Category: Collision Repair

Throughout the years, automobiles have become more and more complex. Newer models no longer have mere machine parts but also computerized sensors and ADAS technology. Since the complexities of a motor vehicle cannot be seen from the outside, this makes finding and dealing with damage that much more difficult and time-consuming. Because of this, the average cost of auto body repairs continues to increase annually.

When you bring your vehicle to the mechanic for collision repairs, you probably think that initial estimate is going to remain about the same. Then, you receive a call or a message from the auto body shop saying that they have located additional damages and need to change the estimate.

What does that mean? Did they lie to you in the beginning? Should you trust the claim?

Turns out, additional damage is a legitimate reason for the final cost of the repairs to be higher than originally thought. We’re going to explain why.

 

What Additional Damage Entails

When you visit the auto body shop after the collision for repairs, the technician will look at what the insurance estimate is, how much is going to be covered, and they begin their own examination. The reason an estimate is called an estimate is because it never considers the total cost. In fact, it is just a guess up to the moment the technician can survey all the damage—inside and out.

The appraisal from the insurance company is not as thorough as the mechanic’s, and so they can generally find more than what is seen from the outside.

Think of the examination done by the auto body technician as an x-ray done in the doctor’s office. The doctor might be able to tell you have a broken bone at a glance, but they can’t see the extent of the damage without getting under the skin, right?

As soon as the mechanic locates the break, so to speak, they then know exactly what needs to be done, and that is when you receive news of additional damages that also need to be repaired. The whole plan may be modified, and the cost of repairs could increase.

 

Insurance Estimate Changes

Depending on the severity of the damages, both the insurance company and the auto body technician know that the original estimate is not going to stand. Still, the mechanic will take apart your vehicle then notify you and your insurance carrier to discuss the cost. An appraiser may look at your vehicle-if they haven’t already-to confirm the body shop’s estimate.

Depending on your deductible, you should consider getting a few estimates on the cost of repairs. If your deductible stays the same no matter what, then don’t focus on the cheapest estimate, since that is often a sign the mechanic is going to cut corners.

Also, expect OEM, or original equipment manufacturer, parts to be a part of the discussion. If the auto body shop is concerned with quality, they will oftentimes seek to procure OEM parts for the repairs. However, this could slow things down, and you may end up being without your car for a longer length of time.

 

Additional Steps and Repairs

Certain sections of your vehicle tend to get damaged and require more extensive repairs than other parts. These include front and rear suspension systems, rear body, floor, and electrical components.

These specific areas require calibrations, weld tests, and generally more hours of labor to ensure they are up to spec. If these parts are damaged, you can assume that parts and labor are going to cost more than the original estimate.

 

Do I Have to Use the Body Shop Recommended by the Insurer?

Car insurance carriers tend to have a lot of influence on auto body shops. They may recommend mechanics to do work on your vehicle. Usually, these preferred shops work more quickly than independent auto body shops because they do not need to request authorization to repair any additional damages they find. The insurance company will also monitor progress, so there are fewer delays.

That said, you do not have to use those preferred body shops. You are free to choose the mechanic that is going to provide quality repairs and replacements to get your vehicle back on the road. Be sure to choose a trustworthy auto body shop that discusses your options and is transparent about all additional damages and costs.

 

Do What’s Best for Your Car

When the auto body technician calls you, saying that they uncovered additional damages to your vehicle that need to be repaired, you can trust that it is not a scam. Most cars, trucks, and SUVs these days are as complex as computers, if not more. This means that not all the damage from an accident is going to be visible. Although a pricier bill at the end of the repairs may come as a surprise, know in the end that your car is going to be safer for having those damages taken care of.

Choose an auto body repair shop that you can trust. We have a full team of technicians who will do what is right by you and your vehicle. If you need repairs or have questions about the services we provide, get in touch with us! Simply fill out the contact form.

Have you ever looked at an auto repair bill and thought, “Why is this so expensive?” You’re not alone. Many car owners experience sticker shock after receiving an estimate for collision repairs.

Modern vehicles are safer, more advanced, and built with cutting-edge technology, but that complexity comes at a cost. From high-tech sensors to specialized tools and eco-friendly materials, the cost of repairing today’s vehicles has risen significantly.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly why auto body repair costs so much, what factors influence pricing, and how choosing Elmer’s Auto Body can give you peace of mind while protecting your investment.

