After an accident, it’s normal to feel unsure about what to do next. One of the most common questions we hear is: “How long do I actually have to get my car repaired?”
Regardless of if you’re asking that question as it relates to your car itself or filing an insurance claim, the answer is as soon as possible. Never wait longer than you need to to get car repairs. We know, however, that sometimes you can’t always get your car repaired right away, so it’s important to know how long you can realistically wait to have your car repaired.
In this guide, we will walk you through what you need to know so you can make informed decisions without unnecessary stress. We’ll explain the consequences of delaying car repair both as they relate to your car and filing an insurance claim. We’ll also cover common mistakes to avoid and other common questions we get from vehicle owners.
Key Takeaways:
- The sooner you have your vehicle professionally assessed, the better the outcome tends to be for your safety, your car, and your wallet.
- Most insurance companies don’t set a strict repair deadline, but they do require you to report the accident promptly. Waiting too long can complicate or jeopardize your claim.
- Damage that looks minor on the outside is often more serious underneath. Hidden structural damage, broken sensors, and water intrusion are common findings once a vehicle is properly inspected.
- Certain damage types like suspension, frame, and water intrusion should not be left unaddressed. They affect both safety and long-term repair costs.
- If your car “still drives fine,” it may still have hidden damage. A professional inspection is the only reliable way to know.
- You don’t need to have everything figured out before coming in. A reputable shop can walk you through the insurance process, estimate, and next steps.
- Repair time and cost both tend to increase the longer damage goes unaddressed.
- Both Washington and Oregon have a two-year statute of limitations for filing a claim related to a car accident.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait on Repairs
Besides facing troubles with your insurer (more on that later), delaying repairs after an accident can lead to real consequences for your vehicle’s safety and the costs involved.
Here’s what we mean:
Hidden damage compounds over time.
What looks like a minor bumper hit can involve hidden structural damage, broken sensors, or moisture trapped behind panels.
Certain types of damage can’t wait.
There are specific damage types where we strongly urge customers not to delay:
- Suspension damage affects how your vehicle handles and responds in future driving situations, including emergencies.
- Frame or structural damage changes how your car is designed to protect you in another collision.
- Water intrusion is particularly serious. Once moisture gets into a vehicle, it can cause mold, corrosion, electrical failures, and sensor malfunctions. Modern vehicles are packed with technology, and what seems like a minor issue can become a significant repair bill very quickly.
Driving a damaged car can create additional risk.
If untreated damage worsens, some insurance companies may decline to cover those additional issues, since the original damage went unaddressed.
Related: Is My Car Safe to Drive After an Accident?
“My car still drives straight. Is it really a problem?”
We hear this a lot, and we understand why. If your car seems to drive normally, it’s easy to assume everything is okay.
In fact, this is exactly what happened to one unfortunate customer who came in months after a rear-end collision, because their vehicle “still drove fine.” By the time we started the work, rust had begun forming inside damaged areas and additional components had to be replaced. What could have been a small, straightforward repair turned into a much larger one.
Once a vehicle is on a lift, we regularly find bent suspension components, damaged ADAS sensors (the safety technology that powers features like automatic braking and lane assistance), or weakened structural areas not visible from the outside.
Today’s vehicles are built differently than they were even 10 or 15 years ago, and hidden damage is far more common than most people realize.
Some types of damage do make your car unsafe or illegal to drive, including:
- Cracks in the windshield that obstruct your vision
- Doors, trunks, or hoods that don’t latch properly
- Damage involving the engine or fuel system
- Missing bumpers
- Jagged or sharp edges exposed on the vehicle exterior
If you’re unsure whether your car is safe to drive, the best step is to bring it in for a professional inspection.
If You’re Wondering About Insurance Timelines
f you’re asking how long you have to get your car repaired after an accident in terms of filing for an insurance claim, here’s what you need to know.
Most insurance companies don’t set a strict deadline for when repairs must be completed, but they often require you to file a claim within a specific timeframe after the accident. You’ll need to check with your insurance provider to know exactly how long you have to report an accident to them.
Regardless of your insurance company’s timeframe, it’s best to file as soon as possible. One of the biggest mistakes we see, at Mackin’s and across the collision repair industry, is customers waiting too long to report damage to their insurance company. A lot of people think, “It’s just a scratch, I’ll deal with it later.” But delays can absolutely complicate a claim.
When too much time passes, insurance companies may question whether the damage actually occurred in the reported accident. The sooner you document and report it, the smoother the process typically goes.
Once you’ve contacted your insurance company and filed a claim, you’ll be assigned a claims adjuster who can walk you through your specific coverage and any applicable deadlines for using it.
What Happens When You Come Into Mackin’s Before Filing a Claim
A lot of people come into Mackin’s after an accident before contacting their insurance company. They’re stressed since they’ve never been through this before. That’s a common situation and we’re always ready to help.
