Time Required for Repairs

Repair time, also known in the industry as “cycle time,”, or how long your car will be in the body shop, is determined by a number of factors including:

Shop’s Work Load: The shop’s current work load can be affected by a number of factors, not the least of which is weather.  Infrequent rains in southern California usually cause a spate of accidents taxing the shop’s resources.

Accident Severity: The severity of the accident, or, how badly it was damaged, will certainly have an impact of repairs. Obviously a small fender bender can be repaired quicker than a major collision.

Insurance Company Administrative Time. Depending on the severity or circumstances of the accident, the insurance carrier may want to send an appraiser to look at the vehicle which could delay repairs for several days.

Replacement Parts Availability:  Car manufacturers and dealers have come a long way to make most replacement parts readily available, especially those commonly used for collision repair.

Replacement Parts Used:  Insurance companies sometimes will specify aftermarket or salvage parts for your repair. Generally speaking, the use of OEM or Original Equipment Manufacturer parts can help speed repairs.  Here’s why:

• When a part fits properly, like an OEM part, the technician can install the part, and move on to the next operation. When a part does not fit correctly, the technician must either take more time to attempt to make the part fit properly–possibly compromising the quality of the repair and the final appearance and safety of the vehicle–or try another part. Ordering another part can cause a delay of a day or more.

• Sometimes, a salvage part is specified for the repair.  When this happens, the salvage part will need to be reconditioned, cleaned-up, have small dents removed, and have the paint completely sanded before it is ready to be fitted to your car.  This could cause further delays.

Be sure to ask your AGC Collision customer representative how long repairs will take.  Generally speaking, everyone involved in the process—you as the customer, the shop, and the insurer – want you to get your car back as soon as possible.  It’s a win-win for everyone.  Today, the average accident estimate for a popular, mass-produced car is about $2,500 and is repaired in a matter of just a few days.  Exotic vehicles may take longer.