Triangle Collision FAQs

If the damage to your vehicle is a result of your error and you have comprehensive and/or collision damage coverage, your insurance company pays for the repairs (less your policy’s deductible). You are responsible for paying the deductible amount directly to the repair facility.

If the damage to your vehicle is a result of the error or negligence of someone else, then the other party’s insurance company is responsible for paying the full amount of the repair costs.

The collision repair facility guarantees its own work. An insurance company or other third party cannot effectively guarantee the quality, thoroughness and craftsmanship of the repairs. Triangle Collision works hard to thoroughly ensure the success of your car repair. Click here to see our complete guarantee.

Yes – the choice is entirely yours. An insurance company may make a recommendation, but they cannot force you to take your vehicle to any particular facility.

No – there is no law requiring three estimates. You have the right to have your vehicle repaired at the repair facility of your choice. (If you’re dealing with a private party or an insurance company that does not have a local office, it may expedite your repair/claims process to obtain two estimates. However, do not obtain an estimate from any collision repair service that you would NOT want to repair your vehicle.)

Original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) parts made by the manufacturer of your car are generally better quality, better-fitting and have better corrosion protection capabilities. Depending on the age and condition of your vehicle, there may be some sound economic reasons to use after-market parts in the repair. The decision should always be yours. However, many insurance policies are being rewritten to give the insurance company the sole right to make this economic decision. Be aware of the terms of your policy in this area.

Differences in repair estimates are quite common. There are three primary estimating systems used by collision repair services and insurance companies: Mitchell, CCC, and ADP. Each system breaks down labor operations differently and frequently uses different material allowances for similar operations.

Note, however, that the biggest reason for estimate differences is that one estimate may not include all the required steps and processes. If you have any questions, we will go over with you every detail of any insurance company estimate or estimate by another repair service. We want you to have all the information you need to make informed decisions about the repair of your vehicle.

Absolutely. We order your parts to arrive before your vehicle is dropped off, unless your vehicle is unsafe to drive or un-driveable and must be towed in. We minimize your downtime as much as possible.

A vehicle is deemed a total loss when the cost to repair the vehicle exceeds 75% of the vehicle’s value. For example a vehicle worth $10,000 would be considered a total loss when the cost to repair the vehicle exceeds $7500. With today’s technology, frame damage no longer means your vehicle cannot be repaired properly. In fact our frame machines are all equipped with the CarTronic digital measuring system and can measure at +/- 1mm tolerances. Rest assured if your vehicle has frame damage, we will return your vehicle to factory specifications.

Today’s factory finishes incorporate multiple layers and specialized additives. Triangle Collision has made a substantial investment in what we feel is the finest paint system available. We mix our color on-site and use the BASF ColorMax color tool to ensure that each vehicle’s paint matches. We take pride in our ability to match factory finishes.

Every vehicle is different. After inspection, your Triangle Collision adviser will give you an estimate of the time necessary to complete your repair.

We are happy to provide this service to you at no charge. Just let your adviser know in advance so we can accommodate you.

If you need a rental car, we’ll help you make the necessary arrangements. Insurance companies will only pay for a rental car if you have that option on your policy or if you are the claimant. (You are the claimant when you are not at fault and the responsible party’s insurance company is paying for the damages.) Check your policy or call your insurance company to find out if you have rental coverage and what the specific limitations are.

We’ll notify you as soon as your vehicle is ready. You can check on the status of your vehicle here. Just key in your repair order number. The status is updated daily.

We accept properly signed insurance checks, cash, certified checks, Visa and MasterCard. We no longer accept personal checks. If the check you want to pay with is made out to you and a finance company, it’s your responsibility to have the finance company endorse the check so there’s no delay in picking up your vehicle.

Parts that wear out and need replacement with time and use (tires, batteries, suspension parts, etc.) are commonly subject to betterment charges when they are replaced during the repair process. These betterment charges are determined by your insurance company and are prorated based on the actual mileage of your vehicle.

Important recommendations and precautions during the first 30 days after painting:

DO’s

• Wash your vehicle by hand with cool water and a very mild car wash solution, using a soft cloth or sponge.
• Always use clean, fresh water.
• Wash your vehicle in the shade.

DON’T’s

• Avoid commercial car washes – stiff brushes and sponges can mar the vehicle’s finish and damage its surface.
• Don’t “dry wipe” your vehicle as this can scratch the finish.
• Don’t drive on gravel roads – your vehicle’s finish can be easily chipped during the first 30 days.
• Avoid parking under trees and utility lines that are likely to attract birds – bird droppings have a high acid content and will damage a freshly painted surface. Also, tree sap can mar or spot a new finish.
• Don’t spill gasoline, oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid or windshield solvent on the new finish.
• Don’t scrape ice or snow from the newly painted surface.

During the first 90 days:

Don’t wax or polish your vehicle – it’s important to allow the finish to dry and harden completely.

Because to us, you’re more than just a number. We know that the anchor point of our business is our customer base, so we’re committed to creating and maintaining excellent relationships with each of our customers. In order to achieve this goal, we deliver personalized service and the highest quality repair available in the market.

We invite you to come in and experience the difference in our service and workmanship.