What Makes Auto Body Repairs So Expensive?

1. Advanced Technology in Modern Vehicles

Today’s vehicles are packed with high-tech components that didn’t exist a decade ago.

• Sensors and Cameras: Modern cars feature Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) with sensors for lane departure warnings, collision avoidance, and blind-spot monitoring—all of which need recalibration or replacement after an accident.
• Smart Headlights: High-end LED and xenon headlights can cost $1,000–$3,000 each, especially on luxury or sports cars.
• Backup Cameras: Required by law in new vehicles, these cameras must be precisely reinstalled and recalibrated to ensure safety.

Pro Tip: Choosing a certified repair shop ensures these systems are restored to factory standards

2. Complex Construction: Unibody vs. Body-on-Frame

Older vehicles used body-on-frame construction, where damage to the outer body didn’t affect the frame. Repairs were cheaper and simpler.

Modern vehicles, however, are built with unibody construction, where the body and frame are integrated.

• Stronger but Costlier Repairs: Even minor dents can affect structural integrity, requiring precise measurements, welds, and specialized materials.
• OEM Requirements: Many manufacturers mandate specific repair procedures, materials, and tools for safety and warranty compliance.

3. Safety Components Designed to Absorb Impact

Modern cars prioritize safety through crumple zones and sacrificial parts that absorb damage to protect passengers.

• Bumpers: Designed to crumple on impact, bumpers often need complete replacement—costing $500–$1,500 depending on the vehicle.
• Airbags: Once deployed, airbags and sensors must be replaced, costing $1,000–$6,000 or more.

While these features save lives, they also increase repair costs due to the complexity of replacement and recalibration.

4. High Material Costs

• Paint and Finishing: Modern auto paints are designed to be environmentally friendly but are more expensive. A multi-layer paint job can cost $500–$1,000 just for materials.
• Special Coatings: Many cars use clear coats and ceramic finishes for durability, requiring multiple layers and careful application.

Fun Fact: According to AAA, the average cost of a paint job has increased 30% over the past decade due to advancements in materials.

5. Skilled Labor and Certified Training

Auto body repairs require specialized training to meet manufacturer standards.

• Certified Technicians: Mechanics often need certifications for specific brands, like Tesla or BMW, which require advanced tools and training.
• Labor Costs: Skilled labor can cost $75–$150 per hour, depending on the region and complexity of the repair.

Why It Matters: At Elmer’s Auto Body, we invest in state-of-the-art equipment and ongoing technician training to ensure your car is repaired properly and safely.

How Auto Body Shops Determine Repair Costs

Breakdown of Costs

Service	Cost Range	Description
Bumper Replacement	$500–$1,500	Includes parts, labor, and painting.
Paint Job (Full Panel)	$500–$2,000	Multi-layer paint and finishing.
ADAS Calibration	$200–$1,200 per sensor/system	Required for advanced driver assistance systems.
Frame Alignment and Welding	$600–$1,500	Unibody repairs to restore structural integrity.
Airbag Replacement	$1,000–$6,000	Includes sensors, modules, and deployment mechanisms.

 

• Actual Costs May Vary: Pricing depends on vehicle make and model, extent of damage, parts required (OEM vs. aftermarket), and local labor rates.
• Consultation Recommended: Readers are encouraged to contact Elmer’s Auto Body directly at (856) 218-0202 for accurate quotes tailored to their specific repair needs.

 

Ways to Save on Auto Body Repairs

1. Use a Trusted Repair Shop

Shops like Elmer’s Auto Body offer free estimates and prioritize quality repairs to minimize future costs.

2. Insurance Coverage

Check if your insurance covers OEM parts or offers diminished value claims to protect resale value.

3. Consider Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)

For minor dents, PDR avoids repainting, preserving the original finish and saving money.

Why Choose Elmer’s Auto Body?

At Elmer’s Auto Body, we’ve been restoring vehicles for over 75 years—earning a reputation for quality, trust, and professionalism in South Jersey.

What We Offer:

• Certified Technicians trained in modern repair techniques.
• OEM Parts for perfect fit and durability.
• Advanced Technology for ADAS calibration and structural repairs.
• Paintless Dent Repair for cost-effective solutions.
• Warranty-Backed Repairs for peace of mind.

