How long can insurance take to fix your car?

Asked by: Kayleigh Koch  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.2/5 (26 votes)

“The length of time that a car insurance company takes to fix your vehicle will depend on several factors—but mainly the damage. On average, it can take anywhere from six to 30 days for a car to be repaired. When you submit a claim to your car insurance company, they are required to investigate.

How long does it take to get a car fixed through insurance?

If you use a repair garage that is affiliated with (or at least approved by) your insurance company, the process can speed up a bit. The easiest cases will take between one to two weeks to resolve. More complex ones can take weeks or longer, including scheduling delays and the time your car is in the shop.

How long do insurance companies have to settle a claim?

Insurance companies in California have 85 days to settle a claim after it is filed. California insurance companies also have specific timeframes in which they must acknowledge the claim and then decide whether or not to accept it, before paying out the final settlement.

How long does it take insurance to process a claim?

Once you file a claim, you might wonder, “How long does an auto insurance company have to settle a claim?” The short answer is, usually around 30 days. However, it can vary depending on a few other factors. Insurance claims typically take about one month to resolve.

Why do insurance claims take so long?

Insurance companies may conduct an extensive investigation into an accident to determine fault and liability. This is one reason why it may take a long time for insurance companies to pay out.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO FIX MY CAR? // How long do auto body collision repairs take?

33 related questions found

How can I speed up my insurance claim?

4 Ways to Speed Up Your Insurance Claim
  1. File As Soon As Possible. The sooner you file your claim the sooner you can resolve it. ...
  2. Respond to Information Requests Immediately. ...
  3. Keep Clear Records. ...
  4. Contact an Attorney.

How long does it take for insurance companies to determine fault?

Most states hover around 40 days, though your personal injury lawyer will have more detailed information about your state in particular.

Can I sue my insurance company for taking too long?

Unfortunately, you can't sue them for taking too long to pay. You can only sue for the actual damages you've incurred as a result of the accident. If you haven't been able to get your insurance company to settle your claim, you need an experienced personal injury attorney on your side.

Can an insurance company refuse to pay a claim?

Unfortunately, you may have a valid claim, and the other driver's insurance company refuses to pay for it, you need to pursue it or even involve an insurance lawyer. ... While other insurance companies may deny the claim and decline to pay.

Why do car repairs take so long?

Professional Car Repairs Take Time

Sometimes it takes a little extra time to get the job done right. Communications and authorizations from the insurance company must be finished before the real work can begin. Thorough inspection and diagnosis are needed to identify every issue with your car.

What takes the longest to fix on a car?

Most Challenging Car Repairs
  1. Replacing an Engine.
  2. Clutch. ...
  3. Spark Plugs. ...
  4. Transmission. Transmission repairs are known to be expensive, so mechanics may find that some customers are reluctant to address these problems until they are at a crisis stage. ...

Can I drive my car with body damage?

Even if your car can move after a collision, it may not be drivable in the eyes of the law. Although laws may differ based on your location, most states have laws that prevent driving damaged cars if the damage represents a danger to passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians.

When someone hits your car do you call their insurance?

If someone hits your car, you should call your insurance company. But first, you'll probably want to call the police, especially if the damage is severe, there are any injuries, or the accident was a hit-and-run. Even if you don't think you are at-fault, you're required to report potential claims to your insurer.

Can I choose where my car is repaired after an accident?

You have a legal right to choose who repairs your car, even if you're making a car insurance claim for it. According to legislation known as the Block Exemption Regulation, your insurer can't force you to use their repairers and they'll still pay out for the repairs if your claim's accepted.

How often do insurance companies deny claims?

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the health insurance industry averages a 5% to 10% denial rate. So 90 to 95% of claims get approved every year.

What do you do when an insurance company won't respond?

Call Your Insurance Adjuster's Manager

I've done this many times and it's very effective when trying to work with insurance companies. If your claims adjuster is not responding to you, call the insurance company operator/customer service phone number and for the name and number of your insurance adjuster's manager.

What happens if insurance company doesn't respond?

If You Can't Get a Response, File a Lawsuit

When you file a lawsuit, the insurance company is served paperwork that legally requires them to answer and begin the process of resolving your case.

What do I do if insurance company is stalling?

Cooperate with your homeowners' insurance company.

If your homeowners' insurance company is stalling or using delay tactics to avoid paying out your claim, contact a skilled attorney to defend your rights and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

How fast is progressive with claims?

We resolve many property damage claims within 7 to 14 days, but repair times can vary greatly based on your vehicle, the damage, etc. No matter what, we'll work quickly and efficiently so you can get back to your normal routine.

Should you drive your car home after an accident?

If your car is still running following an accident, you may be tempted to continue driving it while you're waiting to have it fixed. While this is perfectly safe and legal in some cases (a small dent in your rear bumper, for example), some types of damage make your car hazardous and/or illegal to drive.

What makes a car not drivable after an accident?

If the accident causes your headlights or taillights to not work properly, especially at night, do not drive. ... If the bumper is hanging off, tires are flat, or any pieces of the vehicle are scraping the road it is not safe to drive. Any fluids leaking from the vehicle is another way to determine that it is not drivable.

What should I do if someone hit my car?

Steps to Take at the Scene
  1. Call the police. An officer will document the incident and create an official accident report, which you will typically need to have when filing your claim with your insurance company, says the Insurance Information Institute (III). ...
  2. Document the accident. ...
  3. Notify your insurer.

What is the hardest thing to fix on a car?

What Is The Hardest Thing To Fix On A Car?
  • Clutch. As a “wear and tear” part in a vehicle, the clutch may need to be replaced as often as every 30,000 km, depending on your handling. ...
  • Spark Plugs. ...
  • Transmission. ...
  • Engine Replacement. ...
  • Repairing Or Recharging An Air Conditioner. ...
  • Body Work. ...
  • Straightening A Frame.

How long are cars normally in the shop?

That's about a week. A few more days if there is additional body work. Aside from special projects that require lots of specialized body work or older classic cars, most contemporary cars can be turned around in a week or two.