How Long Does Collision Repair Take in San Jose?
If your car was just hit, one of your first questions is probably how long does collision repair take, and when you can get back to normal. The honest answer depends on how badly the car is damaged and whether the parts it needs are available. Here is what to expect at AW Collision San Jose, and how to get a timeline for your own car.
How long does collision repair usually take?
Small repairs can take 3 to 5 days, and extensive structural damage can take 2 to 3 weeks. Where your car falls in that range depends on the damage and on parts availability.
| Type of damage | Typical repair time |
|---|
| Small repairs | 3 to 5 days |
| Extensive structural damage | 2 to 3 weeks |
Damage that falls between those two extremes will land somewhere in between. An in-person inspection is the most accurate way to find out where your car sits.
What decides how long my repair takes?
Two things matter most: how much damage the car has and whether the parts you need are available. A bumper scuff and a bent frame are very different jobs, and a part that is hard to get can slow down even a smaller repair.
Structural damage takes longer because it adds work. Frame and unibody repair at AW Collision uses computerized laser measuring, so the car is checked against its specifications as it is straightened.
What happens during a collision repair?
Your car moves through six steps, from the first look at the damage to a final quality check. Each step has to be finished before the car is ready, which is why repair time follows the extent of the damage.
- Intake and damage assessment
- Insurance and estimate coordination
- Frame and structural repair
- Body and panel repair
- Color-matched painting, using computerized color matching
- Final quality check
Not every car needs every kind of work. A small repair may involve little or no structural work, while a heavily damaged car goes through every step. Our San Jose shop is I-CAR Gold Class and holds Acura, BMW, Ford and Honda certifications, plus Lexus Authorized Collision Center status.
How do I get a time estimate for my car?
Come in for a free estimate, and you do not need an appointment. An in-person inspection is the most accurate way to learn how long your repair is likely to take.
We are at 1729 Junction Avenue, San Jose, CA 95112. Our hours are:
- Monday to Friday: 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Will I have a car while mine is in the shop?
AW Collision offers Midway rental, so you may not have to go without a car while yours is being repaired. Ask about it when you come in for your estimate.
Does insurance change the repair timeline?
Insurance coordination is one step in the repair process, so it is part of the schedule we plan around. We work with all major insurance providers and speak up for proper repairs and OEM parts, not just the cheapest option.
What else do people ask about repair time?
These are the questions we hear most often about timing, updates and what comes with the repair. If yours is not here, call the shop and we will answer it.
How long do small repairs take?
Small repairs can take 3 to 5 days. The exact time depends on the damage and on parts availability.
How long does structural damage take to repair?
Extensive structural damage can take 2 to 3 weeks. Frame and unibody work is measured with computerized lasers, and the car then goes through body, paint and quality check steps.
Will I hear from you while my car is being repaired?
Yes, customers get updates throughout the repair. You should not have to wonder where your car stands.
Do I need an appointment for an estimate?
No, estimates are free and no appointment is required. An in-person inspection gives the most accurate estimate.
Is the repair covered by a warranty?
Yes, we provide a written lifetime warranty on body and paint work for as long as you own the vehicle. That covers the work done on your car at AW Collision.
Ready to find out how long your repair will take?
Stop by AW Collision San Jose at 1729 Junction Avenue, San Jose, CA 95112, or call (408) 392-1200. We will inspect the damage, give you a free estimate, and tell you what to expect for your car.