How Long Should an Average Accident Repair Take?

Every car collision around Brockton, Randolph, and Stoughton, Massachusetts, is different, and this extends into the repair timeline.

How long should an average accident repair take? The team here at Collision 24 has answered this question below. Keep reading to learn about them and stay on top of your vehicle’s maintenance.

What’s an Estimate?

After a car accident, a claims adjuster from your insurance company will estimate the damage to your car and produce a repair estimate.

A vehicle repair estimate is how it sounds. It’s a breakdown of the visible repairs needed for your vehicle. Estimates typically include the cost of labor, parts, and if your car is safe to drive/return to the road after an accident. You or your insurance company will pay the costs to bring your vehicle back to like-new condition.

Getting a collision body repair estimate can take two to five days, depending on your insurance company. Your insurance company may also have specific collision centers, like ours, that they prefer you to use.

Remember that the estimate they provide and the time it takes to repair your car can differ for several reasons. To get the most accurate estimate, be sure to chat with our body shop in addition to your insurance claims adjuster.

Our team will also keep in contact with your insurer throughout the repair process so everyone knows what’s going on and where your vehicle is in the process.

Evaluate the Damages Your Car Incurred

One of the most significant factors in determining the length of time a repair will take is to evaluate the type of damage your vehicle incurred.

Minor repairs, like replacing a bumper, are relatively simple fixes and should only take a couple of days to complete. However, things could take longer if your vehicle needs more intensive bodywork.

Our collision center strives to accurately address and fix all needed repairs, which sometimes involves removing certain parts of your car. This will take a bit more time, but ensuring your vehicle is properly repaired is necessary. Our collision repair experts want your car to be as safe as possible when hitting the road again.

How to Determine if Your Vehicle Is Safe to Drive After an Accident

Before you get to a repair facility, you need to figure out how to get your vehicle there. You have two options: getting a tow or driving your car. Driving your vehicle is only safe to do so if your vehicle appears safe enough to drive.

After the accident and everyone has received the medical attention they need, it’s time to consider your vehicle. If law enforcement is on the scene, they can help you determine if a car is safe to drive.

There are also a few signs you can look for yourself:

Smoke from your hood may indicate fluids leaking into your engine.
Leaking fluids onto the road indicates fluid lines in your vehicle are leaking. These can be harmful to you, the environment, and other drivers.
Driving on flat tires can alter your vehicle’s wheel alignment and cause additional damage to your car.

Our collision repair facility offers 24-hour towing services. After an accident, give our towing service a call, and a tow truck will be dispatched to help. We have mechanics who can determine if your vehicle is drivable and transport it to our Brockton auto shop. Our towing services can also help you if you have vehicle battery issues or other problems related to your vehicle being unable to start.

Factors That Could Delay Repairs

The exact amount of time or work required to return your vehicle to ideal condition may not be determined until work begins. This can alter how long the mechanic needs to fix your car.

In some cases, further repair points may be discovered once the vehicle is brought into our collision center and more closely examined. Additionally, once some vehicle parts are removed for inspection, our technicians may find the repair more intensive than initially estimated.

If your vehicle requires our collision center to order additional parts, this may also slow down your car’s repairs. Supply chain issues can increase wait times. The collision center will order a part and may experience an extended wait time to receive and install that part.

It’s important to consider these factors when estimating the time needed for your vehicle’s repair. If something is found to extend your car’s visit with our collision center, we’ll be sure to notify you as soon as possible so that you can make any necessary adjustments to your schedule.

You can also communicate with your collision repair shop and insurance provider during the repair process if you have questions.

Average Collision Repair Costs

Along with the length of the repair, the cost for said work can change depending on the damage. Here are some factors we include when determining the estimated cost:

Vehicle’s Make and Model: One of the most determining factors for repair costs is your car’s year, make, and model. Newer or more common vehicles consist of parts that are generally more available, while older or unique vehicles may require us to order parts. Luxury vehicle parts may also take longer to acquire since luxury vehicles often require higher-performance parts than standard vehicles.
Type of Repair: The nature of the repair also plays a part in the price. More detailed work, such as paint jobs, requires more time and thus costs more.
Labor: Mechanics work hard to ensure your vehicle is back in shape. The amount of labor required, as well as the number of technicians involved in the repair, add to the overall cost.

If you have questions about the costs associated with your vehicle repairs, feel free to ask. Our team will break down the estimate, so you understand the repairs needed and where the prices are coming from. And when you’re feeling confident, schedule an appointment with us!