Sometimes, the insurance company's claims department causes the delay at the body shop. Insurers also struggle to find qualified staff to work claims processing positions remotely from home. Setting up the new infrastructure with secure internet connections while monitoring staff activity has proved challenging. The cost to repair an automobile varies each day, so authorizing repairs presents another problem—how much to pay for the job.

If your car is drivable, you might use it until the body shop says the parts are ready. Save yourself the cost of a rental car. If your policy provides rental reimbursement, the 30-day limit may expire before they repair your automobile.