When you have a car accident, the damages may not be apparent immediately. Dents and dings from fender-benders may not be visible for days or even weeks. Even serious damage from a collision can take weeks or months to repair, depending on the severity of the damage. If your car sustains serious damage from an accident and the repair costs exceed the value of the car, it may be worth trading in for a newer model. However, even if your car is worth less than the cost of repairs, it may still make financial sense to trade it in. The sooner the accident occurs, the more time you’ll have to decide whether to repair your car or trade it in. If you wait too long, you may be forced to make a difficult decision based on the condition of the car and the cost of repairs. Fortunately, repairing a car from a collision is usually much faster than you might think. When you have a collision, your car’s body is likely to be un-driveable until the damage is repaired. The car will be towed to a repair shop where technicians will remove the damaged parts and replace them with new ones. Depending on the type of damage sustained, the repair may take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Here is an overview of how long it takes to repair your car after a collision:
If your car is drivable after a collision, but the damage is severe enough to require repairs, the car will be towed to a repair shop. Depending on the severity of the damage, the repair may take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. If the damage is minor and does not require a tow, the car may be driven to the repair shop. Depending on the type of car and the nature of the damage, the repairs may be relatively quick or may take a couple of days.
Dents and scrapes are typically small and easy to repair. Depending on the materials used to cover the dents and the severity of the damage, the repairs may take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. If the damage is significant enough that it needs to be repainted or the body panels need to be replaced, the repair will take longer.
Fenders and bumpers are often made of plastic or metal. If the damage is significant enough to require repairs, the repair may take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. If the fenders or bumpers are damaged beyond repair, they can be replaced. Depending on the type of car, the type of materials used, and the severity of the damage, the repair may take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Door and glass work may be necessary if a door or window is damaged in a collision. Depending on the type of car and the severity of the damage, the repair may take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. If the door or window is beyond repair, it may need to be replaced. Depending on the type of car, the type of materials used, and the severity of the damage, the repair may take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Engine and transmission repairs are typically the most time-consuming of all automotive repairs. Depending on the severity of the damage, the repair may take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. If the transmission is damaged beyond repair, it may need to be replaced. Depending on the type of car, the type of materials used, and the severity of the damage, the repair may take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Body damage may occur when a car is hit on the hood, roof, or sides. Depending on the severity of the damage, the repair may take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. If the damage is significant enough that the body panels need to be replaced, the repair will take longer.
If a car sustains significant damage and is un-driveable, it may be declared a total loss. In this case, the insurance company will pay to have the car towed to a repair shop. Depending on the type of car and the severity of the damage, the repair may take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. If the car is totaled, you may be able to claim a portion of the insurance settlement for your car's value.