Vehicle Repairs and Expected Timelines
How long are vehicle repairs and when will you get your vehicle back? When you’re in an accident, getting your damaged vehicle back to its original condition is a top priority. From contacting an auto body shop to finding the right repair technicians and parts, there’s a lot that goes into repairing your car. Knowing the expected timeline for each phase of the process can help you plan and get back on the road safely and quickly.
The first step in getting your damaged vehicle repaired is to locate an auto body shop. Depending on where you live, there may be multiple shops too, or only one. When selecting a shop, it’s important to research its reputation for quality work and customer service. Ask for references from people who have used them recently or read online reviews. You should also look into their certifications and ask about any specialties they offer – do they specialize in collision repair or just basic repairs? Once you’ve selected a shop, contact them and make an appointment.
Once your appointment is on the schedule, it’s time to prepare your vehicle for the repair process. To save time at the shop, remove any items from inside your car that could be susceptible to damage during repairs. This could impede access by the technicians. This includes items like floor mats, seat covers, loose items such as car chargers or USB cables, etc. If you haven’t already contacted your insurance company about covering part of the costs, now is also a good time to do so – this will save time down the road when you go to pay for
Once at the auto body shop, expect that it takes some time for technicians to evaluate and assess the damage to your vehicle. This depends on how extensive the damage is and what type of parts are in need of repairs. The process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to days if special parts are in need from out-of-state vendors. Recent supply-chain, staffing, and other post-pandemic issues are also impacting the time it takes to order parts and complete repair work. During this assessment period, technicians may give you cost estimates of repairs as well as estimated timelines for completion of work – always ask questions if something isn’t clear so that everyone understands expectations for the completion of work correctly before beginning repairs.
Once these details are proper between yourself and the auto body shop team, actual repair work can begin! This will depend heavily on how extensive the damage is. Minor dings or dents may need repairs in only a few hours. More serious damage could require several days, or even weeks, of labor-intensive work. This can be welding structural pieces back together or replacing the body panels completely before painting & detailing can begin again. As with other phases of repairing your car, expect communication from technicians throughout this process. Any delays should be with transparent communication so that you know when to expect completion and pick-up.
After all, repairs are complete with approval by both yourself and the techs. Inspecting and detailing will occur before the final pick-up date and payment due date are set. In most cases payments are made the same day as pick-up unless prior arrangements have been made. Finalize this between yourself and the auto body shop beforehand. Make sure all paperwork plus all keys/remotes are present day-of pick-up too! After paying the bill and driving away with a newly repaired vehicle comes the best part. Enjoy the new ride with no worries knowing the job is done right!
No two vehicles are alike when it comes to repairing after collisions. However, understanding expected timelines ensure a seamless transition back without major hiccups! Taking proactive steps like researching shops before scheduling appointments is important. Plus preparation for the day off with necessary supplies will also help expedite the process. Set up correct planning and collaboration between yourself and licensed technicians at your chosen auto body shop. The desired results (plus peace of mind) become reality faster than ever imagined possible!
