When your car’s been in an accident, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: “How long will it take to fix this?” The truth? It depends — but not as much as you think.
At Matsenko Auto, one of Tacoma’s most trusted collision repair facilities, we walk customers through this timeline every day. In this article, we’ll break it down, help you set realistic expectations, and show you how to avoid common delays.
The Average Timeframe for Collision Repairs
Most collision repairs take 5 to 15 business days, but timelines vary based on several key factors:
- Extent of the damage
Minor bumper scuffs or fender scrapes can take just a few days. More serious structural or frame damage may require several weeks. - Parts availability
If your vehicle requires special-order parts or parts from overseas, delays are more likely — especially for luxury or electric vehicles. - Insurance approval delays
Before we begin, insurance companies must review our estimate. If they’re slow to respond or request changes, it can push everything back. - Body shop workload
In busy seasons — like post-winter collisions or storm-heavy months — even the best shops may have longer wait times.
The Collision Repair Process: Step-by-Step
At Matsenko Auto in Tacoma, we follow a clear and efficient process designed to get you back on the road as quickly and safely as possible:
- Drop-off & initial paperwork
We document the damage, handle the claim if needed, and set your expectations right away. - Inspection & estimate
Our certified technicians perform a detailed evaluation and send the report to your insurance. - Insurance approval
Once your insurance signs off, we order parts and schedule the repair. - Disassembly & structural work
We uncover hidden damage and repair or replace damaged panels, frames, or components. - Painting & refinishing
Using factory-quality color matching, we repaint affected areas in our professional paint booth. - Reassembly & testing
Every part is reinstalled with care. We test all systems — from sensors to safety components. - Final quality check
We don’t release a vehicle until it passes a 20-point quality control inspection.
Common Causes of Delays (and How We Avoid Them)
- Hidden damage: Some issues are only visible after we disassemble the car. We communicate these findings immediately.
- Supplemental insurance review: If new damage is found, we send updated documentation promptly to minimize delays.
- Parts backorders: Our connections with multiple vendors and OEM suppliers help reduce wait times.
At Matsenko Auto, we prioritize transparency. If a delay is expected, you’ll know why — and what we’re doing about it.
Realistic Expectations: Sedan vs. SUV vs. Luxury Car
| Type of Vehicle | Minor Damage | Moderate Repair | Major Collision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact/Sedan | 3–5 days | 6–10 days | 2–3 weeks |
| SUV/Truck | 4–6 days | 8–12 days | 3–4 weeks |
| Luxury/EV | 5–7 days | 10–15 days | 3–6 weeks |
Note: These are averages based on our work in Tacoma. We’ll always provide a customized timeline after your vehicle evaluation.
Why Speed Shouldn’t Compromise Safety
We understand you want your car back fast. But shortcuts in collision repair can mean misaligned panels, faulty airbag sensors, or compromised safety. That’s why we balance efficiency with integrity, always.
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At Matsenko Auto, we believe informed drivers are confident drivers. Whether it’s minor damage or major collision repair, our team in Tacoma, WA is ready to help.
Stop by for a free estimate or call us today to schedule your inspection.
Your car deserves expert care — and your time deserves respect.
