What Impacts Car Repair Costs and Service Times?
A-MAX Editorial Team
Reviewed by Rajesh Sankaran, Licensed Insurance Agent
Short answer
Car repairs have been taking longer and costing more mainly because of delays in getting parts, more people keeping older cars longer, and fewer trained technicians to do the work. You can plan ahead by fixing small maintenance issues early and making sure the shop has your parts before you drop off your car.
In recent years, getting your car fixed has been a frustrating experience for a lot of people. Repairs often cost more and take longer than they used to. Here are a few key reasons why, and what you can do to save yourself some time and hassle.
Why are car repairs taking so long?
Parts delays
A big part of the longer wait comes from supply chain problems. Repair shops across the country have pointed to slow parts deliveries as a main reason repairs take longer. If the part your car needs is on backorder, your car may sit at the shop until it arrives.
More people keeping older cars
As new car prices keep climbing, many drivers are holding on to their current cars longer. Older cars usually need more maintenance and repairs, so shops are busier than ever.
Technician shortages
Many shops also have a hard time finding and keeping trained technicians. With fewer hands to do the work, jobs wait longer in line.
What can you do to avoid high repair costs and long waits?
Stay on top of preventive maintenance
Most of us have gotten a list from the shop of things our car needs that aren't urgent yet. Take care of those items while they're small, before they turn into bigger, more expensive repairs down the road.
Check for parts before you drop off your car
If you're in an accident, ask the repair shop whether it has the parts it needs before you leave your car there. You don't want to end up paying out of pocket for a rental because the repair is stuck waiting on parts.
Keep driving if the damage is only cosmetic
If the damage is minor and cosmetic, and your car is still safe to drive, think about driving it until the shop confirms the parts are in. That way you're not spending more than you need to.
How A-MAX can help
Want to know what your policy covers if your car is in the shop? Walk into one of our 240+ offices or call 1-800-921-AMAX, and an agent can walk you through your options, including rental coverage.
About this page
Written by the A-MAX Editorial Team. Reviewed by Rajesh Sankaran, Licensed Insurance Agent. We review and update it as state rules and carrier availability change.
Last updated October 29, 2026
Still not sure? Get your price
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Only if your policy includes rental reimbursement coverage, or if the other driver's insurance is paying for a crash they caused. Rental coverage is usually an add-on, so check your policy or ask your agent before you need it.
Preventive maintenance is the routine care that keeps small problems from becoming big ones, like oil changes, tire rotations, brake checks and replacing worn belts or hoses. Following your car's maintenance schedule can help you avoid surprise breakdowns.
It can be, if the damage is only cosmetic. Before you drive, make sure your lights, mirrors, tires and doors work, nothing is leaking and no warning lights are on. If you're not sure, have a mechanic look at it first.
NEED CAR INSURANCE?
We shop. You choose. Get a free auto quote online, call 1-800-921-AMAX, or stop by an office, in English or Spanish. No commitment.