📞 Call Elmer’s Auto Body at (856) 218-0202 or visit ElmersAutoBody.com to schedule your free estimate today!

FAQs About Auto Body Repair Costs

1. Why is labor so expensive at auto body shops?

Modern repairs require specialized tools, training, and certifications to meet manufacturer standards.

2. Does insurance cover OEM parts?

Many policies cover OEM parts for newer vehicles. Check your policy to confirm coverage.

3. How can I reduce repair costs?

Request multiple estimates, ask about paintless dent repair, and choose a shop with transparent pricing like Elmer’s Auto Body.

 

Key Takeaways

• Modern cars are safer and more advanced, but those upgrades increase repair costs.
• Factors like ADAS systems, unibody construction, and specialized materials contribute to higher prices.
• Choosing certified shops like Elmer’s Auto Body ensures quality repairs and resale value protection.

📞 Call Elmer’s Auto Body today at (856) 218-0202 for expert repairs and affordable estimates!

Disclaimer

The cost ranges provided in this article are industry averages based on national data from sources such as AAA, Carfax, and insurance repair estimates. These figures are intended for informational purposes only and do not represent specific pricing from Elmer’s Auto Body.

Key Considerations for Elmer’s Pricing:

• Actual Costs May Vary: Pricing depends on factors like vehicle make and model, extent of damage, parts required (OEM vs. aftermarket), and local labor rates.
• Consultation Recommended: Readers are encouraged to contact Elmer’s Auto Body directly at (856) 218-0202 for an accurate quote tailored to their specific repair needs.

For precise estimates and personalized service, we recommend scheduling a consultation with our expert team today!

After having an accident and looking at what has happened to your vehicle, “how long will I need a rental car during repairs?” is probably the last question to cross your mind. However, it’s not one you should ignore, because you may have less time than you would originally assume. Over the years, auto body shops and insurance companies have tracked various instances to see how long repairs take, what the average costs are, and how long the length of rental (LOR) should be for customers.

Luckily, the usual length of rental has increased. Now, the average time span is just shy of 2 weeks. You may wonder, “Why would I need a rental car for so long?”

The answer is that modern technology has made repairs and re-calibration a little more difficult than it used to be, so insurance companies have had to adjust the LOR. This is good news for you, in most cases.

That brings us to the next question: “How long will I need a rental car while mine is being repaired?” Keep reading to find out.

Average Duration of Car Repairs

In the auto body repair business, we call the time it takes to repair your vehicle the “cycle time.” In most cases, the average cycle time for repairs is as follows:

• Bumper Repair or Replacement: 1 day
• Windshield Replacement: 1 day
• Paint Repair: 1-2 days
• Minor Body Work: 1-2 days
• Internal Parts Replacement: 1-2 weeks
• Extensive Damage Repairs: At least a month (30 days)

While these are estimations, this is the time frame you can anticipate when getting collision repairs done on your vehicle.

Getting a Rental From The Insurance Company

After your car has sustained damages from an accident and was not deemed totaled by the insurance company, it is time to get it into the body shop. While it is probably a relief to have your car in the shop for repairs and replacements, it also means you have to worry about finding another mode of transportation. Your insurance policy or the responsible party’s insurance may offer you a rental vehicle.

As mentioned earlier, most policies will provide a rental car for up to 12 days.

This is not based on cycle time. Rather, the length of rental includes the “claim frequency,” or the period of time it takes for adjusters to see the damages and provide you with an estimation of what will be covered.

 

Factors That Influence the Length of Rental

Does that mean you will have a rental vehicle for 12 days? No. That is not guaranteed. You see, there are a couple of things to consider. First is the pressure on the auto body repair shops from the insurance company. In the spirit of saving time, some mechanics will perform a rush job to appease the insurer, who is urging them to return your vehicle as soon as possible, to save you from inconvenience.

Of course, the insurance company is also spending money on that rental car you are driving around. Since they want to save money, getting you your vehicle back sooner than later is best for everyone involved—except the mechanic.

Although not every auto body shop is going to cut corners, this need for quick work sometimes forces mechanics to use less-than-ideal options for replacing parts. Sometimes, they cannot get Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts and must use generic options. Or, they make mistakes.

