Full-Service Shop for Collision and General Repairs

How long do auto body repairs really take?

If you’ve ever been in a car accident, here’s what you need to know about the average time-frame for repairs. No two car collisions are alike, which means the average time it takes for repairs varies based on a number of factors. Unfortunately, there’s no clear-cut formula for estimating the amount of time it takes to repair a car after an accident, but Norton’s Body Shop has listed some factors you should be aware of below. Some cars will be back on the road in a few days, but others could be in the shop for a few months, depending on the type of accident, the damage your car sustained, and the insurance company involved. The extent of the damage done to your vehicle. Here are some other factors that play a part in the repair process.

• The type of car you have – if you own a foreign import, sports car, or another type of specialty vehicle, it may take longer than normal time before the auto repair shop is able to receive the replacement parts needed to make the repairs.
• Insurance company approvals
• The number of cars waiting to be repaired (some repairs can be scheduled out to alleviate this issue)

In order to get your car back in good working order and back to pre-accident condition, you must understand that the repair process can sometimes take much longer than first anticipated. Norton’s Body Shop will keep you informed of the repair process and delays if they occur. Delays are normally something that is out of our control, and unexpected.

First Step – Getting a Repair Estimate from Your Insurance Company

After a car accident, a claims adjuster from your insurance company will estimate the damage to your car and produce a repair estimate. Getting a repair estimate can take anywhere from two to five days depending on the insurance company you use. Keep in mind that the estimate they give you and the time it takes to repair your car can differ for any number of reasons. To get the most accurate estimate, talk to your repair shop and to your insurance claims adjuster.

Second Step – Evaluate the Damages Your Car Incurred

Minor repairs, like replacing a bumper, usually occur within a few days, but damage after a major car accident can take nearly twice as long. That’s because there could be damage that can only be gauged correctly when a car is completely taken apart. Since there are so many factors to take into consideration, it’s best to get several repair estimates from different shops and give them to your claim’s adjuster. Figuring out the length of accident repairs can be frustrating, especially with so many factors to take into consideration.

A few areas that we continually see delays include: insurance approval, parts delivery, and finding more damage once the car is torn down. Insurance approval is usually needed before the shops can begin repairs. Many insurance companies respond within a few days, however I’ve seen insurance companies take a few weeks before giving approval. Parts delivery is normally quite quick; however sometimes parts are delayed due to inventory in stock. Another issue that happens is because there are so many options with today’s cars, the part they send could be the wrong part and has to be reordered. The last area, finding more damage once the car is torn down, is probably the biggest problem. It is hard to see all the damage on a vehicle until it is torn down. More often than not, of the cars we work on we will find additional damage that needs repaired. The good news is that Norton’s Body Shop is streamlining its processes to cut down on the amount of delays. This is an ongoing process and we are always continuing to improve their processes in order to fix cars even faster with the same quality work so we can get you back in your car and back to your daily routine.

Norton’s Body Shop has been providing fine collision repairs throughout Northeast Pennsylvania for more than 50 years. Our entire team is committed to providing you with an exceptional customer experience from the moment of first contact.

Our I-CAR® factory-trained repair technicians use modern repair procedures and technology to perform the highest-quality collision repair service available. We provide no-obligation repair estimates for all makes and models of cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans.

Contact us today!
Serving Clarks Summit, Abington, Scranton, and surrounding areas.