Having a car in the auto body shop can be a stressful hassle, especially if you have to find alternate transportation to get to and from work, school, the grocery store, and anywhere else. The amount of time you’ll have to wait for your car to be repaired can vary greatly depending on the severity of the damage, type of car, insurance claims, and more.

For over 20 years, StormWise has been dedicated to making hail, dent, and collision repair as stress-free as possible for customers. We put together this guide on how long does a collision repair take because we believe that part of a stress-free experience is having the right expectations.

Keep reading to learn about collision repair times including the average time it takes for certain repairs, stages of the collision repair process, and factors that influence the amount of time it takes to fix your vehicle.

Average Collision Repair Time

If you’re wondering, “How long does it take to repair a car after an accident?” then the answer is that it depends on the type of damage and other factors. The average auto body repair time can vary from a few hours to a few weeks or longer.

Because the range is so significant for how long do car repairs take, we compiled an easy-to-read table of average repair times for certain levels of damage.

Minor vs. Major Collision Repair Times

Minor Collision Repair

Minor collision repairs, which usually take 1 to 3 days, involve simple fixes such as small dents, scratches, or minor bumper damage. 

These repairs are quick because they don’t affect the core structure of the vehicle and typically require only cosmetic adjustments. They are generally not labor-intensive, and with the right tools and parts, the actual work can often be completed in just a few hours.

Example:

1. Shopping Cart Collision

2. Tree Branch Scratches

3. Minor Scratches from Road Debris

Major Collision Repair

On the other hand, major collision repairs can take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks. These involve more complex issues like frame damage, mechanical problems, or airbag replacements. Because the repairs require more specialized work and may involve waiting for parts, they take longer to complete.

Example:

1. Rear-End Collision

2. Side-Impact (T-Bone) Collision

3. Parking Lot Collision with a Pole or Barrier

Severe Collision Damage

In cases of very severe damage, such as extensive frame damage or when hard-to-find parts are needed, repairs can extend beyond 3 weeks. The more severe the damage, the longer the repair time.

Example: 

1. High-Speed Head-On Collision

2. Rollover Accident

3. Severe Side-Impact (T-Bone) Collision at High Speed

Stages of the Collision Repair Process

To understand the timeframe, it’s a good idea to understand the stages of the collision repair process from initial estimate to vehicle completion.

Assessment and Estimation

The first part of any collision repair service is the initial assessment and estimation. A repair facility will examine the damage to your car, estimate the timeframe and cost of repairs, take necessary photos and paperwork, and then provide the repair estimate to you, the vehicle owner.

Timeframe:  Many auto repair shops take several hours to a day or longer to provide an accurate estimate, but StormWise offers free estimates in less than an hour.

Get your Free Estimate within an Hour.

Insurance Approval

If you’re using an insurance policy for your collision repairs, they will have to review and approve the estimate. In some cases, there may be some negotiating based on the required repairs, costs, and other information. Since the insurance company will have to determine if your vehicle is repairable and whether the cost of repairs is fair, this part of the collision repair process can take a few days or longer.

Timeframe: 3 to 5 days

Ordering and Receiving Parts (if needed)

Depending on the extent of damage, the make and model of the vehicle, and the damaged area, the collision repair shop may have to order replacement parts. Depending on the type of parts, this could take anywhere from a couple of hours to a few days or longer.

Timeframe: 1-2 hours to 1-2 days

Body Repair and Painting

The next stage of the collision repair process is the actual vehicle repair. This involves restoring the vehicle to factory specifications and ensuring that the car frame remains structurally sound. We’ll remove dents, replace parts, and use premium paint to restore the aesthetic of your vehicle.

Timeframe: 1 day to 4 weeks depending on damage and other factors

Reassembly and Quality Control

Any detail pieces and final moldings will be put back on the vehicle during this step. Then, we’ll wash, clean, and thoroughly inspect your vehicle to ensure everything looks great. In addition, all vehicle systems are checked and tested for safety and performance.

Timeframe: <1 day

Additional Factors to Consider

In addition to the typical stages of collision repair, you need to consider the possibility of hidden or additional damage that your collision repair technician may discover during the repair process. Some vehicles may also require specialized repairs like frame straightening, wheel alignment, additional auto detailing, or other services that can extend the repair time.

There is also a chance of supply chain issues, heavy mechanical workloads, and other potential situations that can lengthen wait time. In general, there are certain main factors to consider that affect how long does it take to repair a car. You can use these to determine a basic timeline of repairs.

Factors Affecting Collision Repair Time

Several factors affect the answer to the question, “How long does it take to fix a car?” Factors include the type of damage, availability of replacement parts, type of vehicle, insurance claims, and repair shop workload.

