How Do Auto Body Shops Calculate a Vehicle Repair Completion Date?
When your car needs repairs after an accident, one of the first questions that comes to mind is, "How long will this take?" Repair timelines can vary significantly, depending on the extent of the damage, the parts required, and external factors. Understanding how auto body shops calculate these timelines can help set realistic expectations and reduce stress.
Factors Influencing Repair Timelines
Insurance Company Actions
If your repair involves an insurance claim, delays can occur. Insurance companies often need to approve the repair estimate before work begins. This process includes verifying labor and parts costs, and any delays in communication from the insurer can postpone the start of repairs.
Minor Collision Repairs
For small-scale accidents, such as fender benders or parking lot scrapes, repairs might seem quick. However, even minor repairs can take time due to factors like waiting for parts on backorder. Typically, minor repairs take about a week, but simpler tasks like scratch removal might be completed faster.
Major Collision Repairs
Severe accidents involving high speeds or significant damage usually require more extensive repairs. These often involve sourcing rare parts, especially for older or specialty vehicles, which can add time to the process. Additionally, as technicians work on the vehicle, they may uncover hidden issues, further extending the repair timeline. For major repairs, you can expect a timeline of three to four weeks on average.
Other Factors to Keep in Mind
- Shop Workload: If the shop has multiple vehicles in line ahead of yours, the wait time may increase.
- Vehicle Type: Foreign or specialty vehicles often require harder-to-find parts, which can delay repairs.
- New Models: Parts for newer models may be prioritized for manufacturing, causing backorders.
- Insurance Delays: If the insurer takes a long time to approve payments, repairs may be delayed.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Estimates vs. Actual Costs
It's important to remember that repair estimates are just that—estimates. They often only account for visible damage, and additional hidden issues may arise once repairs begin. While frustrating, this is a normal part of the process.
The Value of Quality Repairs
Rushing repairs can compromise quality, leading to further issues down the road. The phrase “you get what you pay for” applies here—choosing a reputable shop that takes the necessary time to complete quality work is worth the wait.
Choose Ray’s Automotive!
At Ray’s Automotive, we are a family owned business that treats every customer like family. We care about fixing your vehicle properly and making sure you get back on the road safely. Keeping you informed about your vehicle repair is important to us. We specialize in all types of collision repair. Trust us with your vehicle and call our shop today!
