24/7 Accident Helpline — No excess to pay, no claims discount protected
0208 981 4633The honest answer: it depends. Cosmetic repairs can be done in days, while structural repairs with back-ordered parts can take weeks. What matters is that every stage is managed proactively — that's where most delays creep in.
The stages of an accident repair
First, an engineer assesses the damage and produces a report. Then the insurer (or accident management company) authorises repairs, the bodyshop orders parts, and work is scheduled. Finally the vehicle is repaired, painted, quality-checked and returned.
What causes delays?
Slow authorisation is the biggest culprit — reports sitting in queues at busy insurers. Parts availability is second, especially for newer or imported vehicles. Choosing a repairer with manufacturer approvals and good parts relationships makes a real difference.
How Castle keeps repairs moving
Our engineers fast-track damage reports, our approved bodyshops pre-order parts from the assessment, and your file handler chases every stage. And because you keep your like-for-like replacement vehicle for the full duration, a longer repair never leaves you stranded.
Had an accident that wasn't your fault?
One call and we handle everything — recovery, replacement vehicle, repairs and your entire claim. No excess to pay, no claims discount protected.