Fender benders are among the most common accidents in Oxnard and across Ventura County. Whether it happens in traffic on the 101 or in a crowded parking lot, the damage can range from a small dent to a misaligned bumper with hidden sensor issues.

The question most drivers ask is: “How long will my car be in the body shop after a fender bender?” The answer depends on the extent of the damage, the parts required, and how quickly insurance approves the repair.

Typical Fender Bender Repair Timeline

While every accident is unique, here’s a general idea of repair times for common collision damage:

Paintless Dent Removal (PDR): 1–2 days if no paint work is needed.
Bumper Repair or Replacement: 2–5 days, depending on whether the bumper needs refinishing or replacement.
Auto Paint Repair: 3–7 days for sanding, priming, color matching, and clear coating.
Structural or Frame Damage: 1–2 weeks, since straightening and precision measurements are required.

According to CCC Intelligent Solutions, the average repair cycle time for insurance-related collision repairs in the U.S. is 11.9 days. Minor fender bender repairs typically fall on the shorter end, but hidden issues can extend that timeline.

Factors That Can Delay Repairs

Several factors can stretch out repair time:

Parts availability: OEM parts may take longer to source, but they ensure the best fit and safety.
Insurance approval: Delays in communication between the insurer and shop can add days.
Hidden damage: Once panels are removed, technicians may find structural or sensor-related issues that weren’t visible during the initial inspection.
Paint curing times: Quality refinishing requires proper drying between coats for a lasting finish.

Common Misunderstandings About Repair Time

“It’s just cosmetic.” Even a small dent may hide cracked mounts, bent brackets, or ADAS sensors knocked out of alignment.
“Shops can give an exact timeline upfront.” A preliminary estimate is helpful, but true timelines are only clear after disassembly and inspection.

How Prestige Bodyworks Manages Fender Bender Repairs

At Prestige Bodyworks in Oxnard, we balance speed with precision. Here’s how:

OEM parts only for proper fit and long-term safety.
Certified in Tesla collision repair and recognized as a BMW body shop in Ventura County.
On-site ADAS calibration ensures modern safety systems are reset before your vehicle leaves.
We handle communication with insurance carriers, including State Farm Select Service and USAA Direct Repair Programs, to keep the process moving.

Drivers in Oxnard, Ventura, and Camarillo can also use our virtual estimate tool to get started quickly.

What Drivers Should Expect

Minor repairs: 1–3 days.
Moderate repairs (bumper, paint, small dents): 3–7 days.
Complex repairs with parts or frame work: 1–2+ weeks.

Our team will provide a realistic timeline after the initial inspection and keep you updated throughout the repair process.

Conclusion

Fender benders may seem minor, but the repair timeline depends on more than what you can see from the outside. By choosing a certified shop that uses OEM parts and handles insurance directly, you can avoid unnecessary delays and protect your vehicle’s value.

Contact Prestige Bodyworks for certified repairs done right the first time.

How Long Does Body Shop Repair Take After a Fender Bender?