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How Long Does a Collision Repair Take?
Trust Mizzoni's Auto Body for Professional Car Repair and Protection
If you or someone you love has recently been in a wreck, you are likely dealing with a lot of stress. It’s perfectly natural in moments like these to feel a mix of emotions— from the initial shock and concern for all involved’s well-being to the practical worries about restoring your cherished vehicle to its pre-accident condition. Amid the whirlwind of post-accident logistics, a common and pressing question often emerges: “How long does a collision repair take?”
At Mizzoni’s, we understand that your vehicle plays a crucial role in your daily life, serving not just as a means of transportation but as a companion on the road to life’s various destinations – be it work, school, or adventures. The thought of being without it, even temporarily, can add an extra layer of stress to an already challenging situation. With this in mind, our goal today is to provide a reassuring guide, shedding light on the collision repair process. We hope to offer clarity on what to expect in terms of timelines, helping you navigate this period with a bit more ease and understanding.
Take a deep breath, and let’s gently explore the path towards getting your vehicle back on the road.
What to Do Immediately After a Collision
First and foremost, make sure you’re ok. Don’t try to move or get out of your car until you’ve checked yourself over. If you can, you should get your car off the road to the side. If not, pop on your hazard lights. Next, call 911. Let the dispatcher know you’ve been in a collision and follow their instructions. If you are safe to move, get out of your car and start documenting. Photos of your vehicle, any damage, the other vehicle’s license plate, damage, the other driver’s license, and insurance. You’ll need all of these.
Cops should be coming to help (and ambulances if there are injuries). If you cannot leave your car, they will gather photos and evidence for you— just be sure to get the number for the police report later.
Your safety and the safety of those around you comes first. See to any injuries, and follow the 911 dispatcher’s instructions to the letter. Once things have settled down and you have your photos, you can call your insurance company.
Be absolutely sure NOT to take the blame for the wreck; don’t even apologize. A lot of us tend to apologize for accidents even if they aren’t our fault, but with a crash that can ruin your insurance claim and lead to you paying for the other driver’s repairs and medical bills. Leave that to your insurance, the cops, and -if needed- your lawyer.
Once the people and the evidence are taken care of, it’s time to get your car looked at.
Talk to Your Insurance First
Once you’ve taken a deep breath and made sure that all immediate health concerns are addressed, you’ll want to notify your insurance company about the incident. This doesn’t just help with your peace of mind; it’s also a practical step to ensure your claim is on track. Prepare to share what happened with kindness to yourself; accidents happen to the best of us. Your insurer will need the basics: where, when, what happened, and the condition of your car.
Your insurance will ask for photos of the damage. Some insurance companies make you use their favorite auto body shops, while others will pay who you choose as long as they meet certain standards. You’ll have to work that out with your agent.
Engaging with the Insurance Claims Adjuster
Think of the insurance claims adjuster as a helpful liaison whose job is to smoothly pave the road between you and your insurance coverage. They’ll be your point person, evaluating the damage and guiding you through the estimation and repair process. It’s like having someone walk alongside you, clipboard in hand, tallying what needs mending to help paint a clear picture for both you and your insurer.
When you meet with the adjuster, chat openly and provide them with whatever they need—pictures, a police report, and details of the incident. Just be careful not to take the blame accidentally. This candidness lays the groundwork for trust and efficiency. Remember, while it’s great to build a friendly rapport with your adjuster, you’ll want to approach any quick settlement offers with a gentle but thoughtful pause for consideration. Some car accident victims choose to retain a lawyer to ensure they receive a fair deal so they can focus on healing.
Deciding on an Auto Repair Shop
Your insurance company will likely suggest a collision center to perform the auto body repairs as they usually have partnerships with local shops. However, depending on your state’s laws, you are allowed to choose your own auto body shop to carry out the auto body work. Let your insurance provider know if you have an auto repair shop in mind during your conversation so that they can better assist you.
Chatting it Through
You should keep an active line of communication with your insurance adjuster and agent. This ensures the process runs smoothly and you can reduce the time you are carless. Make sure you have a solid nod of approval before you let the mechanic start on repairs; sometimes things come up in the paperwork that could leave you in a lurch. If you choose to retain a car accident lawyer, they can handle everything past the initial claim for you to help smooth the process, although that’s usually only needed when there is a personal injury or extensive property damage.
What to Expect with Collision Repair
Most collision repairs are going to be a five-step process. First, the mechanic will look over the damage and come up with an estimate, which usually takes less than an hour. Remember, an estimate is their best guess! Some additional damage can be hidden under other issues and not come up until after work has started. This means the cost can go up— if you’re really lucky, it can go down because something looks worse surface-level. The mechanic will send the quote to your insurance, who will consult with their underwriters. They may go back and forth with your mechanic a few times to negotiate; that’s completely normal! This can take a few days, though, as many factors play into getting an accurate estimate for car repairs.
