There are many factors to take into consideration as to how long it should take to get your car repaired. Also called cycle time,it is usually measured from the day your car is dropped off at the repair facility until the day it is picked up. The length of time that your car needs to be in the body shop, especially after an auto body collision, depends on how fast the insurance paperwork gets done and whether spare parts are delivered on time. It may also take longerif the technician finds more damage after the car is torn down.