
Top 10 Most Common Collision Causes in San Antonio
You want a clear timeline when your vehicle needs body work, and San Antonio drivers often ask how long common jobs will take. Typical ranges run from a few hours for simple cosmetic fixes to several weeks for complex frame, airbag, or systems work.
Minor dents and scratches often finish in 1–3 days. Bumper fixes can be done in a day, while full replacements or parts orders may stretch to 2–3 days. Glass work, like windshield swaps, can be quick, but ADAS calibration adds steps.
Major structural or internal mechanical jobs usually take 1–3 weeks. Severe multi-system damage or rare parts can push the timeline to several weeks or longer. Insurance approvals commonly add 3–5 days.
Choose a trusted local shop to speed approvals and scheduling. Miracle Body and Paint Collision Center serves San Antonio with two convenient locations: North West San Antonio – Leon Valley at (210) 680-1987, 6217 Grissom Rd., and North East San Antonio at (210) 858-3630, 4650 Walzem Rd. Call to schedule fast, professional service and keep your vehicle moving.
Key Takeaways
- Minor cosmetic work often takes 1–3 days; bumper jobs can be one day or a few days for replacements.
- Major structural and mechanical work commonly spans 1–3 weeks; extensive damage can take longer.
- Insurance approval and parts availability are top causes of delays.
- ADAS and advanced systems add steps that lengthen the process.
- Choosing a local, experienced shop like Miracle Body and Paint can shorten your timeline.
What to Expect from Collision Repair Timelines in San Antonio Today
Minor fixes like small dents or bumper scuffs often finish in a few days. Windshield or glass swaps can be same-day if no ADAS calibration is needed.
More complex work that touches structure, airbags, or systems adds steps and can take one to a few weeks. Insurance review commonly adds 3–5 days before work starts, so factor that into your schedule.
Shop workload and parts availability are common variables. Popular makes move faster; specialty trims or backordered parts extend timelines. Ask your shop for written estimates and updates.
- Get a written timeline and note possible delays like parts shipping or supplement approvals.
- Choose a well-staffed local shop to shorten waiting in the work queue.
- Confirm ADAS calibration needs early to avoid extra steps after reassembly.
| Service | Typical Range | Key Variable | 
|---|---|---|
| Minor body work | 1–3 days | Shop queue | 
| Structural & systems | 1–3 weeks | Parts & inspections | 
| Severe/multi-system | 3+ weeks | Insurance & rare parts | 
Miracle Body and Paint Collision Center offers transparent updates, accurate estimates, and insurer coordination to keep your vehicle moving. Call Leon Valley or Walzem Rd for availability.
Car accident repair time by damage level: from minor dings to major structural work
The scope of damage drives the schedule—from same-week fixes to multi-week projects.
Minor collision repairs: dents, scratches, bumper scuffs (about 1-3 days)
Minor damage like shallow dents and light scratches often finishes in 1–3 days. Modern paint and fast-dry products speed blends and color matching.
Many bumper scuffs are done the same day if parts are on hand. Paintless dent removal keeps vehicles moving with minimal downtime.

Major collision repairs: structural/frame, airbags, mechanical (about 1-3 weeks+)
When the frame, airbags, or suspension are affected, expect 1–3 weeks. Diagnostics, measuring, and ordering parts add steps.
Severe collisions: multi-system damage and rare parts (several weeks or longer)
Extensive multi-system work can extend beyond 3 weeks, especially with specialty parts or supplements found during disassembly.
- The shop should set clear timelines and milestone updates.
- Miracle Body and Paint Collision Center handles paintless dent removal, frame straightening, airbag replacement, and full mechanical coordination.
- Rare parts and wide refinishing are the most common causes of longer waits.
| Level | Typical span | Key factor | 
|---|---|---|
| Minor | 1–3 days | Parts on hand | 
| Major | 1–3 weeks | Frame & systems | 
| Severe | 3+ weeks | Specialty parts | 
Key factors that affect your repair timeline
Several core factors determine how long your vehicle stays in the shop. Understanding these points helps you plan and avoid surprises.
Severity and replacement vs. repair
The severity of the damage and whether components can be fixed or must be replaced drive the schedule. Replacements add disassembly, ordering, color matching, installation, and validation.
Parts availability
Parts availability is a major variable. OEM parts can be on backorder for weeks. Aftermarket options are often faster but vary in fit and warranty.
Insurance approval and shop workload
Insurance approvals usually take about 3–5 days, and supplements can extend that. Shop workload and technician expertise also affect throughput and final quality.
Vehicle tech and specialized procedures
Vehicles that require specialized procedures—ADAS calibration, aluminum work, or EV battery isolation—need extra appointments and verification steps.
| Factor | Impact | Typical delay | 
|---|---|---|
| Parts availability | High | Days to weeks | 
| Insurance approval | Moderate | 3–5 days | 
| Shop workload & expertise | Moderate | Days | 
Miracle Body and Paint Collision Center helps you choose OEM or aftermarket parts, navigates insurer guidelines, and schedules calibrations in-house or with trusted partners to keep your timeline on track.
The collision repair process step-by-step
The process follows predictable milestones so you can track progress and plan ahead. Below is a clear, practical outline of each phase and typical spans.