The second factor in the length of rental equation is whether the mechanic follows OEM guidelines or not. Every manufacturer has OEM parts for your specific make, model, and year. Further, most modern cars, SUVs, and trucks have something called ADAS, such as blind-spot protection, collision warnings, and lane departure warnings. ADAS can be challenging to repair and install, and that increases the length of repair time.

Next is that “claim frequency” we’d mentioned earlier. Insurance adjusters may have to return to the repair shop several times to adjust the amount the insurer will cover. Sometimes, there is resistance from the insurance company about what they will pay for, and that can lengthen the overall time of repairs—as well as the LOR.

If you need extensive repairs and OEM parts, you may have that rental car for longer than 12 days.

Looking For Someone To Repair Your Car?

It is frustrating to be without your vehicle after an accident. Even if you are given a rental, you don’t know how long insurance will cover the cost of it. The good news is that you usually have 12 days in the beginning, but that length of rental may increase depending on what repairs are needed.

Working with professionals is one way to get your car back sooner—and you will never have to worry about cut corners. Elmer’s Auto Body has a team committed to working with you and the insurer to make sure you get top-quality repairs and replacements for your vehicle. You will be back on the road, in your own car, in no time.

Tell us what you need by filling out the contact form below or give us a call! We look forward to hearing from you.

Getting into an accident and following through with insurance claims and other responsibilities can seem overwhelming. You just want things to return to normal, but now you have to wait for your vehicle to be repaired. You may find yourself wondering how long it will take or how long you will have to use a rental. The good news is that, most of the time, car repairs take less than a week to finish. There are some occasions, though, where auto body repair may take several months.

Here is everything you need to know to answer the question “How long will it take to repair my car in Southern New Jersey?”

 

Estimating How Long Repairs Will Take

There are a couple of ways to determine how long it will take for your car to be repaired. If you submitted your insurance claim already, then you need to wait a couple of days for a decision to be reached. Depending on your policy, you may already be assured coverage for damages.

If you know what repairs have to be made on your car, then you can begin estimating the duration of the repairs. Remember that estimates are just estimates. Sometimes, the auto body repair shop will have fewer clients ahead of you. Sometimes, they will have all the parts already in stock. This can accelerate things.

Here are some estimated times for car repairs:

• Minor auto body work – 1-2 days
• Paint touch-up – 1-2 days
• Windshield replacement – Less than 24 hours
• Bumper repairs or replacement – 1 day
• Internal elements – 1-2 weeks
• Extensive damage to internal and external components (if not deemed “totaled”) – Over a month

 

Factors That Delay Car Repair

There are some occasions where you return to the auto repair shop the next day only to find that there has been a delay, forcing you to wait longer. Although this is frustrating, there are a couple of reasons why this could happen:

• The mechanics are already swamped with work; someone may have called out sick or with an emergency, reducing the labor force
• Your repair may take longer based on what has to be repaired or additional damages have been discovered that also need repairs
• The insurance provider was unable to pay for the repairs on time, so your car is being kept as collateral until the payment arrives
• The parts needed to be ordered directly from the manufacturer
• OEM parts required are expensive and not completely covered by the insurance provider, so you may have to pay
• You own a foreign or exotic model

 

If you find that the delay period is unreasonable or doesn’t seem justifiable, don’t worry. Get in contact with the auto body shop to learn why and also discuss what is happening with your insurance provider. A solution will be found.

 

Types of Repair Parts

As mentioned above, there are some instances where special parts needed to be acquired from the vehicle manufacturer prior to repairs. It may take a while for the mechanic to receive the items. This generally depends on the model year of your car. Some parts, called Original Equipment Manufacturer parts, or OEM parts, are the best quality for your vehicle and will restore your car to its fresh-from-the-factory condition.

Any reputable auto body shop is going to want to use OEM, because generic parts could cause damage in the future. Unfortunately, because insurance companies want you to receive your repaired vehicle as soon as possible, there is often pressure on the mechanics to rush. Some body shops are forced to use salvaged pieces or aftermarket items for a quick turnaround, but that can cause ADAS features for functioning optimally.

In short, if you do not wait for the auto body shop to receive the ordered OEM parts, you are setting yourself up for another accident.

But that brings us to a second point: Insurance companies may hesitate to cover the cost of more expensive equipment. At the end of the day, what parts are used and where you go for those repairs is up to you, but that could cause further delay. If the cost goes over the amount allocated by your policy, you will have to cover the rest of the bill.

