Getting into a car accident is stressful enough, and one of the first questions drivers ask is: “How long will it take to get my car repaired?” If you’re filing an ICBC claim in Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, or the Tri-Cities, it helps to understand the typical repair process and what can affect the timeline.
Knowing what to expect can make the process less stressful and help you plan for transportation while your car is in the shop.
1. Damage Assessment and Estimate
The first step after an accident is a professional inspection of your vehicle. At an ICBC-accredited body shop, trained technicians will check for both visible and hidden damage.
- Small scratches or dents may be easy to repair.
- Hidden damage, like frame issues or sensor problems, can take longer to identify.
After the inspection, the shop provides an estimate to ICBC. Once the estimate is approved, repairs can begin. This initial step usually takes 1–3 days, depending on the shop and the complexity of the damage.
2. Waiting for Parts
One of the biggest factors in repair time is waiting for replacement parts.
- Common parts, like bumpers or lights, may arrive quickly.
- Rare or specialty parts, especially for newer or imported vehicles, can take days or even weeks.
Delays in parts availability are often outside the body shop’s control, but your technician will keep you updated.
3. Actual Repairs
Once parts arrive, repairs can begin. The timeline depends on the type of damage:
- Minor Repairs: Small dents, scratches, or bumper replacements can sometimes be completed in a few days.
- Moderate Repairs: Larger body panels, paint work, or moderate frame damage may take 1–2 weeks.
- Major Repairs: Structural damage, airbag replacement, or advanced electronics calibration can take several weeks.
Skilled technicians work carefully to ensure repairs meet ICBC standards and maintain your vehicle’s safety and value.
4. Quality Control and Final Checks
After repairs are completed, the shop will perform quality control checks:
- Inspect the repairs for proper fit and finish
- Test safety systems, including airbags, sensors, and brakes
- Ensure the car is road-ready
This step is crucial for safety and can take an additional day or two, depending on the complexity of the work.
5. Pick Up Your Vehicle
Once all repairs and checks are finished, your car is ready to return home. Some shops may provide loaner vehicles or coordinate with ICBC to help you get around while repairs are being completed.
Factors That Can Affect Repair Time
Several things can make repair times longer:
- Severity of the damage
- Waiting for replacement parts
- Weather or shipping delays
- Complexity of modern vehicle systems (like ADAS sensors)
- ICBC approval timing
Even with these variables, choosing an ICBC-accredited body shop ensures your vehicle is repaired to industry standards, and your repairs are guaranteed for as long as you own the car.
Get Your Car Back on the Road with Confidence
At Broadway Collision, our ICBC-accredited body shops in Port Moody and Port Coquitlam are ready to handle your repairs from start to finish.
You can schedule a visit, receive a free repair estimate, or bring your vehicle directly to our shops, and our team will make sure your car is repaired properly, safely, and efficiently so you can get back on the road with peace of mind.