The short answer

Most smash repairs take somewhere between a few days and a few weeks. A minor cosmetic job can be turned around in one to three days; a typical panel-and-paint repair usually runs about three to seven working days; and a major structural repair can take two to four weeks or more. The real timeframe depends on three things — the damage, the parts, and (for insurance jobs) how quickly the work is approved.

A rough guide by severity

Every car is different, but as a general feel for working days once parts and approval are in place:

  • Minor — scuffed bumper, small dent, single panel: about 1–3 days
  • Moderate — a couple of panels with paint blending: around 1 week
  • Major — multiple panels and structural realignment: 2–4 weeks
  • Severe — extensive structural work or hard-to-source parts: 4 weeks and up

What affects the timeline

A few things move the clock in either direction:

Hidden damage

Some damage only shows once we start stripping the car down. When we find it, we document it and get it approved before going further — it's the right way to do the job, and it can add a little time.

Parts

Parts we hold or can get locally fit straight away. Others have to be ordered, and rare, prestige or imported parts can take longer to arrive. We order early to keep waiting to a minimum.

Insurer approval

For an insurance repair, work begins once your insurer authorises the quote — and any extra items we find along the way. We deal with your insurer directly to keep that moving.

Paint and curing

Colour matching, building up coats and proper curing time can't be rushed without hurting the finish. Our panel & paint process is built to be quick and right.

Workload and weather

Busy periods — like the weeks after a big hailstorm — can affect when we're able to start. We'll always give you a realistic start date up front.

How we keep yours moving

We can't control every variable, but we control the ones that matter:

  • Fast quoting — send photos and get a quote within one business day
  • Parts ordered early so they're waiting when your car arrives
  • We liaise with your insurer directly, so you're not chasing approvals
  • Regular updates, plus a hire car option so you keep moving

If your car isn't safe to drive, book a tow and we'll bring it straight in. Either way, every repair is finished to factory standard and backed by our lifetime workmanship warranty.