Author: elmers2021

Is My Car Safe To Drive After An Accident?

If your car has suffered damage in an accident, you may be concerned about its safety. External damage is often apparent, but you may not be able to see all the damage caused by the collision. These tips can help you determine if your car is safe to drive on the road. If your vehicle is damaged, you need to schedule an inspection at a professional body shop.

Law Enforcement Can Determine Road-Worthiness

If you are involved in a collision, local law enforcement often responds to the call. For those insurance claims, you need to contact the police to obtain an accident report. The officer is also trained to assess a vehicle’s damage and can determine if it meets the legal standards to drive on the roadways.

A law enforcement officer can tell if your headlights, turn signals, and brake lights are operational. If the tires or turning mechanisms are damaged, you cannot control the car. Police can even determine if minor problems will prevent your vehicle’s safe operation on the road. In most cases, if all safety mechanisms and mechanical features of the car are operating, the vehicle will be determined safe to drive.

Look Out for These Danger Signs

If there is smoke coming from your vehicle, it may not be the result of a fire. Smoke is often caused by fluids hitting those hot areas of the engine. At this point, you want to check for any fluids leaking from the car. If fluids are dripping, this is a major safety issue. You might have antifreeze or coolant leaking, and that can cause your engine to overheat. After an accident, oil can also leak out from your car’s engine. When that happens, you are risking the chance of major engine failure or a fire. Finally, brake fluid is an essential part of your safety system. A brake oil leak runs the risk of a catastrophic brake failure on your car. If smoke or steam is coming from your engine, it is unsafe to drive as it could obstruct your view.

All of these leaks could be potentially harmful to yourself and others on the road. If you notice leaking fluid from your vehicle, make sure to contact a tow truck. You can have your car towed to an experienced body shop or repair center. These professionals will inspect your vehicle to determine if it is safe to drive. You don’t want to take any risks when you get behind the wheel.

Although it may seem like common sense, you should never drive on a flat tire. You can quickly lose control of the vehicle and crash. Proper wheel alignment is important after a collision. If your wheels are aligned, then your car is drivable. However, if your wheels are misaligned, you will notice that your vehicle pulls to one side. When that happens, the car can swerve into traffic and cause an accident. If the engine is making strange noises or pulls sharply to one side when driving, it is not safe on the roads and should be parked until you can bring it into a repair shop.

You should never drive a vehicle without tail lights, turn signals, brake lights, or headlights. Before you hit the road with your damaged car, you want to take a look at your lighting systems. Broken lights may also indicate other issues that you cannot see. For example, a hidden electric component short could lead to a fire. Driving with a broken headlamp, lens, or tail light is dangerous. It is also illegal in almost all states. If you are heading down the road with broken safety equipment, you will likely be pulled over and ticketed. In any case, you never want to drive your car until you can get those broken or missing light fixtures fixed.

Your side mirrors are essential safety features, and you want to make sure they are intact. If the driver side mirror is in place, but your passenger-side mirror is missing, then you will still be able to drive the car. You will have to use the rearview mirror to compensate for that lost mirror. However, with two mirrors missing, you might be pulled over by law enforcement for operating a vehicle without the proper safety equipment. Along with that, it is hazardous to drive without these mirrors. You will increase your chance of causing another accident if you cannot see the traffic around your vehicle.

Finally, make sure to check out your hood. If the hood can be locked and closed, you are safe to hit the road. After an accident, the locking mechanism can become damaged, and your hood will not stay shut on the car. A damaged hood can cause air pressure to build up from the engine, and the hood can pop open as you drive down the road. As you can imagine, the hood will completely block your vision. In this nightmare scenario, you are a danger to yourself and other drivers on the road. You never want to risk the chance of an accident. If your hood or other components are broken, make sure to take your car to a reliable auto body shop.

Driving After an Accident Checklist

In short, here is a review of the parts and components you need to inspect before hitting the road. This checklist will ensure that your vehicle is ready to drive. If any parts are broken or failing, you need to tow your car to a repair shop before driving.

Make sure your lamps are functioning.
Check to ensure your mirrors are intact.
Make sure there is no leaking fluid.
Ensure your wheels are in proper alignment.
Make sure your hood is not broken.

Repair Your Car

After an accident, there is going to be damage to the vehicle. In some cases, the damages are minor. You might even consider hitting the road without the proper inspection. However, there are a few things that you need to take into consideration.

Depending on the severity of the accident, you might be able to drive the car without any issues. If there is significant damage to your vehicle, and you drive it without an inspection, you could face some severe consequences. In some cases, the damage is not visible to the driver. When you drive the car, it could be causing more damage to essential components. In turn, your insurance company might deny your claim since you never had an initial inspection of the vehicle. After driving a car in an accident, you can cause more vehicle problems. In some cases, the car might be damaged beyond repair.