Severity of Damage

The cost and time for auto repairs depend on the damage. Minor issues like dents or scratches are cheaper and quicker to fix, usually ranging from $150 to $2,000, while major repairs like bumper or frame damage can cost up to $30,000. Minor repairs can take a few hours, but larger fixes may take days or weeks. Quick repairs, like buffing a scratch, can be done in about an hour.

Availability of Replacement Parts

The availability of replacement parts affects both the cost and repair time. Common parts are usually less expensive, ranging from $100 to $3,000, and can be delivered quickly, allowing repairs to be completed in a few hours to a couple of days. 

However, rare or custom parts are more costly, sometimes exceeding $5,000, and can take several days or even weeks to arrive. This not only increases the overall repair cost but also extends the repair time, as work cannot begin until the parts are received.

The repair timeline is also influenced by the availability of specific brands. OEM parts are often on backorder due to high demand or limited production, while aftermarket parts are generally more accessible but may not match OEM quality, potentially impacting durability. Choosing between OEM and aftermarket parts, along with backorder delays, can add complexity to repair costs and timing.

Type of Vehicle

The type of vehicle can significantly affect repair costs and timelines. Common vehicles include widely available brands like Toyota, Honda, Ford, and Chevrolet. These brands typically have readily available aftermarket and OEM parts, making repairs faster and more affordable, with costs generally ranging from $500 to $3,000 and taking only a few days.

In contrast, luxury or rare vehicles such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Lexus, and Tesla require specialized parts and technicians trained in handling specific features or technologies. Repairs for these brands can be more expensive, often exceeding $5,000 and taking several weeks, especially if rare parts are needed.

Newer vehicles across all brands may also have quicker and more cost-effective repairs due to better access to OEM parts and warranty coverage, which can reduce both time and costs involved.

Insurance Company Involvement

When insurance is involved in collision repair, it often adds time due to claim filing and approval. Minor repairs, usually under $1,000, are often quicker and cheaper to handle out-of-pocket. For larger repairs, costs can range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more. Insurance claims can extend repair time from days to weeks. StormWise helps by working directly with claims adjusters and your insurance company, reducing delays and hassle.

Repair Shop Workload

The workload of an auto repair shop can affect how long it takes to get your vehicle repaired. If the shop is busy, you may experience delays. Choosing a reputable collision repair shop is crucial because they provide quality work, fair pricing, and transparency without hidden fees. Many also offer services like insurance assistance and financing. On average, collision repairs can cost between $1,500 to $5,000, and the repair time can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the shop’s workload and the complexity of the repair

Conclusion

While you may be wondering, “How long does a collision repair take?” you may be surprised to learn that it can take anywhere from a day or less to several weeks. That’s because many factors can affect the length of time for repair work including the severity of damage, type of vehicle, mechanic workload, and more.

Understanding the process can help you understand while it may be taking longer than normal, but it’s important to be patient during the process. As long as you use a reputable auto repair service, they should communicate with you and do everything possible to ensure a smooth, fast, and reliable collision repair process.

Average Collision Repair Time FAQs

What do I use for transportation while my car is in the shop?

Whether you had a car accident or some other type of damage, finding transportation can be stressful. You may have options for transportation while your vehicle is getting collision repair. In some cases, your insurance provider may cover a rental car, for example.

StormWise wants to make sure your collision repair is as stress-free as possible, which is why we offer free pickup and drop-off for qualifying customers. For some services, we will provide a free rental car if your insurance company won’t cover the cost. It’s this level of service and commitment to quality that makes them one of the most reliable auto body shop in Denver.

Do you offer an automotive repair warranty?

Yes! StormWise offers a lifetime warranty on auto body work and accident repair services.

How long does it take to fix a front-end collision vs rear-end collision?

While it depends on many factors, rear-end repairs are often cheaper and faster than front-end repairs. That’s because the front of your vehicle has the grill, engine, radiator, hood, windshield, and other considerations.

When is my car considered a total loss?

When the cost of repairs exceeds the value of the car, or often when it exceeds around 70-75% of the value of the car, then the insurance company will likely consider it totaled. While you can still get the vehicle repaired, the insurance provider will only pay the value of the vehicle and you’ll have to pay any remaining costs.

What do I do if it’s taking much longer than originally estimated?

If your mechanic is taking significantly longer than originally estimated, then you can call your insurance company to consider taking your vehicle to another garage. However, we recommend talking to your auto body shop to see what might be holding up repairs because another shop may have the same issue if it has something to do with your insurance claim, difficulty getting parts, or other supply chain issues.

How much does collision repair cost?

Similar to the answer to, “How long does a collision repair take?”, Collision repair costs can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. That’s why StormWise offers free, fast estimates so you can figure out your transportation and budget.

Get your Free Estimate within an Hour.