Choosing a Collision Repair Service
When you evaluate a collision repair facility, make sure it passes ALL 10 of these tests!
1. The facility should have an excellent reputation. What prior experience have you had with the repair facility? Do you have positive referrals from friends or relatives who have had their vehicles repaired by the facility?
2. The facility should be well-organized and well-run. Ask to walk through the facility. Are the offices, reception area and customer waiting areas clean and neat? Is the shop area (where actual work will be done on your car) an organized and safe working environment? The condition of a facility will give you a lot of insight on how your vehicle will be repaired and the individuals repairing it.
3. Rental cars should be available so that you have a vehicle to use while yours is being repaired.
4. Facility personnel should be properly trained and certified through industry training programs such as I-CAR and ASE.
5. The estimate for repair should be computerized and very detailed. It should provide specifics on every new component needed, the types of repair and/or replacement required and itemization of all labor and materials. Someone at the facility should review every line item of the estimate with you and encourage you to ask questions if you don't understand something. Be wary of any repair facility that does not take the time to answer your questions completely.
6. The facility should use digital photography equipment and be able to electronically communicate with insurance companies and adjusters. This speeds up the claim process considerably and provides a complete record for all parties.
7. All frame, unibody and alignment equipment should be computerized, and you should be provided with an accurate printout of tolerance readings, both before and after repairs.
8. A climate-controlled downdraft spray booth is absolutely crucial. The paint colors on many vehicles manufactured after 1990 cannot be matched to factory color specifications without being cured in a paint booth capable of maintaining a 160-degree cycle for 20 to 60 minutes.
9. A reputable collision repair facility will give you a written guarantee for all repairs. (Click here to read Triangle Collision’s complete guarantee.)
10. The facility should make every effort to accommodate you with complimentary pick-up and delivery service for your vehicle.
Triangle Collision passes all 10 of these checklist points. We look forward to providing fast, high-quality repair work for your damaged vehicle.