Without a proper inspection, your car is an unsafe vehicle. Your brake fluids might be leaking, or the wheels are misaligned. When you take your vehicle on the road, you run the risk of another accident. If you cause an accident with your damaged vehicle, you can get into serious legal trouble. Anyone injured in this accident can sue you for damages, and your insurance company might deny your claims. You don’t want to take the risk and cause injuries to other drivers and passengers because you neglected to have your car inspected.

Looking for an Auto Body Shop Near Me?

If your car has been in a collision, contact Elmer’s Auto Body to set up an appointment. We can get your vehicle back on the road as quickly as possible. You can schedule an inspection by calling (856) 218-0202.

Will My Car Be Worth Less After an Accident?

After an accident, you may be worried about your vehicle’s value. Those minor accidents can require bodywork and other repairs. When you bring your car in for a repair, it does not mean your vehicle’s value will drop. There are many factors to take into consideration regarding car value. Here are a few things you should know about repair work and car values.

Damage Can Lower Value

Most experts will tell you that a car with damage is worth less than the same vehicle without any damage. Some claim that the car loses as much as 33 percent of its value if it has required repair work after an accident. However, this figure does not take into consideration the mileage of the car, options installed in the vehicle, or other factors that can affect a vehicle’s value.

After an accident, your vehicle has experienced economic loss known as diminished value. If your car is damaged in an accident and gets repaired, it will have a damage history. In most cases, this history can lower your vehicle’s resale value. For many cars, the vehicle’s diminished value is due to aftermarket parts. However, even those cars repaired at a dealership will see some diminished value when they are fixed.

There are several ways that your car can sustain diminished value after a car accident. Immediate diminished value is the difference between your vehicle’s trade-in value before the accident and the resale value after the completed repairs. Inherent diminished value assumes that your car has been repaired to the original condition. However, this value takes into account that your vehicle has been in an accident. Inherent diminished value reduces the car’s worth when you try to resell it. Lastly, repair-related diminished value is the lost value that results from the quality of repairs. For example, if you used aftermarket parts or the paint color does not match, then the quality of the repair can cause a loss in the vehicle’s value.

Should I Worry About My Car’s Diminished Value?

After an accident, your vehicle will see a decrease in its value. When you list your car for sale after an accident, it will not have the same value as a brand new vehicle. Even when you repair your vehicle, you might not recover its full value. Any type of accident will lower the resale value when compared to those cars that were never involved in an accident. When your insurance pays to have the damage fixed, the accident will become part of the vehicle’s history report. Services like Carfax can access those reports, and that can lead to a lowering of your car’s value. These values will come into play when you are ready to trade-in or resell your vehicle. In some cases, an accident can knock off thousands of dollars from your original car value.

Unfortunately, the diminished value can affect your resale value. If you are selling a brand new car after an accident, your insurance company will repair it to its original condition. When you sell your vehicle, the new buyer or dealership often checks out your car’s history. In turn, they might not be willing to pay your asking price for the vehicle. Many buyers will not even consider buying a vehicle that was involved in an accident.

With diminished value, your vehicle has not only incurred physical damage, but it has suffered from a loss in value. This diminished value can affect your car on several levels. Now that you know your vehicle will lose value, you can be compensated for the overall loss of value by filing a diminished value insurance claim. This claim can help you recover the difference in the car’s value before your vehicle was in an accident. Depending on the circumstances, you cannot always file these claims, but you might want to look into these options. You will need to get your car professionally appraised so that you can make a claim for its lost value.

Can I Prevent Vehicle Depreciation After an Accident?

Cars will always lose value, even those that are not involved in an accident. The only way you can prevent severe depreciation is to avoid any accidents. You need to keep your car in good working order, perform proper maintenance, and be vigilant behind the wheel. However, even with the safest drivers, there is a chance that your vehicle could be involved in an accident. In those cases, you cannot prevent the damage to your car, but you can take a few steps to minimize the loss that can occur from these collisions.

Choose a Good Repair Shop

A good repair shop may be able to discreetly fix the damage so that even an experienced appraiser will not notice issues with your car. There are also methods for repairing vehicles today, like paintless dent repair, that allow technicians to repair your vehicle with no need for body filler or painting. These techniques mean that the repair may be virtually undetectable when you trade it.

However, it is important to note that almost every car has a vehicle report that may show it was involved in an accident. If your dealer uses one of these reports, they will discover any repairs to your car.

Think About a Dealer Trade-In

If you are trading your vehicle at a dealership, there are a few things you need to know. Any undamaged car with less than 30,000 miles will receive the highest offer from a dealer, especially if it has a look that buyers want at the time. The dealer can detail the car and place it on their own lot. Undamaged vehicles with 30,000 to 65,000 miles will receive a higher offer than a car with the same mileage and accident damage. However, if the damage is virtually undetectable, your car might be able to command a higher resale price.

