<p>The honest answer is that it depends on the damage, the parts and the paint. Here are the ranges a good bodyshop should be quoting, and what pushes a job past them.</p> <h2>Typical timescales</h2> <ul> <li><strong>SMART repair</strong> such as a bumper scuff, small dent or kerbed alloy: same day to one day.</li> <li><strong>Single panel repair and refinish:</strong> two to three days, mostly paint and curing time.</li> <li><strong>Panel replacement</strong> such as a door or wing: three to five days once parts are in.</li> <li><strong>Multi panel or front end damage:</strong> one to two weeks, longer if a radiator, airbag or headlamp assembly is involved.</li> <li><strong>Structural repair with jig work and calibration:</strong> two to four weeks.</li> </ul> <h2>What slows jobs down</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Parts.</strong> The single biggest factor. Some manufacturer panels and lamps are weeks out.</li> <li><strong>Hidden damage.</strong> A bumper comes off and reveals a cracked bracket or a bent crash bar, so the estimate has to be revised and re authorised.</li> <li><strong>Insurer authorisation.</strong> Days can disappear here if nobody is chasing it.</li> <li><strong>ADAS calibration.</strong> Cars with cameras and radar behind the windscreen or grille need recalibrating after repair. It is not optional and it takes time.</li> <li><strong>Colour.</strong> Three stage pearls and some metallics need extra blending and test panels to match properly.</li> </ul> <h2>Questions worth asking</h2> <p>Ask for the expected completion date in writing, whether parts are in stock, whether calibration is needed, and who will tell you if the date slips. A repairer working to <a href="/find-repairer">BS 10125 standards</a> should answer all four without hesitation.</p> <p><a href="/getaquote">Send photos for a free estimate</a> and we will give you a price and a realistic date, not a guess.</p>