When your wheelchair accessible vehicle is off the road for repairs, it does not just affect getting around. It affects everything: the school run, hospital appointments, work, and time with family. So when the vehicle goes to the body shop, one question tends to take over: how long is this going to take? The honest answer is that WAV repairs almost always take longer than a standard car repair. Sometimes quite a bit longer.
This guide explains why, gives you a realistic picture of what to expect, and shows how a short-term hire from Open Road Access (ORA) can keep things moving while you wait.
Why do WAV repairs take longer?
A standard car repair covers the basics: panels, paintwork, mechanics, and electrics. A WAV has all of those, too, but it also has a specialist conversion on top. That is what makes the timelines so different.
Depending on the vehicle, the conversion might include a lowered floor, a ramp or lift, custom seating, wheelchair restraints, or specialist wiring. After an accident, all of that needs to be assessed and repaired alongside the standard damage. That usually means:
- Sourcing parts that are specific to the conversion, not off-the-shelf items
- Coordinating between the body shop, the insurer, and the company that originally converted the vehicle
- Safety checks on things like the ramp, restraints, and lowered floor once the repair is done
That extra complexity is why WAV repairs often take two to three times as long as the same job on a standard car.
Also Read: WAV Subscription Vs Traditional Leasing
What kind of timelines are we talking about?
Every repair is different, but here is a realistic guide based on the type of damage.
Minor cosmetic damage
Scratches, small dents, light bumper damage, or a wing mirror replacement. The conversion itself is usually untouched.
- Typical timeline: 1 to 3 weeks
- Main delays: parts ordering and insurer sign-off
Check Open Road Access Trustpilot Reviews
Mechanical or moderate structural damage
Front-end collisions, suspension damage, or damage to parts of the car that are not part of the conversion.
- Typical timeline: 4 to 10 weeks
- Main delays: parts availability and engineer reports
Damage to the conversion itself
This is where timelines really stretch. If the lowered floor, ramp, lift, restraint anchors, or rear conversion area are damaged, the repair becomes much more involved.
- Typical timeline: 8 to 20 or more weeks
- Main delays: specialist parts, coordinating with the original converter, and re-certifying the conversion
In serious cases, repairs can run beyond six months.
A quick summary of repair timelines
| Type of damage | Typical repair time | The main reason for the delay |
| Minor cosmetic | 1 to 3 weeks | Ordering parts, insurer sign-off |
| Mechanical or structural | 4 to 10 weeks | Engineer reports, parts availability |
| Damage to the conversion | 8 to 20+ weeks | Specialist scheduling, re-certification |
| Severe damage or total loss | Often 3+ months | Engineer review and insurer decision |
These are realistic ranges rather than guarantees. Your insurer should be able to give you a clearer estimate once an engineer has looked at the vehicle.
Check Open Road Access Trustpilot Reviews
What affects how long the repair takes?
Two vehicles with similar damage can end up with very different repair times. The most common factors are:
- How quickly the insurer approves the claim and appoints an engineer
- Whether the body shop has experience with WAVs, or needs to bring someone else in for the conversion work
- How easy the parts are to source, which can be tricky for older or less common conversions
- Whether safety-critical parts like the floor or restraint anchors are involved, as these need careful re-certification
Staying mobile while the repair is underway
The hardest part of a long WAV repair is not the wait itself. It is the gap it creates in everyday life. Many insurance policies include a courtesy car, but a standard car is not accessible. For a lot of families, that is not a practical option.
Here are a few things worth trying:
- Check your policy for a like-for-like WAV replacement. Some specialist WAV policies include one; many standard motor policies do not.
- Ask your insurer whether they will cover the cost of a short-term WAV hire as part of your claim. Get any agreement in writing before you book.
- Arrange a short-term hire yourself. This is often the quickest way to keep things moving, especially when repairs are going to run for several weeks or months.
At ORA, we provide flexible WAV hire across the UK for exactly these situations. You can hire for as long as you need and return the vehicle once your own is back on the road. Whether you are looking at a couple of weeks for minor repairs or several months for something more serious, we can help.
Also Read: WAV vs Adapted Car: What’s the Difference?
A few practical tips to make the process easier
- Keep a written record of every conversation with your insurer or body shop, including dates and what was said.
- Ask for an engineer’s report early. It usually gives you the most reliable timeline.
- Confirm who will carry out the conversion work, and whether the original converter will be involved.
- Plan for essential journeys, especially medical appointments and school runs.
Staying organised will not speed up a complicated repair, but it will reduce the number of unwelcome surprises along the way.
FAQs
Why is my insurer saying the repair will take so long?
WAV repairs go beyond standard panel and mechanical work. Insurers have to coordinate with the original converter, source specialist parts, and re-certify safety-critical items like the ramp, floor, and restraints. A repair that might take two weeks on a standard car can easily take two to three months when conversion damage is involved.
Will my insurance provide a WAV as a courtesy vehicle?
Sometimes, but not always. Specialist WAV policies often include a like-for-like accessible replacement. Standard motor policies usually only offer a standard courtesy car. Check your policy wording carefully, and if you are unsure, ask your insurer in writing whether they will fund a short-term WAV hire as part of your claim.
Can I hire a WAV from ORA while my vehicle is being repaired?
Yes, absolutely. Many of the families who come to us are in exactly this situation. Their WAV is in for repairs, their insurer has not been able to provide an accessible replacement, and the timeline keeps shifting. You can hire from us for as long as you need, and end the hire once your own vehicle is back. We work with customers across the UK on flexible, short-term arrangements.
What if my WAV is written off?
If the repair cost exceeds the vehicle’s value, your insurer may declare it a total loss. From there, you will usually wait for a settlement figure before you can start looking for a replacement. Finding another suitable WAV can take longer than replacing a standard car, given the limited availability and the conversion process involved. A short-term hire is often the most practical way to stay mobile during this period.
Can I claim back the cost of a WAV hire?
In some cases, yes. If your policy does not include an accessible courtesy vehicle and you rely on accessible transport day to day, you may be able to claim hire costs back as part of your settlement. Always confirm this with your insurer in writing before you book, and keep all receipts and correspondence for the claim.
To Sum Up
WAV insurance repairs take longer than standard car repairs, and the more complex the conversion damage, the longer the wait tends to be. Minor damage is usually a matter of weeks. Mechanical damage can take a few months. Conversion damage can take considerably longer.
Knowing what to expect helps you plan. Check your policy, ask the right questions early, and keep clear records throughout. And if your insurer is not able to provide an accessible replacement in the meantime, ORA can help keep school runs, hospital trips, and everyday life on track until your vehicle is back where it belongs.
.
Follow Us
- Google Map: Open Road Access
- Instagram: Openroadaccess
- Facebook: Openroadaccess
- YouTube: @OpenRoadAccess
- LinkedIn: Open-road-access