Elmer’s Auto Body promises to deliver the best repairs using only the highest quality parts.

 

Need Car Repair in South Jersey?

How long does it take to have a car repaired in Southern New Jersey? It depends on a couple of things, such as what needs to be repaired and how fast your insurer moves. Simple repairs may take a few days, while extensive collision repair could take a few months. If you want the best repairs, you may have to put out a little extra, but it will be worth it later on!

Looking for a customer-focused auto body repair shop in South Jersey? Get in touch with us to learn more about what we can do for you by filling out the contact form.

If you’ve never gone through a vehicle collision estimate, you’ve probably wondered how much time an estimate takes. Any collision estimate will take as much time as the damage done to your vehicle warrants. So, it will depend on just how severe or minor the damage is and what systems in a vehicle may require repair. Before you rush to the closest repair shop for an estimate, there are a few preliminary steps to follow.

 

Talk with your Insurance Carrier First

You want to talk with your vehicle insurance carrier before you get any estimates. Make sure you understand your carrier’s requirements with estimates. They will provide you with approved repair shops and will also specify their instructions to any of those approved collision or body shops.

You don’t necessarily have to use your insurance company’s recommendations, but your carrier will inform you of their requirements in the repair process. Once an accident has occurred, your insurance company will send out a claims adjuster who will estimate the damage and will provide an estimate for overall damages. An estimate through your insurance carrier could take from two to five days, which could create setbacks with repairs. You may want to move on with an estimate through a collision shop when time is of the essence.

 

Average Time for Collision Estimate

When you’re unable to repair any damage on your own and are also unable to get a timely estimate through your insurance company, you’ll need to find a reputable collision/body shop through your own online research and recommendations from others. Just remember that when you do go to various body shops for estimates, you’ll want to ask lots of questions before you commit to and sign off on any estimates you are given.

If your vehicle has incurred significant mechanical and exterior damage, an estimate could be anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, or longer. When the damage is minimal and mechanical issues don’t exist, an estimate usually takes 15-20 minutes. Less involved damage usually means dents, scratches, scuffs, scrapes and dings that don’t hinder a vehicle’s performance. If the damage is severe, and a vehicle isn’t drivable, a tow truck will be brought in and the vehicle taken to a repair facility. An estimate in that kind of situation will likely take longer, which could mean an hour to a couple of days.

 

What an Estimate Entails

An estimate will first entail a detailed inspection. A skilled professional will perform the inspection and provide an estimate. They will go over every inch of a vehicle and document all the areas, seen or unseen, that show damage. From there, every detail noted will be passed on to the vehicle owner. An inspector will even go to the extent of removing side panels and going over other crucial spots on a vehicle to determine if any underlying damage exists on the frame or other areas beneath the surface. Any excessive damage will take longer to assess. Every repair that needs to be made to a severely damaged vehicle from the repairs and parts and on to the paint and finish work will be explained, written out and recorded on an inspection and estimation form.

 

Cost Calculations

Once the inspection phase is complete and all the details of damage are noted, the repair costs will be calculated. An estimator will figure the number of hours of labor that will go into the repair process. Any needed parts will be included, as will the entire cost of repairs. They will provide you with an official estimate. If you choose the shop that did the inspection, you can give them the go-ahead to order any parts and they will assign a mechanic/technician to work on your vehicle. The body shop will let you know the arrival date of your parts and will find the best time to start your repair work and approximately how long it will take to finish the repairs.

An experienced estimator will be able to provide an accurate quote for you after they have assessed the total damage; however, there may be times when hidden damages don’t show up until after repair work has started. When that happens, a repair adjustment and supplement will be included in any final repair costs.

 

Follow the Procedures for Estimates

Any accident that involves major repairs or even minor repairs to a vehicle can be stressful but when you know the procedures involved in getting an estimate and the time that it takes, you don’t have to carry the worry, particularly when you find a collision shop that is reputable and provides you with a fair, concise and accurate estimate.

With the process in mind, you can assure yourself that your repairs will be done quickly, efficiently and to your specifications with no hidden surprises. If you haven’t found the answers given here in relation to estimates and the time involved, or have further concerns with getting an estimate, complete the online contact form and a representative will get back to you with the information you need concerning the estimate process.