How Long Do Car Repairs Take After an Accident?

After an accident, one of the most pressing concerns is how long your vehicle will be off the road. Repair times vary drastically, influenced by a range of factors—from the extent of damage and parts availability to insurance processes and repair centre capacity. This article breaks down each stage of the car repair process, offers realistic timelines, and helps you manage expectations. You'll learn the difference between minor and major repair durations, what affects turnaround time, and why choosing an experienced, approved repair centre can make all the difference.

The Waiting Game: Understanding Repair Timelines

For anyone asking “how long does it really take to get my car fixed after an accident?”, the truth is—it depends.

“There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to car repairs. What might be a quick fix for one vehicle can be a drawn-out process for another,” explains one of our insurance repair specialists.

However, we can outline the average repair timeline based on industry experience and real customer cases.

Minor vs. Major Damage: A Timeline Split

Car damage is generally classified into two broad categories, each with its own expected repair duration:

• Minor Repairs (1–3 Days):

  • Cosmetic damage like scratches or small dents

  • Localised panel touch-ups or paintwork

  • Bumper repair time typically falls here

• Moderate to Major Repairs (5–20 Days+):

  • Structural or chassis damage

  • Multiple panel replacements

  • Full car body repair timeline jobs

  • Repairs involving insurance authorisation delays

This divide is key in estimating the number of days to repair a car after an accident. But timelines are never guaranteed.

What Affects Time for Car Repairs?

Several factors play into how long a car sits in the shop:

• Severity of Damage: More damage = more time.

• Parts Availability: Delayed parts are a major reason repairs stall.

• Insurance Approval Process: Some insurers respond quickly, others take days just for an initial repair estimate.

• Garage Workload: A reputable, high-volume centre may be busy, affecting when your repair commencement can begin.

• Complexity of Repair: Jobs that need advanced tools, multiple inspections or skilled technicians will naturally extend the repair turnaround time.

To speed up the process, always work with an approved accident repair centre that’s well-versed in the claim process steps.

Step-by-Step: The Repair Journey

Whether you’re dealing with minor scuffs or a full collision rebuild, the workflow often looks like this:

1. Vehicle Assessment: Technicians inspect the vehicle and document all damage.

2. Quote Generation: A repair quote is prepared for you or your insurer.

3. Insurance Authorisation: This can be the slowest part depending on your provider’s response times.

4. Parts Ordering: Stocked items are faster; rare parts may take days or weeks.

5. Repairs Begin: Skilled teams carry out work based on the agreed scope.

6. Final Inspection: All jobs pass through rigorous quality checks.

7. Vehicle Collection: You’re contacted when it’s time for return of vehicle.

Take a look at some real-world examples in our project gallery to see how we handle each of these stages with efficiency and detail.

Behind the Scenes: What You Don’t See (But Should Know)

While your car is off the road, a flurry of behind-the-scenes tasks are taking place. These don't just impact the repair timeline, they determine whether your experience is smooth—or stressful.

Insurance Claim Time & Authorisations

A major time bottleneck in the timeline of car repairs comes from insurers. The insurance claim time varies greatly based on:

• The speed of your insurer’s internal processing

• Whether an assessor needs to view the car in person

• Disputes over repair cost or write-off decisions

• Delay in assigning a claim handler

If you're waiting for insurance authorisation, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common causes of delays in the repair world. This is why we always recommend contacting your repairer early—especially if they offer support with the insurance repair process.

Courtesy Cars: Are They Always Available?

Another factor that shapes the post-accident repair expectations is your access to a courtesy car or replacement vehicle.

Approved centres often provide them, but availability depends on:

• Whether the courtesy car is included in your insurance policy

• How many cars are already loaned out

• Duration of your repair—major structural repairs timeline often limits how long you can keep a courtesy vehicle

If you’re unsure, ask your repair centre early on. Transparency about your vehicle off-road duration allows better planning on both sides.

Communication Matters: Track the Repair Progress

Customers often assume that once the car’s in the shop, it’s out of their hands. But we believe repair progress tracking should be a given, not a luxury.

“A clear mechanic repair schedule and open dialogue builds trust. You don’t want to feel forgotten while your car is in the shop,” says a senior member of our Sprayshack team.

