How long does auto body repair take?

If you've ever been in an accident or noticed dents and scratches on your car, you've probably asked yourself, "How long does auto body repair take?" the truth is, it depends! At Buddy Isles Collision, we take pride in getting your car back on the road as fast as possible while ensuring it looks as good as new, if not better!

The Type of Damage Matters

The time needed for Auto Body Repair depends on the type and severity of the damage. Here's a general idea of how long different repairs can take:


  1. Small Dents & Scratches - A few hours to a day
  • Minor dings, paint touch-ups, and small scratches can often be fixed the same day using Paint Less Dent Repair (PDR) or quick Refinishing.

   2. Bumper Repairs & Panel Replacements - 2 to 3 days

  • If your Bumper has been cracked or a Fender needs replacing, we may need to order parts and repaint to match your vehicle's exact color.

   3. Frame Damage & Major Collision Repairs - A week or more

  • If your car has structural damage, we use advanced Frame Straightening equipment to restore it. This process takes extra time to ensure your vehicle is safe and properly aligned.

   4. Paint Jobs & Full-Body Work - 1 to 2 weeks

  • Matching paint, applying multiple coats, and allowing proper drying time takes patience and skill. A high-quality auto Body Paint job is worth the wait!
What causes your Suspension to wear out? Blog atBuddy Isles in Little, NC

What can affect the timeline?

Several factors can make some repairs take longer including:


Parts Availability - Some parts arrive quickly, while others may take longer to ship.


Insurance Approvals - If your repair is covered by Insurance, we need to wait for approval before work begins.


Hidden Damage - Sometimes, we find extra damage after removing a Panel or a Bumper. We'll keep you updated if this happens!


Weather Conditions - Paint and Adhesives need the right temperature and humidity to cure properly.

We make it easy for you!

We know being without your vehicle is frustrating! If you find yourself in need of Collision Repair, we're here to help! Every repair is different, but we always work hard to get you back on the road as quickly as possible. Contact us for Free Estimate and let us take care of you, after all, we make friends by accident!