An auto accident, large or small, is a stressful time for any vehicle owner. Knowing what factors can influence the length of time your autobody repair will take can make it a little easier to bear.
Typically, the length of time for auto body repair depends on the extent of the damage and availability of parts. When the damage is minor and the necessary parts are readily available, repair can usually be completed within a week. If the damage is more extensive, it could take several weeks or even months to complete the repair.
Should autobody parts need to be ordered, it may take considerable time for the parts to be shipped and delivered. This is largely outside of the body shop’s control.
Complexity of Your Collision Repair
The autobody shop can often complete repairs for minor collision repair jobs, such as minor dents and scratches, within a few days. Your repair may need additional time if the body shop needs to order special parts from the manufacturer. For more serious collisions, repair services can take several weeks or months.
Structural damage may require the replacement of entire sections of the vehicle, increasing the time and cost of the repair. The autobody shop may need to bring in specialists to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards. Moreover, if your vehicle requires refinishing, it can also extend the time frame for completion due to the need for additional labor.
Discuss the severity of the damage with your repair shop to get an accurate and realistic timeline for your auto body repair. If the shop is backed up with customers, as they often are these days, you may have to wait longer for the work to begin. If the autobody shop is experiencing a high volume of customers, which is common these days, you may experience a longer wait time before the work can begin.
Fortunately, many autobody shops now offer convenient pickup and drop-off services, so you won’t have to go out of your way to have your repairs completed.
Pro Tip: Check to make sure that your chosen auto body shop is properly certified to make extensive quality autobody repairs. Since the technology used in auto body repair changes from year to year, ongoing education is required to ensure your quality repair is safe and road worthy.
National Parts Shortage
The national parts shortage has created a component of the process which the body shop cannot control. This parts shortage can cause delays in the repair process. It is important to note that the shop may need to order parts in advance of the repair, and delivery delays are common.
An established, reputable body shop will have relationships with parts suppliers which may shorten this time frame. Alternative parts that are comparable in quality and cost to those that are in short supply are sometimes available. Even then, there are situations in which the parts take much longer to arrive than expected.
Be in the Know
An autobody shop with excellent customer service will communicate with you every step of the way. If there are delays for any reason, a high-quality repair shop will let you know immediately. They will ensure that you are as satisfied as possible.
This post was originally published on Newark Autobody Collision and Glass, also a member of the Autobody of Ohio family of autobody shops. If you are in Ohio and in need of collision repair, we are here to help you. We’ll make your car like new again!
Related Reading: How long does an autobody repair take?
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Ohio Drivers: Contact Zanesville Autobody for Your Auto Body Repair
This article was originally published by Zanesville Autobody Collision and Glass, LLC, a member of the Autobody of Ohio family of auto body shops. If you are in Ohio and looking for a quality autobody shop “near me”, we are here to help you. We’ll make your car like new again!
Zanesville Autobody Collision and Glass
1152 Newark Road
Zanesville, Ohio 43701
Phone: (740) 487-3111
Fax: (740) 888-3500