The best garages will:

• Notify you of delays (like how long for accident repair parts to arrive)

• Offer updates at key milestones (assessment, approval, repair commencement)

• Confirm when final inspection is underway

• Schedule your vehicle collection proactively

The Unexpected: When Timelines Change

Even with the best planning, things can shift. Here’s what often causes delays beyond anyone’s control:

• Hidden damage discovered mid-repair

• Paint match complexity on custom or older vehicles

• Parts shipped from overseas

• Seasonal spikes in garage workload

In most cases, customers can minimise frustration by staying in regular contact and choosing a reputable centre. Want to hear what others had to say about their turnaround time? Check our testimonials for real customer experiences.

Realistic Expectations: How Long You Might Wait

With all factors considered, here’s a general guide to the average repair time after a collision. Keep in mind, these are estimates:

• Minor repairs (cosmetic, no structural damage): 1–3 working days

• Moderate repairs (panels, paint, bodywork repair duration): 5–10 working days

• Major repairs (structural, mechanical, insurance delays): 2–4 weeks

For rare vehicles, extensive damage or complex paintwork, the timeline may extend beyond a month, especially when the repair centre turnaround is impacted by supplier or insurance holdups.

How to Reduce Your Repair Turnaround Time

While some delays are out of your control, here’s what you can do to help speed up the process:

1. Submit your claim promptly to begin the insurance process as early as possible.

2. Choose an approved repair centre that knows how to handle the full claim process steps.

3. Stay in regular communication with the repair team.

4. Be flexible with scheduling your repair commencement.

5. Ask if repair progress tracking is available for better transparency.

The more proactive you are, the smoother the process tends to be.

Why It Matters Who You Choose

Ultimately, who you trust with your car makes a huge difference—not just in quality, but in time. A skilled, well-equipped, and transparent repair team ensures that even complex jobs are completed efficiently without compromising standards.

At Sprayshack, we pride ourselves on offering a seamless repair experience. From initial vehicle assessment to the final quality check, we handle every detail in-house. And with access to insurance support, courtesy cars, and timely communication, we minimise the stress while maximising results.

Final Thoughts

The question of how long car repairs take doesn't have a universal answer—but with the right knowledge and the right team behind you, the journey is far more predictable. While the repair timeline can vary, understanding the process and choosing a trusted partner can save you weeks of uncertainty.

Ready to get started or want to discuss your case? Contact our team for advice, timelines, or to book an assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I choose my own repair shop after an accident?

Yes, in most cases you have the legal right to choose your preferred repairer, even if your insurer recommends one. Choosing a trusted, specialist repairer often results in better quality and faster service.

2. Will I need to get multiple quotes for car repairs?

Not always. Many insurance companies only require one detailed repair quote, particularly if it’s from an approved or certified centre. It’s best to check with your insurer directly.

3. What happens if additional damage is found during repairs?

If hidden damage is discovered, your repairer will typically stop work and notify you and your insurer for further authorisation. This can add time but ensures the job is completed correctly.

4. Does weather or season affect car repair time?

Yes. Winter months or periods following major storms can increase demand at body shops, affecting scheduling and turnaround time. Seasonal parts availability can also be an issue.

5. Can my car be written off instead of repaired?

Yes. If the repair cost and time estimate exceed a percentage of your vehicle’s market value (usually around 50–70%), the insurer may declare it a total loss instead of proceeding with repairs.

6. Do electric or hybrid vehicles take longer to repair?

Often, yes. These vehicles may require specialist equipment and technicians, especially when dealing with high-voltage systems or non-standard components.

7. Is my car safe to drive while waiting for repairs?

That depends on the damage. Cosmetic issues might not affect safety, but structural or mechanical damage could put you at risk. Always seek professional advice before continuing to drive.

8. Will I be updated throughout the repair process?

At professional centres like ours, yes. We believe in clear communication and offer updates at key stages of the repair, so you’re never left guessing.

9. What is a total loss vs. repairable vehicle?

A total loss means the cost of repair exceeds the car's value or falls within an uneconomical threshold. A repairable vehicle means the insurer has agreed that repair is financially viable.

10. Can I get my car repaired without going through insurance?

Yes, if you're paying privately. This might be preferable if the damage is minor or you're concerned about increasing your premium. Some drivers choose this to avoid insurance claim delays.