Auto body repair is a process that requires time, precision, and expertise. Whether you've been in a minor fender bender or a more serious accident, understanding the timeline of auto body repairs can help you plan accordingly.At CARSTAR Robert’s Collision, we take pride in offering high-quality repairs while keeping our customers informed.

In this guide, we’ll break down the steps of the auto body repair process, factors that affect repair time, and how to ensure a smooth experience from start to finish.

Step 1: Initial Assessment and Insurance Approval

Before any repairs begin, a professional assessment is required. This step typically takes 1-3 days and involves:

• A thorough inspection of visible and hidden damages.
• An estimate of repair costs.
• Approval from your insurance company (if applicable), which can take additional time.

How to Speed Up the Process:

• Choose a repair shop like CARSTAR Robert’s Collision that works directly with insurance providers.
• Provide all necessary documentation promptly.

Step 2: Ordering Parts

If replacement parts are needed, the repair timeline can be affected by their availability. This step can take anywhere from a day to a couple of weeks depending on:

• The make and model of your vehicle.
• Whether OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts or aftermarket parts are required.
• Shipping times from manufacturers.

How to Speed Up the Process:

• Select a certified OEM repair facility like CARSTAR Robert’s Collision to ensure quick access to manufacturer-approved parts.

Step 3: Body Repairs and Structural Work

Once parts arrive, technicians begin restoring the vehicle’s structural integrity. This step can take 3-7 days, depending on:

• The extent of the damage.
• Welding, frame straightening, and panel replacements.
• Advanced technology and tools used for precision repairs.

Step 4: Painting and Refinishing

A flawless paint job is crucial to restoring your car’s pre-accident appearance. This step typically takes 2-4 days and involves:

• Matching the paint to your car’s original color.
• Sanding, priming, and multiple layers of paint application.
• A final clear coat for protection and shine.

How to Speed Up the Process:

• Choose a shop with state-of-the-art paint booths and computerized color-matching technology, like CARSTAR Robert's Collision & Repair.

Step 5: Reassembly and Quality Inspection

Once repairs and painting are complete, your vehicle goes through reassembly and a final quality check. This process usually takes 1-2 days and includes:

• Reinstalling trims, lights, and sensors.
• System calibration for safety features like ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems).
• A final inspection to ensure everything meets safety and quality standards.

Step 6: Final Cleaning and Customer Pickup

Your vehicle will be washed, vacuumed, and detailed before returning to you. This final step takes a few hours, ensuring your car looks as good as new.

Factors That Can Extend Repair Time

While CARSTAR Robert’s Collision strives for efficient repairs, some factors can add time to the process:

• Severe structural damage requiring frame straightening.
• Delays in insurance approvals or claim disputes.
• Custom paint jobs or hard-to-match colors.
• Back-ordered or specialty parts.
• Additional hidden damages discovered during repairs.

Get Back on the Road with Confidence

At CARSTAR Robert’s Collision, we understand that being without your car is inconvenient. That’s why we prioritize efficient, high-quality repairs backed by our OEM certifications and lifetime warranty. Our team is trained in the latest repair techniques to restore your vehicle to manufacturer specifications while keeping you informed every step of the way.

Need auto body repair? Contact CARSTAR Robert’s Collision today for a free estimate!