Once an agreement has been reached, the shop needs to order any parts and paint. This timeline isn’t really up to them, but to their supplier. It can be anywhere from a few hours to a few days; hard-to-find parts can take weeks. Once everything comes in, the technicians can start work on your car. The average time to get the car repaired is a day to a month, but a lot of things can extend the time: hard-to-find parts, machining issues with a part that came in, the extent of the damage, the need for specialized equipment, how many cars the shop has to work on, etc.
Getting an Accurate Estimate
No two car collisions are the same. While an estimate can be made for visible damage, often there is more than meets the eye under damaged body panels. This can increase the estimate and extend the time it takes for repairs. Your insurance company must be kept up to date with any new estimates that may arise from hidden damage. Don’t worry if your initial estimate is too low – your car will be handled in a timely manner and everything will be handled.
Estimated Times for Certain Collision Repairs
The timeline for collision repairs can vary greatly depending on the type and severity of the damage. For minor collision repairs, such as cosmetic issues like paintless dent repair or bumper repair/replacement, the process typically only takes between 1 to 3 days. More in-depth procedures like fender repair or replacement and door repair or replacement could take from 1 to 4 days. Glass replacement is generally quick too, taking about 1-2 days.
Repairs to the suspension system last between 2-3 days on average. For major defects that require frame straightening, the repair could extend anywhere from 4 days to 2 weeks. Minor paint repair work generally takes from 2-4 days, while major paint repair could take 1-2 weeks. Similarly, the airbag replacement could last between 2-5 days. More complex tasks like engine repair or replacement are more labor-intensive, potentially taking from 1 to 4 weeks. Lastly, thorough vehicle restoration for seriously damaged vehicles might prolong to 4-8 weeks or even longer.
Please keep in mind these are average auto body repair times; the actual duration could vary. Each vehicle’s repair timeline will depend on distinct factors, such as the extent of the damage, the availability of parts, supply chain issues, and the repair shop’s workload. Collision repair timeline can also be affected by the type of car. For example, vehicles equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) can take longer than standard repairs, because they require comprehensive diagnostic scans before and after repairs. Therefore, it’s important not to take these repair times as guarantees, but rather as general guidelines.
Choosing The Right Auto Body Shop
Find a Reputable Auto Body Repair Shop in Your Area
Remember how we advised you to try and get more than one repair estimate? You’ll want to do your homework before you approach any shops to make sure they will take good care of your car. Here are a few things you should look for:
Certifications
Certifications indicate that the technicians have received specific training to repair your vehicle properly. For example, look for an ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification or training provided by the manufacturer. These certifications give the mechanics current knowledge and skills.
Experience
A repair shop with decades of experience will likely know the ins and outs of different repairs better and be able to solve more complicated issues. Sometimes problems can be diagnosed more quickly and accurately by experienced, highly skilled technicians.
Reputation
Look at the shop’s reputation. Online reviews, Yelp and Google reviews, and the Better Business Bureau as well as recommendations from friends or relatives can indicate the shop’s service and customer satisfaction.
Warranty on repairs
Estimates
A reputable shop will give a clear, detailed estimate of the work involved. This transparency saves you from surprise costs and allows you to make the best decision.
Customer Service
Good customer service shows the business values its customers and is prepared to listen and respond to your questions promptly and professionally. By watching how they interact with you along with other customers you can get an idea of their customer service.
Facilities
Technological Advancement
Only the most advanced repair shops keep up with technology and use the most up-to-date tools and equipment to diagnose and repair vehicles accurately. This is particularly true concerning newer cars, luxury cars, and modern vehicles with more developed electronics and systems.
Insurance and Licenses
Ensure the shop has all the relevant business licenses and insurance in case something goes wrong during the repair process. This covers both you and them legally and financially.
Specialization
Some repair shops specialize in certain repairs or work only on certain makes and models of vehicles. If your vehicle needs specialized care, considering a shop with specific expertise might offer better results.
Having these in mind, you can decide which repair shop is most likely to provide great service and a satisfying maintenance experience.
Having a Plan Can Help
Knowing what to do and what to expect after a crash can take some of the anxiety out of what happened. Accidents are an unfortunate risk for all drivers; just like you should have emergency plans in place for natural disasters or house fires, consider having a plan for accidents. Here at Mizzoni’s Auto Body, we want to take some of the guesswork out of what comes after a wreck, such as how long it might take to get your car back. By staying on top of your insurance policy and checking with your agent on current procedures and approved mechanics, you can have a warm and established relationship should the worst come to pass— it’s easier to work with a friend than a stranger.
Your Lodi Auto Body Shop
If you live in or around Bergen County, then Mizzoni’s Auto Body is here to help with all of your repair collision needs! We’ll work closely with your insurance to ensure you get the best deal, and do our best to get you back out on the road ASAP. We also partner with Enterprise rental car services on-site and will happily assist you should the need arise. Come see why we’re the most trusted auto body shop in Bergen County, and call us to set up a free estimate today!