Every car collision around Brockton, Randolph, and Stoughton, Massachusetts, is different, and this extends into the repair timeline.
How long should an average accident repair take? The team here at Collision 24 has answered this question below. Keep reading to learn about them and stay on top of your vehicle’s maintenance.
What’s an Estimate?
After a car accident, a claims adjuster from your insurance company will estimate the damage to your car and produce a repair estimate.
A vehicle repair estimate is how it sounds. It’s a breakdown of the visible repairs needed for your vehicle. Estimates typically include the cost of labor, parts, and if your car is safe to drive/return to the road after an accident. You or your insurance company will pay the costs to bring your vehicle back to like-new condition.
Evaluate the Damages Your Car Incurred
One of the most significant factors in determining the length of time a repair will take is to evaluate the type of damage your vehicle incurred.
Minor repairs, like replacing a bumper, are relatively simple fixes and should only take a couple of days to complete. However, things could take longer if your vehicle needs more intensive bodywork.
Our collision center strives to accurately address and fix all needed repairs, which sometimes involves removing certain parts of your car. This will take a bit more time, but ensuring your vehicle is properly repaired is necessary. Our collision repair experts want your car to be as safe as possible when hitting the road again.
Factors That Could Delay Repairs
The exact amount of time or work required to return your vehicle to ideal condition may not be determined until work begins. This can alter how long the mechanic needs to fix your car.
In some cases, further repair points may be discovered once the vehicle is brought into our collision center and more closely examined. Additionally, once some vehicle parts are removed for inspection, our technicians may find the repair more intensive than initially estimated.
If your vehicle requires our collision center to order additional parts, this may also slow down your car’s repairs. Supply chain issues can increase wait times. The collision center will order a part and may experience an extended wait time to receive and install that part.
It’s important to consider these factors when estimating the time needed for your vehicle’s repair. If something is found to extend your car’s visit with our collision center, we’ll be sure to notify you as soon as possible so that you can make any necessary adjustments to your schedule.
You can also communicate with your collision repair shop and insurance provider during the repair process if you have questions.
FAQs
How long does it take to get a repair estimate?
Getting a collision body repair estimate can take two to five days, depending on your insurance company. Your insurer may also have specific collision centers, like ours, that they prefer you to use.
Keep in mind that the initial estimate and the actual time it takes to repair your car can differ for several reasons. To get the most accurate picture, be sure to chat with our body shop team in addition to your insurance claims adjuster.
Our team will also stay in contact with your insurer throughout the repair process, so everyone stays informed and knows exactly where your vehicle is in the process.
What factors affect collision repair costs?
Along with the length of the repair, the cost of the work can change depending on the damage. Here are some key factors we include when determining the estimated cost:
- Vehicle’s Make and Model
- Type of Repair
- Labor
If you have questions about the costs associated with your vehicle’s repairs, feel free to ask. Our team will break down the estimate so you understand every repair and where the prices are coming from. Once you’re ready, schedule an appointment with us!
Should I get GAP insurance?
If you have a car loan or lease, you’re still responsible for paying your lender even if your car is totaled and you can’t drive it anymore. However, your insurance company will only pay the car’s actual cash value at the time of the loss.
Since vehicles depreciate quickly, that payout may fall short of what you owe, especially if you put little or zero money down when leasing or financing. You’ll be responsible for making up that difference unless you have guaranteed asset protection (GAP) coverage.
GAP covers the gap between what you owe on your loan or lease and what the insurance company pays out. Many GAP policies even cover your collision or comprehensive deductible.
How can I determine if my vehicle is safe to drive after an accident?
Before heading to a repair facility, you need to figure out how your vehicle will get there. You have two options: getting a tow or driving it yourself. Driving is only an option if your vehicle appears safe enough to operate.
After the accident and everyone has received any medical attention they need, it’s time to assess your vehicle. If law enforcement is on the scene, they can help you determine if the car is safe to drive.
There are also a few signs you can look for yourself. Smoke coming out of your hood may indicate fluids are leaking into your engine. Fluids leaking onto the road suggest that fluid lines in your vehicle are damaged, which can be harmful to you, the environment, and other drivers on the road.
Flat tires are another red flag, as driving on them can alter your vehicle’s wheel alignment and cause additional damage.
Does your collision center offer towing services?
Yes! Our collision repair facility offers 24-hour towing services. After an accident, give our towing team a call, and a tow truck will be dispatched to help. We have mechanics who can determine if your vehicle is drivable and transport it to our Brockton auto shop.
Our towing services can also assist you if you’re dealing with vehicle battery issues or other problems that prevent your car from starting.
How Long Should an Average Accident Repair Take? Ask Us!
If your vehicle has been in an accident, find out how much it may cost to repair it with the help of Collision 24. To discover your vehicle’s accident repair time frame, stop by our collision center near Randolph, Brockton, and Stoughton, MA. If you have any questions about our collision services, contact us online or call us today!
*Source: Kelley Blue Book