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How Long Do Collision Repairs Typically Take?

How Long Do Collision Repairs Typically Take? A Detailed Guide from Moses Auto Mall

When your vehicle suffers damage from a collision, understanding the timeline for repairs is crucial to planning your schedule and transportation needs. Whether you're driving around Huntington, Hurricane, or Barboursville, knowing the typical repair durations and what influences them can save you from unexpected delays and frustrations. At Moses Auto Mall, located at 3301 US, Huntington, WV 25705, we're here to help you navigate the repair process with confidence. Our Collision Center is known for having one of the fastest turnaround times in the region—delivering exceptional quickness without ever compromising quality. Feel free to reach us at (304) 736-5291 for personalized assistance.

Understanding the repair timeline also helps when you’re considering your next vehicle purchase. Check out our extensive inventories for the latest New Vehicles and quality Used Vehicles, including popular models like the Nissan Altima or the robust GMC Yukon.

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Typical Collision Repair Timelines Explained

Collision repair times can vary dramatically depending on the severity and type of damage your vehicle has sustained. For drivers in Perry Township, Ona, or Kenova, understanding these timelines helps manage expectations when dropping off your car at a trusted body shop like ours at Moses Auto Mall.  Thanks to our highly efficient processes and expert technicians, many repairs at our Collision Center are completed faster than regional averages—while maintaining strict quality and safety standards.

Minor Damage Repairs (1-3 Days)

Minor repairs include fixing small dents, scratches, and bumper scuffs. These usually require 24 to 72 hours. At this stage, technicians often perform paint touch-ups, dent removal, or light bumper replacements. For example, a minor fender bender in Barboursville that only scratched the paint may be completed within a day or two, provided parts are readily available.

Moderate Damage Repairs (3-7 Days)

Moderate collision damage might involve panel replacements, door or fender work, and paint blending. These repairs require more extensive disassembly and refinishing. For those in Ashland or Union Township, such repairs can stretch up to a week or more if the damage affects multiple components or if specialty paint matching is required.

Major Structural Damage (1-3+ Weeks)

Damage to the frame, suspension, or drivetrain—often from front or rear-end collisions—requires specialized equipment and significant labor. Vehicles from Hurricane or Wayne experiencing frame damage might spend several weeks in the shop due to the complexity of aligning frames, replacing structural parts, and ensuring safety standards are met.

Severe Accidents (4-12 Weeks)

In cases where a vehicle is repairable but has extensive damage, such as totaled but salvageable cars, repair times can extend up to three months. This timeline accounts for major structural work, extensive parts procurement, and multi-phase inspections.

Factors That Influence How Quickly Your Car Can Be Repaired

Several variables contribute to how long your collision repairs will take. For residents in Hamlin, Branchland, or Catlettsburg, these factors directly affect when you can expect to drive your vehicle again.

Parts Availability and Ordering

Parts availability is one of the most significant factors. Standard parts for popular models like the Nissan Rogue or the GMC Terrain often arrive quickly. However, specialty or OEM parts for premium models, such as the Cadillac Escalade, may take days or weeks due to manufacturing lead times or shipping delays.

Insurance Approval Process

Insurance companies must review and approve repair estimates before work begins. For many customers near Union Township and Fayette Township, this approval can take 3 to 5 days on average. Complex claims involving multiple parts or significant structural damage may take longer, especially if negotiations or additional inspections are needed.

Body Shop Workload and Scheduling

High demand seasons or busy shops can extend wait times. Moses Auto Mall’s service center schedules repairs carefully to ensure quality but may require additional time during peak periods. You can always use our Service Scheduler to book your maintenance or repair appointment in advance.  However, Moses Auto Mall’s Collision Center stands out in the Huntington area for its exceptionally fast turnaround times. Our streamlined workflow, advanced equipment, and highly trained technicians allow us to complete repairs faster than many other shops—without ever sacrificing quality.

Painting and Curing Time

Painting requires multiple layers and drying periods. In locations with high humidity such as West Hamlin, paint curing can be slower. This process typically adds 1 to 3 days to the repair timeline but is essential to achieve a durable, factory-quality finish.

What to Do If Your Car Repair Is Taking Longer Than Expected

Occasionally, repairs can extend beyond original estimates, which can be frustrating for drivers in Huntington or Hurricane. Here are expert tips to manage this situation effectively.

Communicate Directly and Formally

First, contact the body shop to discuss your concerns. It’s best to submit a formal complaint in writing, following the shop’s complaint procedure. Clear communication helps identify bottlenecks, whether related to parts delays or additional damage discovered during repairs.

