Auto body shops predict busy days ahead in wake of snow storm

SEATTLE -- The snow may be gone from city streets, but the wave of banged up cars is just beginning to hit local auto shops.

For every crunch that came during the snow storm, an auto body specialist is on standby for the fix. For every spin out on the pass and resulting dent, a car expert is ready to make it right.

And there's a lot of work to be done.

"Yes, sir, probably going to have to work Saturdays," said Herb Traut of Werner's Crash Shop.

The shop was busy on Friday as mechanics worked on three vehicles with snowstorm war wounds.

"In this industry, it's always a roller coaster. You get busy, you get slow. You get busy, you get slow," said shop employee Jenna Sherburne.

The shop expects to get even busier in the coming days. Industry experts say many people are waiting until after the holiday weekend to deal with their dents. And because insurance companies are overwhelmed with claims, it's taking a while to get estimates.

Jerry Bernard at Bernard's Import Body Works says the average wait is three to five days for minor damage while more extensive damage could take weeks.

"Right now you could probably get your car in pretty quickly, if you do it first part of the week. But after (that), I would say you're looking at two or three weeks out," he said.

Bottom line: if you need repairs, don't delay or that dent you got could be with you for a long while.