Is it normal for my car repairs to take 6 weeks?

Is it normal for my car repairs to take 6 weeks?
A guy had hit me in my driver's side front fender of my 2006 Mazda6, caused major body damage, my wheel was bent in at a 45 deg. angle, etc. My insurance company has said he is 100% at fault, so the claim process is still pending. I told my insurance company to have one of their collision shops listed in their "Circle of Excellence" program perform the repairs. I didn't expect my repairs to take this long though. They said my car would be ready 2 weeks ago, but keep saying they're waiting for a strut to be delivered from Mazda (supposedly it's back ordered). Next week will be the 6 week mark. Is this normal???? I'm getting antsy and the rental is getting very very expensive. Thanks. Also, every time I ask what's taking so long, they keep telling me the parts they need are back ordered. They've been ordering factory parts (which is what I prefer) because they say there aren't really any other alternatives since the car is so new.


Answers:

and so:  can build a car quicker
2006-09-30 12:16:53
star_twin:  wow! I've had my car in the shop like that too. You might want to ask other people what they think of the body shop and see if your case is just a rarity. Also, ask to see your car so that you can see the progress. I have done that myself and found that to be a good way to speed things along. Hope you get you car back soon!
2006-09-30 12:19:15
Scank B:  It doesn't seem normal to me, but they may have had problems getting some parts. The availability of parts has everything to do with. Two weeks seems fine, but six weeks is not usual. Have you asked them what the deal is?
2006-09-30 12:19:32
Veda:  Customer service should be called what it is : " Customer Dis-service " . To get it , you must call the man at the top . I've found that dinking around with a" script reader "does nothing but waste my good time . Ask who their boss is ; and keep going until you get a satisfactory answer or solution. Keep track of all the people you talk to- it may take up to a dozen calls before the ball actually begins to roll .
2006-09-30 12:25:17
chablis10032:  no they should have special ordered the part weeks ago
2006-09-30 12:25:58
Ivan:  Six weeks is a lot, but if they have a stockout, it is probably not their fault. Keep calling them frequently, though, to make sure they keep the eyes on the ball. Also, make sure you add the rental to the claim. Sometimes, it is a good idea to "borrow" a car from the repair shop (for free) - this can be negotiated up front if you have an expensive job done. That aligns their interests with yours to finish up fast.
2006-09-30 12:26:23
Chosen Answer
deputy_dog_43:  parts do get back ordered but i think they are just giving you the run around...most shops assign a car too one person to do the repairs if he goes on vacation then more then likely your car went on hold. after he makes the repairs then it goes to body shop then to paint so depending on how long the wait is for body and paint could also hold your car up. also you might want to ask since the drivers side is the main drive shaft if it hurt the transmission. as far as rental well the person who hit you should be paying for that since it was his fault. good luck
2006-09-30 12:30:27