Typical Repair Times at a Glance
The table below gives a rough guide to how long different types of repairs usually take at an insurance-approved bodyshop.
| Type of Repair | Typical Timescale |
|---|---|
| Minor scratch or scuff | 1 to 2 days |
| Bumper repair or replacement | 1 to 3 days |
| Dent removal (paintless) | 1 to 2 days |
| Single panel respray | 2 to 3 days |
| Multiple panel damage | 3 to 7 days |
| Major structural repair | 1 to 3 weeks or more |
These are estimates only. The actual time your car spends in the bodyshop will depend on several factors, which we cover below.
What Affects How Long a Repair Takes?
Insurer Authorisation
Before any repair work can begin, your insurance company usually needs to approve it. This is called authorisation. The insurer may send a claims assessor to inspect your vehicle, or they may ask for a written estimate from the bodyshop. At Infiniti Motor Group, our accident claim management service handles all of this on your behalf, so you do not need to chase your insurer or deal with the paperwork yourself.
Authorisation can take anywhere from a few hours to several days depending on your insurer and the complexity of the damage. Choosing an insurance-approved bodyshop can speed this step up, as approved repairers often have a direct line to insurers and a set pricing structure already agreed.
Parts Availability
Once the work is approved, the bodyshop will order any parts needed. For common makes and models, parts often arrive within a day or two. For rarer vehicles, imported cars, or models with specialist components, the wait can stretch to a week or more.
This is one of the most common reasons repairs take longer than expected, and unfortunately it is mostly outside of anyone’s direct control. A good bodyshop will order parts as early as possible in the process to reduce this delay.
The Extent of the Damage
As the table above shows, minor cosmetic work is usually done quickly. A small scratch on a single panel might only take a day. Major structural repairs, on the other hand, involve stripping the car down, reshaping the bodywork, checking safety systems, and rebuilding everything correctly. That process takes time, and it should do. Rushing structural repairs can affect the safety of the vehicle.
For our full accident repair service, skilled technicians assess every car individually so the repair is carried out properly, not quickly at the expense of quality.
Paint Curing Time
Even after the physical repair is done, the car is not always ready to collect straight away. Freshly applied paint needs time to cure properly before the vehicle can be safely handled and returned to you. Depending on the method used, this can add a day or more to the overall turnaround. Some bodyshops use heated spray booths to speed up this stage, but the process still cannot be rushed too far without affecting the finish.
Workload at the Bodyshop
Like any workshop, a bodyshop’s schedule affects how quickly they can start on your car. A busy period or a large number of vehicles already booked in can mean your car waits a short time before work even begins. Booking in promptly and choosing a well-organised bodyshop helps keep delays to a minimum.
Can Businesses Expect Longer Delays?
If you run a business with vehicles on the road, getting them repaired quickly matters even more. Every day a van or company car is off the road can cost you money. Our fleet management service is designed with this in mind, prioritising fast turnarounds and minimising disruption for businesses that rely on their vehicles day to day.
What About a Courtesy Car?
While your vehicle is being repaired, you should not have to be left without transport. At Infiniti Motor Group, we offer courtesy cars to keep you mobile during the repair process. It is always worth confirming with your bodyshop and your insurer whether a courtesy car is included before you drop your car off. Citizens Advice has guidance on what you are entitled to when making a vehicle insurance claim, which is worth reading before you contact your insurer.
How to Get a More Accurate Timescale
The best way to find out how long your specific repair will take is to speak directly with the bodyshop. They can assess the damage, check parts availability, and give you a realistic estimate before you commit. Every job is different, and a quick conversation can save a lot of uncertainty.
If you would like to find out how long your repair is likely to take, get in touch with Infiniti Motor Group. Our team is happy to talk you through what is involved and give you an honest answer before any work begins.
Infiniti Motor Group Unit 12 Barking Industrial Park, Alfred’s Way, Barking, London IG11 0TJ Tel: 020 8798 2590 Email: info@infiniti-motorgroup.co.uk Website: infiniti-motorgroup.co.uk