Escalate When Necessary

If the repair shop’s response is unsatisfactory or if delays exceed eight weeks, customers can escalate complaints to regulatory bodies like The Motor Ombudsman. This step is crucial to protect your rights and ensure accountability.

Plan for Alternate Transportation

While waiting, consider alternative transportation options. Moses Auto Mall offers a wide range of used vehicles that might serve as a temporary or permanent replacement if your vehicle is out of commission for an extended period.

Determining What Is a Reasonable Wait Time for Repairs

What qualifies as a "reasonable" repair duration varies by the extent of damage and urgency. For customers in Kenova, Ona, or nearby areas, understanding these standards can guide your expectations.

Emergency Repairs (24-72 Hours)

Repairs affecting safety, such as brake failure, airbag replacement, or major fluid leaks, require immediate attention. Shops typically prioritize these to get you back on the road swiftly.  At Moses Auto Mall, our fast-turnaround Collision Center helps keep these short-duration repairs truly short—often getting drivers back on the road sooner than expected.

Urgent but Non-Emergency Repairs (3-7 Days)

Issues that impact vehicle reliability but aren’t immediate hazards—like radiator replacement or suspension fixes—usually fall into this timeframe. For example, a cooling system repair at Moses Auto Mall’s service center can often be completed within a week.

Non-Essential Cosmetic Repairs (7-30 Days)

Minor scratches, paint blemishes, or cosmetic dents might take longer to schedule due to lower urgency. Shops balance these with more critical repairs, sometimes extending wait times up to a month.

Which Car Repairs Take the Longest and Why

Some repairs naturally demand more time due to complexity, parts, and labor. For drivers in Barboursville or Union Township, knowing what to expect can ease patience.

Engine Overhaul

An engine rebuild or overhaul involves fully disassembling, inspecting, and replacing worn components. This can take weeks due to the precision required and specialized tools involved.

Transmission Rebuild

Transmission repairs, whether manual or automatic, require careful dismantling and reassembly. Worn gears, seals, or clutch replacements contribute to lengthy timelines.

Extensive Bodywork and Paint

Severe collision damage requiring multiple panel replacements, rust treatment, and multi-stage paint application can extend repairs significantly, especially for models with complex paint colors like the Cadillac XT6.

Electrical System Troubleshooting

Pinpointing electrical faults—such as sensor failures or wiring issues—can be time-consuming due to the need for diagnostic equipment and systematic testing.

Common Repairs That Typically Take Around Two Days

Many routine repairs fall into the 48-hour window, especially if no parts delays occur. For customers in Fayette Township or Hamlin, these repairs include:

  • Minor bodywork like dent removal and bumper replacement
  • Brake pad or rotor replacements
  • Sensor diagnostics and minor electrical repairs
  • Cooling system services such as radiator or thermostat replacements
  • Suspension component swaps like struts or control arms

Keep in mind that shop backlogs or unexpected issues can extend these timelines, so always ask your technician for a detailed status update.

How Long Is Too Long for Insurance to Finalize Repairs?

Insurance approval is a critical step that can affect your repair timeline, especially in areas like Hurricane or Wayne.

Typical Insurance Timelines

Most insurers respond within 3 to 7 days for claim approvals, but this can extend to 60 days or more for complex claims or total loss evaluations. It’s essential to maintain communication with your insurer and your repair shop to monitor progress.

Ensuring Smooth Coordination

Moses Auto Mall works closely with major insurance providers to streamline the repair authorization process. Our service team assists customers by submitting detailed estimates and following up on approvals to minimize delays.

Maximizing Your Collision Repair Experience at Moses Auto Mall

Located at 3301 US, Huntington, WV 25705, Moses Auto Mall offers expert collision repair services backed by the latest technology and genuine parts from Cadillac, GMC, and Nissan. Whether you need minor cosmetic fixes or major structural repairs, our certified technicians ensure your vehicle returns to optimal condition.

Don’t forget to explore our parts department for genuine Parts and Accessories to maintain your vehicle’s performance between repairs. If you’re considering trading in your current vehicle, use our convenient Trade Appraisal tool to get an accurate value.

Our Collision Center is widely recognized for its fast and efficient repair turnaround—often outpacing other shops in the area while still delivering the uncompromising quality our customers expect.

For maintenance or repair appointments, please schedule with our Service Scheduler to receive personalized care from our expert service team.

Moses Auto Mall is committed to providing transparent, high-quality service to drivers throughout Huntington, Hurricane, Barboursville, and surrounding areas. Understanding collision repair timelines helps you stay informed and prepared, making your vehicle repair experience as smooth as possible.  With some of the fastest repair turnaround times in the region, we work hard to make your collision repair experience as smooth, efficient, and stress-free as possible.

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