FAQS - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How can we HELP you and your family?
Unique Frequently Asked Questions
Why use Trident Collision? - Because we are the BEST little body shop in Tulsa. Because we are completely independent; meaning we work for you and NOT any insurance company. While we have worked with all the major insurance companies over the years we are NOT contracted with them to do what they say when it comes to repairing customer cars. They don't send us work and we don't cut corners to save them money. That's called a DRP or Direct Repair Program shop and we're NOT a DRP shop with any insurance company. We focus on quality over quantity and know all our customers by name. We have customers that have used our shop 2, 3, 4 or more times over the years. We have entire families who have used our shop: mom, dad, son, daughter, aunt, uncle, grandma, you name it. We have built our business on good work and good service over time. Word of mouth referrals are the foundation of our company and are very proud of that fact. Read our testimonials on this site and our reviews on Facebook and see what our customers have to say about our outstanding customer service. We know we are in a people business first and a car business second. Why are we Unique? Because the owner-employee runs our body shop, the owner-employee runs our paint shop and the owner-employee runs our front office. Therefore our quality and service are second to none. That's why we are the home of Tulsa's ONLY FOREVER Warranty!TM

Do I have to get 3 estimates on my car?
– NO! State Law allows the consumer to choose any shop to repair their vehicle. Know your rights! You only need ONE initial estimate to start the claims and repair process. In fact, we can do them online for you.

Do I have to visit the shop to get an initial estimate? - No! We do initial estimates via email all the time. Just hit the ONLINE Estimate LINK below and follow the instructions. It's free, quick and easy.

 

Can my insurance company tell me where to have my car repaired?No! By State Law, you have the right to choose what shop you want to fix your car. Your Insurance company is required to work with the shop you choose in good faith.

 

Should I turn the loss into my insurance company or pay for it out of pocket? – That is really a question only you can answer based on a number of personal financial factors. An initial drive-in estimate is typically written as a "visual only estimate". A majority of the time, the price to repair a car goes up (sometimes dramatically) once it is disassembled and closely inspected. We're happy to help explain.

 

What is a "Visible-Only" Estimate? – A visible estimate is written only for damage the appraiser can see without disassembling the vehicle. No hidden damage is assumed. Normally drive-in estimates (both shop and insurance company) are written as visible only because we do not want to potentially disable a vehicle while estimating. Once a vehicle is in the repair shop, we take all damaged parts off the car and inspect for all hidden damage and rewrite or “supplement” the estimate.

 

What is a Supplement? – A supplement is typically a revised estimate for hidden or additional damage, not discovered during the initial visible estimate. Supplements and hidden damage are a normal occurrence because today’s vehicles are designed to crush from the “outside-in” in order to protect the occupants. If a shop finds additional damage, it writes a supplement and notifies the insurance company or customer for approval to continue with repairs.

 

What are OEM, Aftermarket, and Recycled Parts?

OEM - (Original Equipment Manufactured) From your vehicle’s factory supplier.

Aftemarket - Copied from the original factory part and manufactured by a 3rd party supplier.

Recycled Part – An original factory part in good condition taken off of a used vehicle.


Can frame damage be repaired? – Yes! If the frame has not been permanently weakened by a tear or kink. Also, some areas of the crush zone are off limits to repair. Serious damage may require a frame component section or replacement. It is very common and safe for a competent shop to correctly repair a vehicle frame.

 

How long will my repair take? – Repair time is typically a function of labor hours on the job. 4 labor hours per day on the estimates, not including weekends or holidays, is a good guide. Please feel free to ask your Estimator to explain in detail.

 

What are the requirements to rent a vehicle? – Most rental car companies require; the renter must be 21 years of age or older, must carry their own insurance policy, must present a valid driver's license and proof of insurance, and will be expected to provide a major credit card as a security deposit. You can drop off and pick up your rental car at our location with prior arrangement.

 

Do I need an estimate from the shop if I already have an insurance estimate? – No, we are insurance company approved and can start the repair process from the insurance estimate.

 

Do you repair Hail damage? – Yes! We do Paint-less Dent Repair or PDR as well.

 

How often will I get repair status updates?We will update you on your repair status as much as you like.  Everyday, every 2 days, every 3 days and so on or not at all. You decide. Text messaging can be very handy for quick repair updates.

 

How do I set up an insurance claim? – Contact your insurance company and report the accident. Tell them you have chosen to have your collision repairs performed at Unique Collision. Contact us directly and our Estimator will guide you through the entire repair process. We are insurance company approved, meaning we can make the process simple and convenient for you.

 

What if my insurance estimate is different than yours? – Differences in repair estimates are common. A lower estimate may not have included hidden damage. We are more than happy to review both estimates with you in detail and explain.

 

When is my vehicle a “total loss”? – When your insurance company determines the repair costs will exceed your vehicle’s value, this is known as an “economic total loss”. At this point, the insurance company will settle with you and essentially purchase the vehicle from you. You do have the right to keep your vehicle if you'd like to retain it after the settlement.

 

Should I drive my vehicle after an accident? – It really depends on the extent of your damage. Generally speaking, if you have any lights out or your vehicle doesn’t feel like it is operating safely, (such as parts rubbing tires or not driving straight), give us a call and we can arrange for your vehicle to be towed. You may also request to have your vehicle towed to our shop directly from the accident scene. We would be glad to help you determine your vehicle’s safety by simply dropping by our location.

 

Are you open on weekends? – Our business hours are Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm, excluding holidays. Depending on our availability, we can sometimes arrange for an appointment outside of our normal business hours.

 

Will the parts be ordered before I drop off my car for repairs? – Typically, parts are ordered once we have confirmed that all damaged items have been identified. If all the damage is visible, then your parts may be ordered prior to you vehicle’s arrival. On most popular makes and models, we can receive parts in 48 hours or less. Parts are not usually an issue in the repair process.

 

Can you match my factory paint color? – Yes! We guarantee that the factory color will be matched, as long as all painting is completed in accordance with factory suggested procedures. We use the finest automotive paints and processes available. If your vehicle has had prior paint work or mismatched paint, additional charges may apply for us to be able to match the existing finish.

 

Can I get a ride to home or work when I drop off my car? – Yes! We will be glad to shuttle you locally to home, work or the rental car company.  You can also pick up and drop off your rental car at our location with prior arrangement.

 

Can I pick up and drop off my rental car at your location? – Yes! We work closely with all the major rental car companies.

 

Does my repair come with a warranty?Yes! We offer Tulsa's only FOREVER warranty!

 

Do I have to pay my deductible? – Yes, it is mandated by your insurance policy that you pay your deductible to the body shop at the completion of your repairs. If you are not at fault in your loss then a deductible will not be due upon completion.

 

What forms of payment do you accept? – We accept cash, insurance or cashier’s checks, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and debit cards. No personal checks please.

 

Can I drop my car off after hours? Yes! Just let your Estimator know and they will explain the process.

 

How should I care for my car after the repairs are complete? - Following the repair you will be able to hand wash your car as normal. Please do not use a mechanical car wash or apply any wax or sealer for at least one month. Be aware that tree sap, bird droppings, and road tar can stain or mar the finish of any paint, so keep your vehicle clean of this material whenever possible.

Thank you for your business!  We look forward to helping you. The Trident Collision Team.
Tulsa's only FOREVER Warranty!
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Unique Collision of Tulsa
Oklahoma's Only 5STAR Body Shop!
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