How Long Do Autobody Repairs Take

An autobody repair shop is a place that specializes in restoring dented and scratched vehicles after accidents. Cascade Collision Repair also repair damaged frames, suspensions and wheel alignments. Cascade Collision Repair Provo often work with insurance companies to file claims and process insurance payments. Autobody repairs Provo ensure that you are given a high-quality, safe car to drive.

How long it takes for autobody repairs depends on the damage severity, parts needed and the shop’s current workload. In addition, your insurance provider plays a role in how long it takes for repairs to be completed. When you are in a collision, it is important to report any damages immediately so that the shop can begin working on your claim.

Step 1: Estimates

Body shop near me Provo conduct a thorough inspection of your vehicle to determine the extent of the repairs needed. They will take pictures and use diagnostic tools to get a detailed view of the damage. This allows the shop to accurately estimate how much time and money the work will require.

If the insurance company approves the estimate, the shop will begin the actual repair work. It is important for the autobody shop to follow all instructions from the insurance provider in order to keep the costs down and ensure that the work is done properly. If the body shop does not follow the insurance company instructions, it could increase the cost of the repairs or even lead to the rejection of a claim by the insurer.

Step 2: Ordering Parts

The next step in the autobody repair process is ordering all of the parts that are necessary for your vehicle. This can take anywhere from a day to a week, depending on the type of part and its availability. The shop will usually attempt to use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts, which are guaranteed to fit your vehicle correctly and are made by the same manufacturers that produced your vehicle. If they cannot find the correct parts, they may use aftermarket parts. This is not ideal because these parts are not covered by your warranty and they can be unsafe for your vehicle.

Step 3: Mechanical Repairs

Once all of the parts are ordered, the mechanics at the body shop will start repairing the structural and mechanical aspects of your vehicle. This can take several days to a week, depending on the size of the repair and its complexity. For example, major front-end or suspension work will require a significant amount of disassembly and welding.

Step 4: Reassembling and Repainting

Once the mechanical and electrical repairs are complete, the body shop will reassemble your vehicle and repaint its exterior surfaces. This will typically take 24 hours for minor dents and scratches and up to 72 hours for extensive paint damage. The repainting also includes sanding, buffing and scuffing the surface to prepare it for painting.

While a vehicle is in an autobody shop, the mechanics can perform various other services such as replacing bumpers, lighting fixtures and hoods. These additional repairs can add to the overall repair time because they must be fitted and tested to make sure that they are installed properly.