29 January 2024|News
How long does it take to repair a car after an accident?
This is a very good question and one which can be hard to answer definitively! It’s not quite like asking ‘How long is a piece of string?’, but you get the idea. While it’s natural for us to want to know how long we might be without our car, repair times can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including:
- The severity of the accident and damage to your vehicle.
- Where the damage has occurred.
- The make and model of your vehicle.
- If the damage is more extensive than an initial inspection indicates.
Putting off repairs
It can be tempting to put off repairs to your car, especially if the damage seems trivial. Small scrapes and scratches from minor accidents can seem more bother than they’re worth, and time-consuming too. If left, however, paint damage can lead to corrosion, which is much harder to rectify down the line. This is especially true of higher-quality cars with specialist paints and finishes. If you lease your car, which has become increasingly popular in recent years, returning a vehicle which isn’t in perfect condition can incur hefty penalty charges. Taking the time to attend to small issues will pay off in the long run, whether you own your vehicle outright or not.
Quality above speed
More major damage, where repairs to your car’s bodywork are extensive, will require a longer time in the repair centre. Especially if the damage is more than purely cosmetic and internal parts also need replacing. These kinds of repairs, where the car may need careful adjustment and replacement need plenty of time and careful attention. Our manufacturer-approved status dictates that parts, paints and workmanship adhere to the standards set by your vehicle manufacturer and we’ll do whatever is required to carry out the work to these exacting levels. If that means more time with us, then we’ll try and make that process as seamless as possible.
Caring for you
Did you know we can collect your car from almost anywhere in the country, if your car isn’t drivable, or is off the road? We have several transporters dedicated to collecting and delivering vehicles to make the upheaval of an accident less stressful for you, where we can. We can also provide a courtesy car for as long as your car is with us. Not only will you be able to get around as much as you ever would, but you’ll be driving a car which is familiar to you too. While we realise the time car repairs take can be a major inconvenience, we will always aim to lessen the effect on your daily life. And being able to keep hold of your car, knowing that we’ve provided you with a comparable alternative for the duration, gives us the time and space to carry out your repairs to the high standards set by your manufacturer. Returning your car to you in a pre-accident state is always our top priority and while we’ll always aim to be as efficient with time as possible, being able to fix the problems caused is our main concern – for your safety and our peace of mind. From years of experience, we know that spending the necessary time in the first instance generally means you won’t have to bring the car back for secondary repairs down the line, saving you more time in the long run which is an all-round win-win for all.
For more information: https://hiltonaccidentrepair.co.uk/online-estimate/
