take longer than initially anticipated, remember that thorough and quality repairs are crucial for your safety and the longevity of your vehicle. By choosing a reputable auto repair service and maintaining open communication, you can help ensure a smoother, more efficient, and reliable collision repair experience.

Average Collision Repair Time FAQs

What are my transportation options while my car is in the shop?

Finding transportation while your car is undergoing collision repair can be a major concern. Fortunately, several options are often available. In many cases, your auto insurance policy may include rental car coverage, which can help offset the cost of a temporary vehicle.

CARDIAGTECH understands the inconvenience of being without your car, and we strive to make the repair process as easy as possible. We offer complimentary pick-up and drop-off services for eligible customers. For certain repair services, and when insurance coverage is not available, we can also provide a free rental car to minimize disruption to your daily life. It’s this dedication to customer service and quality that makes us a trusted choice for auto body repairs.

Do you provide a warranty on automotive repairs?

Yes! CARDIAGTECH stands behind the quality of our work by offering a lifetime warranty on all auto body work and accident repair services. This warranty provides you with peace of mind and assurance in the durability of our repairs.

How does the repair time for a front-end collision compare to a rear-end collision?

While specific repair times depend on the details of each accident, rear-end collision repairs are often quicker and less costly than front-end repairs. This is largely because the front of a vehicle typically houses more complex components, including the engine, radiator, grille, hood, and windshield, all of which can be damaged in a front-end impact. Rear-end damage, while still potentially significant, often involves fewer critical systems.

When is my car considered a total loss by insurance?

An insurance company is likely to declare your car a total loss when the cost of repairing the damage exceeds the vehicle’s actual cash value, or in many cases, when repair costs reach approximately 70-75% of the car’s pre-accident value. While you technically still have the option to repair a totaled vehicle, the insurance payout will be limited to the car’s value, and you would be responsible for any remaining repair expenses.

What should I do if the repairs are taking much longer than the original estimate?

If your car repairs are taking significantly longer than initially estimated, the first step is to communicate directly with your auto body shop. Inquire about the reasons for the delay. It’s possible there are unforeseen complications, such as hidden damage discovered during the repair process, delays in parts shipments, or complexities with the insurance claim. Open communication with the repair shop is crucial.

If you remain concerned or unsatisfied with the explanation, you can contact your insurance company to discuss the situation. While it’s possible to consider moving your vehicle to another repair shop, it’s important to understand that the same delays might occur at another facility if the issue is related to parts availability, insurance claim complexities, or supply chain issues. Directly addressing concerns with your current repair shop is usually the most effective first step.

What is the typical cost of collision repair?

Similar to the question of “how long does collision repair take?”, the cost of collision repair can vary widely based on numerous factors, including the extent and type of damage, the vehicle make and model, and the repair shop’s labor rates. This variability is why CARDIAGTECH offers fast, free estimates, providing you with a clear understanding of potential costs for your specific situation and helping you plan your transportation and budget accordingly.

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