TOWING
My car isn't drivable, can I get it towed to your shop?
Yes. Call one of our three locations and we can arrange a tow for your vehicle.
Who do I pay for the vehicle being towed?
If you are going through insurance, the tow bill will be billed directly to them. If you decide to pay out of pocket, the tow bill will be added to the final bill and due at the time the repair is complete.
RENTAL CARS
How can I get a rental car?
If you need a rental car, we can help you make the necessary arrangements, however, insurance companies will only pay for a rental car if you have that option on your policy. Check your policy and/or call your insurance company to find out if you have rental coverage and what your specific limitations are.
Do you offer loaner cars?
We do not offer loaner cars.
ESTIMATES
How do I get an estimate?
Bring your vehicle to one of our 3 locations for a free estimate. We know your time is valuable so if you like you can call ahead and one of our Estimators will take your information to help the estimate go a little faster once you arrive.
Do I need more than one estimate?
No, it is up to you to decide how many estimates you would like and if you want to compare with more than one shop. When you choose Tripp’s Collision, we will deal with the insurance company for you so you can be confident that you are getting the best vehicle repair possible and all accident-related repairs are covered by your insurance company.
I already have an estimate from my insurance company, what do I do next?
If your insurance adjuster has already looked at your vehicle, you can bring your vehicle to one of our shops or call and schedule the repairs. If you do not have a copy of your claim, you can e-mail your claim number or call us with your insurance information and we will contact your insurance company for the estimate. We must have the original estimate from the insurance company to begin repairs.
Will my estimate include all new OEM factory replacement parts?
Each insurance company has different parts guidelines. Many insurance companies only allow for aftermarket (copied and made by another company), remanufactured (previously damaged) or used (LKQ) parts to be used during the repair. You always have the choice to pay any difference in part price if you would like to use all factory parts in your repair.
REPAIR PROCESS
Can I have my vehicle repaired at the shop of my choice?
Yes, in Michigan you do have the right to choose where you take your vehicle for repairs.
How long will the repair take?
There are many factors to consider when estimating length of time for the repairs such as parts availability, paint and material dry times and availability of specific equipment within our facility. We understand that you depend on your vehicle and we work very hard to navigate these situations and return your repaired vehicle to you as quickly as possible.
Will my vehicle drive the same?
Yes, your vehicle will drive the same as it did pre-accident and will be brought back to meet the OEM specifications. Vehicles with frame or suspension damage will require a two or four-wheel alignment. We have specifications on every vehicle to ensure that the frame or unibody is returned to its pre-accident condition.
Will my color match?
With our highly skilled professionals and state of the art paint matching technology, we are able to reproduce the finish on your vehicle. We use the highest quality paint equipment to provide the best possible finish to your vehicle.
What if I want to keep my vehicle after it is totaled?
You have the right to retain ownership of the vehicle, however the amount of the settlement may be reduced by the salvage value. This is something you will have to negotiate with your insurance company. Call us first so we can explain your options for buying back your totaled vehicle.
Do you guarantee your work?
Yes. We have a limited lifetime warranty on all our work for as long as you own the vehicle. It is important to know that your body shop is the only party responsible for a warranty on your repair, NOT your insurance company.
I picked up my vehicle but noticed something wrong after I got home. What should I do?
Our priority is to do everything in our power to ensure your vehicle is back to pre-accident condition when your vehicle leaves our shop. If you notice anything that doesn’t seem right or experience any problems, please call or come in as soon as possible so we can evaluate and correct the issue.
INSURANCE
Where do I get a claim number?
Claim numbers are issued by your insurance company at the time you report your accident. Make sure to write it down and bring it with you when you come in to begin the repair process. We will take it from there and handle all interactions with your insurance company.
What is a deductible and how do I know if I have to pay one?
A deductible in car insurance is the dollar amount that you agreed with your auto insurer to pay towards your Michigan No-Fault PIP medical benefits claim, your collision claim or your total loss claim before your insurer would step up and provide the coverage you paid for under your policy. Think of it like the “co-pay” at a doctors office. You can find out the amount of your deductible, if any, from your insurance company.
What does a “total loss” mean for my vehicle?
The cost of repairs plus the value of the vehicle in damaged condition (salvage value) – is greater than the Actual Cash Value (ACV) of the vehicle prior to the accident.
What are OEM Parts?
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) is a term for parts made by the manufacturer of your vehicle.
PAYMENTS
When do I pay my deductible?
When the repairs are complete and you pick up your vehicle, payment is due. The check issued by the insurance company will be for the cost of repairs minus your deductible. You will need to pay your deductible to Tripp’s collision center.
When is my final payment due?
Payment is due at the time the repair is complete. Please bring any insurance checks with you and your deductible – if you are going through insurance. If you want, you can simply sign the check over to us and do not need to deposit it into your account.
What types of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, check, and major credit cards.
POST-REPAIR CARE
When can I wash or wax the exterior of my vehicle?
You are able to wash your vehicle by hand with cool water and a very mild car wash solution using a soft cloth or sponge as soon as you get it back.
For the first 30 days we suggest that you:
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Do NOT use a commercial car wash. Stiff brushes/sponges can mar the finish and damage the surface.
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Do not drive on gravel roads. Chipping the finish is easily done in the first 30 days.
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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 mar or spot a freshly painted surface.
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Do not spill gasoline, oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, or windshield solvent on the new finish.
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Do not scrape ice or snow from the newly painted surface.
For the first 90 days we suggest that you:
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Do not wax or polish the vehicle. This will allow the finish to dry and harden completely.
WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT
1
Safety First
If it’s possible, move your vehicle out of harm's way and turn on the hazard flashers. Surround your car with warning triangles or flares if you have them. Then get out of the car and stand a safe distance away while you talk to other drivers or wait for help.
2
Are You Injured?
Check yourself and others involved to make sure no one is hurt. Some injuries may delay their effects, so check often over time. Even a fender bender might have caused an injury that's not noticeable right away. Small things like dizziness, nausea, and trouble focusing may be a sign someone is injured more than they appear. Call for medical help if there is any doubt.
3
Call The Authorities
Call 9-1-1! Especially if there has been substantial damage and anyone is injured or acting confrontational. When the police arrive, ask for the investigating officer's name, contact information, and for the accident report number so you can follow up.
4
Exchange Information
Obtain the name, address, phone number, drivers license number, plate number, and insurance information of any other drivers involved in the accident. Also record names of anyone with injuries and witnesses. Don't argue over who is at fault, and don’t admit blame.
5
Record The Scene
If possible, take photos of the scene (a cell-phone camera can come in handy) or draw a diagram showing the positions of all involved vehicles. Contact your insurer right away.
6
Call Tripp’s Collision
After recording the scene, call Tripp’s Collision and we'll guide you through the next steps of getting your vehicle repaired quickly and safely.