How Long Does a Body Shop Estimate Take?

Whether you were involved in an accident on Santa Monica roads or you need some scratches buffed out of your vehicle’s paint, you will need to get an estimate for the repair process and costs on your vehicle. You may be wondering how long a body shop estimate will take, but the answer depends on the extent of damage done to your vehicle. The more extensive the damage to your vehicle, the longer the estimate will take. Usually, an estimate can take between 15 and 30 minutes, with 30 minutes or more for extensive vehicle damage. Learn more about getting an estimate on car damage below, or learn how to estimate your collision repair costs before you visit an area body shop. 

Average Times for an Estimate

After you’ve found the right auto body repair shop for your damaged vehicle, you’ll have to bring it in for a repair estimate. How long does a body shop estimate take? The time it takes to go over your vehicle will depend on the extent of the damage. If you’re having a few scratches and small dents inspected, then you can expect to have an estimate within 15 or 20 minutes. If your car has extensive damage then getting an estimate on car damage can take 30 minutes or longer. If the damage is severe, your vehicle may need to be delivered by tow truck to a repair facility. An estimate of that intensity will likely take longer, which could mean an hour to a couple of days. 

What Goes Into an Estimate

Now that you know how long to expect your estimate to take, you’re probably wondering what your estimate will entail. When you pick a repair shop for your vehicle, a skilled technician will perform the inspection and provide an estimate. The technician will go over your vehicle and document all the areas that show damage. From there, the noted damages will be passed to the vehicle owner. An inspector may also go to the extent of removing side panels and going over other crucial spots on a vehicle to determine if any underlying damage exists on the frame or other areas beneath the surface. Keep in mind that excessive damage like this will take longer to assess. Every repair that will need to be made to restore your vehicle so it drives and looks like new will be explained, written out, and recorded on an inspection and estimation form. 

Cost Calculation

Once the inspection of your vehicle is completed and all the details of damages are noted, the repair costs will be calculated. The dealership will figure the number of hours and labor that will go into the repair process. Any parts and paint that will be needed will also be included. Once this is complete, the dealership will provide you with an official estimate for the repairs. If you agree to continue with the body shop that performed the estimate, the body shop will let you know the arrival date of your parts and when they can then start the repairs. They will then let you know approximately how long it will take to perform and complete the repairs. 

In some instances, while repairs are being performed on your vehicle, other damages may be discovered that did not appear in the original estimate. When this happens the body shop will create a repair adjustment and contact you with the updated repair costs. If you agree, the added costs will be included in any final repair costs. 

Get a Body Shop Estimate at Eli’s Collision Repair

Getting an estimate on car damage can be stressful, but when you use a trusted team like the one at Eli’s Collision Repair, you can be sure you’re getting some of the best repair work in the business. Our team holds many certifications from vehicle manufacturers and independent companies to ensure the quality of our repairs. Contact our team today to arrange a time to bring your vehicle in for a repair estimate.