One of the most common questions we hear from Santa Monica-area drivers at Eli’s Collision Repair is, “How long does it take to fix a car?” Unfortunately, there is not really a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Labor times for auto repair can vary based on a variety of factors. For example, small cosmetic issues are relatively quick and easy to repair, but structural damage can take significantly more time to address properly. Getting auto body repair time estimates can be beneficial in helping you plan for the time your vehicle will be in the shop. Below, we discuss the factors that can affect labor times for auto repair.
How Long Does it Take to Fix a Car? | Factors that Affect Labor Times
- Your Insurance Company: If you were in a collision around Beverly Hills or South Bay and it was significant enough where you had to submit a claim to your insurance company, you will need to wait for your insurance company to approve the estimate of repairs.
- The Severity of the Damage: Small fender benders may not require much work, but if more severe damage has occurred, it is more likely that the vehicle will need parts that are not normally stocked locally. The ability to find the required parts for the repair can certainly play a role in the labor times for auto repair. Another issue with more severe damage is that additional issues may be uncovered during the repair process.
- The Required Parts: If you drive a current model year vehicle, it may take more time to secure the parts that are needed because they are currently being used by the manufacturer to produce new vehicles. Older models or foreign vehicles often need speciality parts, which can also take some time to find.
Keep in mind that a small repair can take approximately a week or so, while larger repairs may require 3 to 4 weeks to complete.
Get Auto Body Repair Time Estimates at Eli’s Collision Repair
We want to help you get back on the roads of Inglewood and West LA as soon and as safely as possible. The first step is to get an estimate to give you a better idea of the cost and time it takes to repair your vehicle. Contact the team at Eli’s Collision Repair if you have any questions.