How Long Will Auto Collision Repairs Take? Here’s What Really Affects the Timeline
After a collision, one of the first things most customers want to know is:
“How long until I get my car back?”
And we get it—being without your vehicle is inconvenient. Whether it’s your daily commute, school drop-offs, or weekend plans, waiting on repairs can throw everything off track.
At Elevated Auto Body, we’re all about transparency. So while we’d love to give a simple one-size-fits-all answer, the truth is: repair timelines vary. Some cars are done in a few days, others can take weeks.
The goal of this blog is to walk you through the biggest factors that influence how long your repair will take, so you know what to expect and can plan accordingly.
1. Parts Availability
This is often the #1 thing that slows a repair down. If the part we need is readily available, great—we can get to work fast. However, if the item is backordered, discontinued, or shipping from a distant location, it can delay the entire repair.
Factors that affect parts availability include:
OEM vs. aftermarket vs. recycled parts
Supply chain disruptions
Shipping times from manufacturers or distributors
Manufacturer-specific ordering systems
We always do our best to source parts quickly and communicate early if there’s a holdup. In some cases, we may explore alternate parts (with your and your insurance’s approval) to speed things up.
2. Insurance Approvals & Supplements
Once we inspect your vehicle and write the initial estimate, we need insurance approval before starting repairs. Depending on the provider, this can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
The process looks like this:
We write a repair estimate and send it to the insurer.
The insurer reviews and either approves it, negotiates items, or sends an adjuster.
After approval, we begin work.
But there’s a catch:
Once we start disassembly (also called teardown), we often find additional damage, especially hidden structural issues. These require a supplement, which means a revised estimate and a second round of approval.
We’ll always keep you updated when this happens, but it does add time.
3. Severity and Complexity of Damage
A dented door and a shattered bumper? That might be a 3-day fix. A rear-end collision with frame damage, airbag deployment, and quarter panel replacement? You could be looking at 2–3 weeks, depending on the vehicle and approvals.
The more steps involved—welding, structural pulls, paint curing, safety recalibrations—the longer it takes. Modern vehicles also have complex electronics and ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems), which often require diagnostic scanning or recalibration after repairs.
We never rush through this step. Safety and precision always come first.
4. Shop Workload & Scheduling
Even with the best planning, body shops have peaks and valleys. During busy seasons (like winter, when collisions spike), we may have a longer queue. We always strive to schedule jobs realistically and provide accurate start dates.
At Elevated Auto Body, we don’t overbook. We’d rather set realistic expectations than promise a fast turnaround we can’t meet.
If your car is safely drivable, we may schedule you out a few days to streamline your repairs and minimize delays once your vehicle is in the shop.
5. Unexpected Discoveries During Repair
This is where things can get tricky. Once your vehicle is taken apart, we might uncover damage that wasn’t visible during the initial inspection, especially if the car was towed in or had crumpled areas.
Examples include:
Bent frame rails
Damaged wiring harnesses
Suspension alignment issues
Hidden fluid leaks
Each new discovery can lead to additional repairs, more parts needed, and updated insurance approvals. We know this isn’t what anyone wants, but it’s part of ensuring your car is fixed properly and safely.
6. Paint & Curing Times
Painting isn’t just spraying and drying. It's a multi-step process:
Prep and priming
Color matching and blending
Spraying layers
Baking/curing in a temperature-controlled booth
Final finishing and polishing
Some colors (especially tri-coat or pearl finishes) require more time and precision. Add in curing and finishing, and this process can take 1–3 full days, depending on the job.
So… What’s the Typical Repair Timeline?
While no two repairs are exactly alike, here’s a rough idea:
How Elevated Keeps You Informed
We know being in the dark is frustrating. That’s why we’re committed to clear, consistent updates—especially when something changes.
You’ll hear from us:
When your estimate is submitted and approved
If any parts are delayed or backordered
If additional damage is found
When your vehicle moves into paint or reassembly
When your car is ready for pick-up
We believe good communication is just as important as good craftsmanship. Car accidents are stressful enough—your repair process shouldn’t be.
At Elevated Auto Body, we’re here to make things as smooth and honest as possible. While we can’t control insurance companies or part suppliers, we can promise to be upfront, responsive, and focused on doing the job right.
If you have questions about your vehicle’s repair timeline—or want a second opinion on your estimate—reach out to our team. We’re here to help get you back on the road, safely and confidently.
