Accidents are stressful enough—waiting for your car to be repaired shouldn’t be a mystery too. One of the most common questions we get at City of Stars Collision Center is: How long should collision repairs take? It depends. From parts availability to insurance delays, there are many factors that influence how long your vehicle will be in the shop. Whether you’re driving a Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Jaguar, or any other make, here’s what you need to know about collision repair timelines.
The Average Collision Repair Timeline
For most repairs, here’s a rough timeline breakdown:
- Minor damage (scratches, bumper replacement): 2–5 days
- Moderate repairs (door panel replacement, minor frame work): 5–10 days
- Major damage (extensive structural or mechanical work): 2–4+ weeks
These estimates assume there are no delays—but as you’ll see below, that’s not always the case.
What Can Slow Down Your Repairs?
1. Insurance Approval Delays
Once we inspect the damage, we submit an estimate to your insurance company. If the insurer drags their feet on approval, it can delay ordering parts and starting repairs.
2. Parts Availability
Genuine parts—especially for brands like Mercedes-Benz and Land Rover—can sometimes take days or even weeks to arrive. We always recommend using genuine parts to protect your warranty and ensure your car performs like new.
3. Extent of the Damage
What looks like a simple dent might reveal deeper structural damage or hidden electrical issues once we remove panels. Safety systems like ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) often need precise recalibration after even minor collisions.
4. Shop Scheduling and Volume
Busy collision centers may have multiple repairs scheduled at once. At City of Stars, we work hard to keep our turnaround times fast without sacrificing quality.
5. Re-Inspection or Supplemental Damage
If we discover additional damage after disassembly, we have to update the insurance company and wait for another approval—which can add days to the process.
Certified Repairs Take Time—And That’s a Good Thing
At City of Stars Collision Center, we’re proud to be certified by top manufacturers, including:
That certification means your repairs will follow manufacturer guidelines, use genuine parts, and be performed by trained professionals using the latest equipment. Certified repair takes a bit longer—but your safety, resale value, and warranty protection are worth the extra time.
View our full certifications →
How to Speed Things Up
Here’s how you can help shorten your vehicle’s repair timeline:
- File your insurance claim quickly
- Respond to calls and emails from your adjuster promptly
- Bring your car in for inspection ASAP after the accident
- Choose a certified shop that communicates clearly with insurers
At City of Stars, we keep you updated at every step—so you’re never left in the dark.
📍 City of Stars Collision Center
4751 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029
📞 Call: (323) 665-5700
🔗 www.cityofstarscollision.com
