FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS
We make fixing your vehicle an easy and transparent process. Here's what you can expect at TriState Collision Center in Columbia, Maryland.
Claim numbers are issued by your insurance company at the time you report your accident. Just write it down and bring it in with you when you come for the estimate, we will do the rest.
Unless your vehicle is found unsafe to drive, we generally order your vehicle’s parts at the time that we write the estimate and schedule your vehicle for the repairs. We then supply you with what you will need to make arrangements for any rental vehicles you may need or a courtesy ride home.
This enables us to provide a quicker turnaround time.
Not necessarily. A car is a total loss only when the price of repairs exceeds the insurance company’s determined value of your vehicle. Nowadays, most cars are built using unibody (frame and body as one) construction.
Our highly skilled technicians, with the aid of our state-of the-art computer measuring system, can return your vehicle to its original factory specifications. If it is determined that the frame section is bent beyond repair, that section can simply be replaced.
Yes. Today’s modern factory finishes incorporate multiple layers of highly specialized paints. TriState Collision Center has made a major investment in the finest paint system available and constantly upgrades its technology and equipment to ensure that each vehicle’s paint matches. We take special pride in our ability to match factory finishes as the final step in the restoration process.
Yes. Just let your advisor know what other work you would like done so that he or she can make the necessary arrangements.
Your advisor can give you an estimate of the time it will take to complete the repairs to your vehicle. However, during the repairs, additional damage may be found and may prolong the repair. If you have questions or concerns be sure to check with your advisor for the specifics on your vehicle.
Yes, we would be happy to provide this courtesy service to you within the local area. We want each customer’s visit to be a positive experience and will work diligently towards that goal.
If you need a rental car, we can help you make the necessary arrangements. Check with your insurance company to see if you qualify for rental coverage.
You will be notified when your vehicle is ready to be picked up.
Yes. We provide a 1-year warranty on workmanship. The parts used have warranties varying by the provider. The insurance company or companies used may also provide a warranty that will be specified to you by your claims representative.
You will be notified when your vehicle is ready to be picked up.
The amount of deductible that you will be responsible for is determined by your insurance policy. If you aren’t sure about your deductible, you can call your agent and he/she can inform you whether your insurance company has waived your deductible or whether you will be responsible to pay this when you pick up your vehicle.
It will be your responsibility to pay your deductible to the cashier
when you pick up your vehicle.
The easiest and most convenient way to pay for your portion of the repairs to your vehicle is with a major credit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Of course, cash and personal checks (pending telecheck authorization) are always welcome. (We do not accept third party personal checks).
Parts that wear out and need replacement with time and use (i.e. tires, batteries, and suspension parts) 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 pro-rated based on the actual miles on your vehicle.
RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS IN THE FIRST 30 DAYS
DO · Wash the 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 · Do not use a commercial car wash. Stiff brushes or sponges could mar the finish and damage the surface. Do not “dry wipe” your vehicle. Dry wiping can scratch the finish. Do not drive on gravel roads. Chipping the finish is easily done in the first 30 days. Avoid parking under trees and utility lines which are likely to attract birds. Bird droppings have a high acid content and will damage a freshly painted surface. Also, tree sap can tarnish or spot a freshly painted surface. Do not spill gasoline, oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, or windshield solvent on the new finish. Do not scrape ice or snow from the newly painted surface.
RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS IN THE FIRST 90 DAYS
DON’T · Do not wax or polish the vehicle. This will allow the finish to dry and harden completely.