Assessment and estimate
You start with a full inspection and photos. An initial estimate and projected timeline are created. This stage can take a few hours up to a day.
Insurance approval
Your insurance company reviews the estimate, usually within 3–5 days. If hidden damage appears, the shop submits a supplement and waits for authorization to continue.
Parts ordering and logistics
The shop orders parts and prioritizes in-stock components. Lead times vary from hours or days to longer for backorders.
Body, frame, and paint work
Structural work, panel replacement, and paint can span from a day to several weeks depending on severity. Proper curing and blending are done to last.
Reassembly and final quality control
Technicians reconnect systems, perform ADAS calibration, and run road checks. A final multi-point inspection and walkthrough complete the process.
| Step | Typical span | Notes | 
|---|---|---|
| Assessment | Hours–1 day | Photos & estimate | 
| Approval | 3–5 days | Insurance company review | 
| Parts & repairs | Days–weeks | In-stock faster; backorders delay | 
Miracle Body and Paint Collision Center documents your estimate, coordinates with your insurer on supplements, orders parts promptly, and manages reassembly and calibration with a final multi-point quality check. For more on expected timelines see collision repair timeline.
Typical timelines by repair type and component
Different components each follow their own typical schedules, so knowing the breakdown helps you plan. Below are common ranges and what affects each span.
Windshield and glass
Without ADAS calibration, a windshield swap can be done same-day, often in 20 minutes to two hours.
If your vehicle has ADAS, add calibration and a verification drive after installation. Miracle Body and Paint Collision Center coordinates those steps to avoid delays.
Bumpers, fenders, and doors
Minor bumper fixes usually finish in 1 day. A bumper replacement commonly ranges 1–3 days due to parts and paint.
Fender and door work varies: repairs often take 1–2 days, while replacement and panel paint can extend to 2–4 days.
Frame, suspension, and alignment
Frame straightening spans about 4 days to 2 weeks depending on severity and measuring cycles. Suspension jobs and alignments are typically 2–3 days.
Paint work
Spot paint blends are generally 2–4 days. Full-panel or multi-panel refinish work can take 1–2 weeks for prep, color match, and curing.
Engine, transmission, and internal components
Complex drivetrain work often runs 1–4 weeks. Parts availability and diagnostic sequencing drive the schedule, so confirm OEM vs aftermarket choices early.
- Tip: Even small dents and scratches can add steps for trim removal or sensor checks.
- Coordination: Sublet tasks like wheel alignment or calibration may add brief scheduling gaps.
| Component | Typical span | Key variable | 
|---|---|---|
| Glass (no ADAS / with ADAS) | Same-day / +calibration | Calibration & verification | 
| Bumpers, fenders, doors | 1–4 days | Repair vs replacement + paint | 
| Frame & suspension | 4 days–2 weeks | Extent of damage & measuring | 
| Engine & transmission | 1–4 weeks | Parts ETA & diagnostics | 
How to shorten your repair time
Being proactive with approvals and part choices cuts down on waiting and keeps work on schedule. A few smart steps let you move faster through the repair timeline and get your vehicle back sooner.

Be responsive on approvals and repair options
Approve estimates quickly. When you sign off, the shop can order parts and lock labor slots. Insurance approval usually takes 3–5 days, so fast responses reduce added waits.
Stay proactive on communication and documentation
Answer calls and send claim numbers, adjuster contacts, and requested photos right away. Clear communication keeps each step of the process moving.
Schedule during non-peak periods when possible
Ask your repair shop about slower windows. Lighter workload often means faster throughput and more technician attention.
Discuss part choices early to avoid backorders
Talk about OEM versus aftermarket parts and color availability up front. Choosing commonly available components avoids backorder delays and costly replacements.
- Request a projected repair timeline with milestones and ask for progress updates.
- Consolidate small add-ons to prevent multiple shipments and interruptions.
- Bring your car clean and empty so techs can access panels quickly.
Contact Miracle Body and Paint Collision Center early at Leon Valley or Walzem Rd to secure your spot, get help coordinating with your insurance provider, and discuss parts options to minimize delays.
Choosing a San Antonio repair shop that keeps you on schedule
Pick a shop that keeps schedules tight and communicates milestone updates clearly.
What to look for: certifications, insurer relationships, and calibration tools
Start with credentials. Choose a repair shop with OEM and I-CAR training, plus proven frame, alignment, and calibration capabilities.
Find a company that works smoothly with your insurance company. Fast estimator responses and clear supplement handling speed approvals.
Confirm the facility offers ADAS calibration and specialized procedures so your vehicle does not need off-site service.
Two San Antonio locations for faster scheduling and service
Multiple locations reduce waiting lists. Miracle Body and Paint Collision Center operates two San Antonio shops to spread workload and shorten lead times.
- North West San Antonio – Leon Valley: (210) 680-1987, 6217 Grissom Rd., San Antonio, TX 78238
- North East San Antonio – Walzem Rd: (210) 858-3630, 4650 Walzem Rd, San Antonio, TX 78218
| Feature | Why it matters | How Miracle helps | 
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | Reduces rework and ensures proper procedures | OEM & I-CAR trained technicians on staff | 
| Insurer collaboration | Smoother approvals and faster start-to-finish | Direct coordination with your insurance company | 
| Calibration & tools | Avoids off-site delays for ADAS or specialty work | In-house calibration and alignment capabilities | 
Want guidance on choosing the best center? Read our guide to the best collision repair center and call to book your estimate today.
Conclusion
The total span often reflects the extent of damage and the sequence of inspections and calibrations that follow.
Your expected repair time depends on severity, parts availability, and insurer steps. Minor cosmetic fixes usually take days, while major structural work can extend to weeks.
Stay proactive: approve estimates quickly, coordinate with your insurance provider, and choose available parts when options meet quality standards to avoid long collision repair delays.
When you’re ready to move forward, hire Miracle Body and Paint Collision Center. Two locations to serve you:
North West San Antonio – Leon Valley: (210) 680-1987, 6217 Grissom Rd., San Antonio, TX 78238.
North East San Antonio – Walzem Rd: (210) 858-3630, 4650 Walzem Rd, San Antonio, TX 78218.


