Your estimate said five days. It is now day twelve, and the body shop says they are waiting on a part. Sound familiar?
Collision repairs often take longer than people expect. Here is what affects the timeline in Ontario, why delays happen, and how to keep a rental without a gap.
Typical collision repair timelines
Every repair is different, but these ranges give a rough idea. They are estimates, not guarantees.
- Minor damage (scratches, small dents, bumper work): often a few days to about a week.
- Moderate damage (panels, lights, sensors, paint): often one to three weeks.
- Major damage (structural or multiple systems): often several weeks or longer.
The range depends on the vehicle, the shop’s schedule, and how smoothly approvals and parts arrive.
Why repairs run longer than quoted
Parts availability. Newer vehicles and imports can have long waits for specific parts. Back-ordered or manufacturer-only parts can add days or weeks.
Supplements. Once a car is taken apart, shops often find hidden damage that was not in the first estimate. The shop files a supplement, and the insurer must review and approve it before work continues.
Adjuster approval. Each estimate or supplement may need sign-off. A queue at the insurer can pause a repair for several days.
Shop workload. A busy body shop schedules repairs in order. After storms or in peak seasons, the wait can start before work does.
Sensors and calibration. Modern cars rely on cameras and driver-assistance sensors that often need calibration after a repair. That adds steps and time.
How rental extensions work
If your repair runs long, your rental usually needs to be extended, and the extension generally has to be supported by the repair timeline. Here is what helps:
- Ask your body shop for an updated completion date as soon as a delay appears.
- Let your rental provider know early, before your original end date.
- Make sure your adjuster has the updated timeline so the extension can be approved.
Estrada works directly with insurers and body shops, so extensions can be coordinated without you having to chase each party.
Repairable vs. total loss
If the cost of repairs approaches or exceeds the value of the vehicle, the insurer may declare it a total loss. In that case, the process shifts to a settlement. The rental generally continues for a limited period after the settlement offer, not indefinitely. Ask your adjuster exactly how long coverage runs once a total loss is declared.
How to stay mobile while you wait
- Arrange your replacement vehicle at the start, not when the repair slips.
- Choose a comparable vehicle so your daily routine does not change.
- Use free delivery and pickup to avoid extra trips.
- Keep your rental provider updated on the repair schedule.
Questions to ask your body shop
- What is the estimated completion date, and what could change it?
- Are all parts ordered? Any back-ordered?
- Will the repair need a supplement?
- Does my vehicle need sensor calibration afterwards?
- Who will update me if the schedule changes, and how?
Where we serve
Estrada provides insurance replacement vehicles in North York, Richmond Hill, Markham East, Markham West, Newmarket and Durham Region, with free pickup from your home, work or body shop.
Repairs running long? Call 1-855-4-ESTRADA or submit the booking form. We bill your insurer directly.
General information only. Repair times and rental coverage vary by vehicle, policy and insurer.