Got in an accident and wondering how long it will take to get your car back?
Every year, around 3 million people suffer injuries or other damage in a car accident. And after the initial shock, everyone asks the same question:
How long is fixing your car after a car accident going to take?
Let’s face it…
The timeline for repairs can vary for a number of reasons. Some things you have control over. Others you don’t. But knowing what can influence the timeline can help you be prepared and not get caught off guard.
Plus there’s one thing that no one tells you.
Repair times these days are much longer than they used to be. Even minor repairs can take several weeks to complete. In some cases, months.
If you are involved in a car accident case with insurance disputes, legal liability questions, or other complications, getting your car fixed in a timely manner becomes all the more critical.
I’m going to go over everything you need to know about car repair time frames…
Want the quick version?
- Understanding The Repair Timeline
- What Slows Down Your Car Repairs
- Minor vs Major Damage: How Long Each Takes
- The Parts Shortage Problem
- How To Speed Up The Process
Understanding The Repair Timeline
A few years ago, the average timeline for getting your car repaired after an accident was pretty straightforward.
Minor damage? Maybe 3-5 days
Major damage? No more than two weeks.
Not so much these days.
Industry experts are now saying repair times are 2-3 months on average before your car is ready. Some repairs are taking even longer depending on damage severity and parts availability.
So what happened?
Supply chain issues, parts shortages, and labor shortages have created the perfect storm. The auto repair industry is now facing major challenges it hasn’t had to deal with in the past.
But what most people don’t realize…
The time frame is not just related to the repair work itself. It’s everything that needs to take place before the mechanic even gets started on your vehicle.
What Slows Down Your Car Repairs
Numerous factors can influence your car’s repair time frame. Some of them you would expect. Others may be a surprise.
Here’s what can affect how long you’ll be without your car:
- Insurance approval process: Before the shop can even start, they need your insurance to approve your claim. Depending on the situation, this could take days or weeks
- Parts availability: This is the big one (more on that later)
- Shop workload: Most quality repair shops are severely backed up
- Complexity of damage: More complex repairs take longer
- Vehicle age and model: Older or rare vehicles can have difficulty sourcing parts
The truth is…
All of the above factors can add days or weeks onto your repair time frame. And when you add them together? It could be months before your car is ready.
Minor vs Major Damage: How Long Each Takes
Not all accident damage is created equal.
The time frame for repairs will vary based on the type of damage your vehicle sustained. Here’s the realistic breakdown:
Minor Damage
Minor damage would include things like:
- Small dents
- Scratches
- Bumper damage
- Broken mirrors or lights
Timeline: 3-7 days
Assuming parts are readily available and there are no insurance issues. Cosmetic damage can be repaired quickly when everything lines up.
Minor repairs aren’t as quick as they used to be. But at least your car will be ready within a week if everything goes smoothly.
Major Damage
Major damage would include:
- Frame damage
- Engine or transmission issues
- Multiple panels that need replacement
- Airbag deployment
- Structural repairs
Timeline: 4-12 weeks (or longer)
Major repairs take time. The vehicle may need to be disassembled, inspected, and reassembled. Frame straightening, welding, and bodywork all take time.
Plus, here’s the kicker…
All of these time frames assume everything goes smoothly. In the real world, something will almost certainly come up to delay your car getting repaired.
The Parts Shortage Problem
And this is where things get especially annoying.
The parts shortage issue has become one of the biggest problems the auto repair industry is facing. And it’s not getting any better anytime soon.
Here’s what the numbers show:
Roughly 25% of parts are currently on backorder and unavailable for post-pandemic supply chain issues. Repair shops are seeing parts delays range from days to several weeks.
Why are parts so difficult to get right now?
- Semiconductor shortages affecting modern vehicle components
- Labor shortages at manufacturing facilities
- Shipping delays at global ports
- Higher demand as people keep vehicles longer
The result?
Repair shops have partially completed vehicles that are just waiting on a single part to arrive. Your car may be 90% repaired and ready to go, but it can’t be finished without that last component.
Even common parts that should be readily available are being frequently backordered. Sensors, electronic modules, and specialty trim pieces can all take weeks to arrive.
How Insurance Delays Add Time
Insurance companies have a huge influence on the repair timeline.
Even if the shop has all the parts and is ready to go… They can’t start work without insurance approval. And sometimes that can take a while.
What slows down the insurance process?
- Waiting for an adjuster to inspect damage
- Negotiations back-and-forth on repair costs
- Disputes about what repairs are necessary
- Delays on authorizing supplemental repairs
Insurance delays can add days to several weeks to the repair process. Your best strategy is constant communication with both the insurance company and repair shop.
Tips To Speed Up The Repair Process
If you want to minimize the wait, there are a few things you can do.
Notify your insurance about the accident as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the longer the process takes. File your claim as soon as possible, don’t wait even a day.
Pick your repair shop carefully. Some shops have better relationships with parts suppliers and can get components faster. Ask about their average turnaround times before committing to the shop.
Other strategies to speed up repairs:
- Get multiple repair estimates fast
- Ask about aftermarket parts as an alternative
- Consider having the shop order parts while you wait for insurance approval
- Stay in regular communication with the shop
- Be flexible on your vehicle pickup time
But the reality is…
Even with all these strategies, you are still at the mercy of parts availability and insurance approval processes. Your best strategy is to set realistic expectations.
Tying It All Together
Repairing your car after an accident takes more time than ever before.
Quick turnarounds are a thing of the past. Repair time frames today are subject to parts shortages, insurance delays, and an overwhelming demand for repair shop capacity.
Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
- Minor repairs: 3-7 days (if you’re lucky)
- Major repairs: 4-12 weeks or longer
- Parts delays are the biggest problem
- Insurance approval could add weeks to your timeline
- Stay proactive and communicate regularly
The auto repair industry is facing challenges it has never had to deal with before. And unfortunately, you are on the front lines of that problem.
But the more you know, the better you can plan. Arrange alternative transportation, set expectations with your family or friends, and be aware that “your car will be ready any day now” will not be true as it once was.
Patience is your new best friend when it comes to car repairs. Repair industry is working as hard as they can to get things moving in this time of unprecedented challenges, but parts shortages and increased demand have led to longer wait times being the new normal.