If you want to bring in your vehicle before contacting your insurance company, we’ll look over the visible damage, explain what could be hidden underneath, and help you understand what to expect, including how to contact your insurance company, how to set up an estimate, rental coordination, and a realistic repair timeline. Our goal is to give you a clear direction so the process doesn’t feel overwhelming!
Steps to Take After an Accident
If you’re unsure of what to do after an accident, here’s what you need to know:
- Assess the damage: Inspect the damage and, if possible, document it by taking pictures.
- File an insurance claim: Contact your insurance provider and report the accident to start your claim.
- Get a professional estimate: Visit a trusted body shop or mechanic to assess the full extent of both visible and hidden damage.
- Understand your repair options: While choosing between a body shop or mechanic for accident repairs, remember that they offer different services. Body shops specialize in structural and collision repairs, whereas mechanics focus more on the engine and other mechanical issues.
- Schedule repairs: Once your estimate is approved, schedule repairs to get your vehicle back on the road safely as soon as possible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After an Accident
Going through an accident and having to deal with the aftermath is overwhelming. Here are some common mistakes to avoid throughout the process:
- Waiting to report the damage: Delays can cause insurers to question your claim. Report as soon as possible.
- Not documenting the scene: Photos of the vehicle and accident location protect you throughout the claims process.
- Not understanding your policy: Many drivers are unaware of what their insurance covers. Take the time to review your policy or ask your adjuster about your coverage for repairs, rentals, and timelines.
- Choosing the cheapest repair shop: Look for certifications, reviews, and warranty coverage alongside cost.
- Ignoring hidden damage: Some types of damage, like issues with the frame or suspension, might not be immediately visible. Skipping a professional inspection could leave you with unresolved problems that worsen over time.
- Driving an unsafe vehicle: Driving a damaged car that doesn’t meet safety standards can lead to fines, accidents, or even more extensive repairs down the road. Always prioritize safety.
FAQs About Car Repairs After an Accident
Do I have to use insurance money for repairs?
If the damage is minor and you own your vehicle outright, you’re generally free to decide how to use insurance funds. However, if you’re still making payments on the vehicle that means the lender technically still owns it and has a vested interest in retaining its value. In this case, you’re typically required to have it repaired to meet insurance requirements for car repair after an accident.
What if I can't afford repairs right away?
If you can’t afford car repair costs, there are still options available. For example, some repair shops offer financing options that allow you to pay for repairs over time. Another solution could be to perform temporary solutions before car repair, such as fixing minor issues yourself or focusing on essential minor collision repairs to make your vehicle safe to drive while you save for bigger repairs.
How long do car repairs take?
The repair time needed following an accident varies substantially based on the angle and speed of the accident, the location and type of damage, the make and model of your vehicle, and the body shop you take it to.
A broken windshield can often be replaced in a day or two, while extensive damage or damage to a classic, foreign, or limited-edition car can take weeks or even months to complete, especially if the needed parts are difficult to find.
The best way to determine how long your car will take to fix is to take it to a quality body shop for a reliable car repair estimate.
Related: Expected Timelines for Getting a Damaged Vehicle Repaired
Can I repair my own car after an accident?
If the damage isn’t too extensive and you’re fairly handy, you might want to do the repairs yourself. If there is no lien on your vehicle (i.e. you own it outright), you are free to take a crack at fixing the damage yourself. However, this is not recommended for anything more than very minor damage.
Some types of repairs require specialized tools and equipment, and it’s not uncommon for auto body shops to find hidden damage once they begin repairs (damage that you might miss if you don’t know what to look for). If there is a lien on your vehicle, you will most likely not be allowed to perform the repairs yourself, since your lender will want the repairs done by a professional shop.
Read More: DIY vs Professional Dent Removal: When To Take Your Car In
Get Your Car Repaired at Mackin’s: Portland’s Most Trusted Auto Repair Shop
Choosing the right body shop can make all the difference when it comes to navigating the weeks and months after a car accident. Mackin’s Auto Body has been fixing cars and providing top-notch service throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington for decades. Our team of certified technicians is dedicated to getting the job done right the first time. We offer comprehensive accident resources and work directly with insurance companies to handle your claim and get you and your car back on the road as quickly and conveniently as possible.
If you’ve been in an accident and need your car fixed, we’re here to help. Call us at 1-800-653-0665 or stop by one of our 11 convenient locations.
Chris Roberts is the Director of Operations at Mackin’s Auto Body, where he has been making an impact since 2018. With a career in collision repair that started in 1999, Chris brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role. Before stepping into his current position, he served as the Assistant Operations Manager at Mackin’s Auto Body from 2013 to 2017. Chris holds a BA from Northwest Nazarene University. When he’s not ensuring everything runs smoothly at Mackin’s, you can find him skiing down snowy slopes, wake surfing on sunny days, or cheering on his daughter at her soccer games.