Dealers often put these cars on their used lots, but they usually auction or wholesale them. Damage in vehicles with more than 65,000 miles may not impact the dealer’s asking price since they are going straight to auction or wholesale. In these cases, the more mileage you have on an older vehicle, the less likely damage from an accident will significantly impact the dealer’s trade-in price.

Individual Sales

One way to avoid losing money due to damage is to sell the car by yourself. The person who purchases your vehicle may not mind that it is damaged. It is wise to inform the buyer of any car damage as vehicle reports are available online to anyone who wishes to purchase them. Any insurance claims or police reports will appear in the vehicle report. The report may even note any significant damage to the vehicle.

Insurance companies will use a precise formula to calculate your damaged car’s depreciated value. In most cases, the figure is usually the same for all insurance companies. However, if you are selling the vehicle, the depreciated value can become more subjective. The potential buyer might feel the car is worth more than its depreciated value. If they are looking for a specific vehicle, it may be worth more to them, even if it is damaged. On the other hand, they can use the damage history to negotiate your car’s price.

Need an Auto Body Shop Near Me?

While you cannot prevent a car’s value loss after an accident, there are a few things to do to help prevent a complete loss on your vehicle. Besides selling the car, you want to complete all the car’s necessary repairs. When your vehicle needs repairs after an accident, there is no need to worry. A good repair shop will do the work that can minimize the vehicle’s loss from an accident.

Elmer’s Auto Body can return your car to its original condition and get you back on the road. If the damage is relatively minor, we may be able to use paintless dent repair technology. Many of these repair techniques are virtually undetectable, and your vehicle will look good as new. Schedule an appointment today by calling the shop at (856) 218-0202.

What Does ADAS Calibration Mean On My Auto Body Repair Estimate?

Reading over your estimate from the auto body repair shop and wondering what in the world “ADAS calibration” means? You’re not the only one. ADAS calibration is not just some fancy lingo meant to increase the price of your repairs. Elmer’s Auto Body believes that, by demystifying repair procedures and steps, we can better serve our customers. That is why we are going to tell you everything you need to know about ADAS calibration, including what it means, why it is necessary, and what you can expect when it is done.

Let’s get started.

What is ADAS?

ADAS is short for “,” all of which are technologies incorporated into your vehicle that make it safer to drive. ADAS utilizes what is called a “human-machine interface” to improve your ability to react to whatever arises on the road, from dodging accidents to stopping on a dime. Most systems come standard in many modern-day vehicles, but there are aftermarket features that can be added to personalize your experience.

Some common ADAS technologies include:

Adaptive cruise control
Forward collision warnings
Anti-lock brakes
High beam safety system
Lane departure warnings
Traction control
Blindspot detection

How do ADAS work?

Most ADAS are controlled by a number of computer sensors placed throughout the vehicle. They also have multiple ways to receive data, including automotive imaging and LiDAR (light detection and ranging). This allows sensors to be able to survey a full 360-degree area, regardless of the weather conditions or visibility. Data can also be processed through things like vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2X), WiFi, and other vehicles (V2V).

These systems are meant to decrease human error since the majority of road accidents are caused by the mistakes people make. ADAS improves driving ability overall, reduces the number of deaths, and improves awareness. However, like all technologies, ADAS can malfunction over time and need to be maintained and re-calibrated, especially after damages or accidents.

What is ADAS Calibration?

The states that ADAS calibration is “a process carried out to correctly align the cameras and sensors of a car so that its ADAS system can work as intended.” Such calibration can only be done using specialized tools that are wielded by trained technicians who have experience dealing with such systems. Every sensor has to be precisely positioned. Otherwise, the systems will fail.

ADAS calibration is not something you can easily neglect. Even if the position of the cameras and sensors are off by a hair, there is a significant influence on the effectiveness of the entire system. In other words, the sensors could end up focusing elsewhere, jeopardizing your safety—and the safety of every other person on the road.

Failing to re-calibrate your ADAS can cause other issues, including:

Steering wheel vibration
Harder steering
Steering wheel pull
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) stored in the system computer

When Does ADAS Need to be Calibrated?

Calibration is needed whenever the sensors of a vehicle have been disrupted. Fender benders, collisions, airbag deployment, or even mistakes made during maintenance can upset an ADAS. Some ADAS sensors can be affected by things like wheel alignment, suspension repairs, tire size changes, car roof repair, and windshield replacement. Calibration must also be done whenever a sensor or the mounting bracket is repaired.

How is an ADAS Re-calibrated?

As mentioned earlier, when an ADAS is displaced or damaged in an accident, you will need to have it re-calibrated. Usually, this requires a trip to the dealership, since every manufacturer is going to have their own measures for ADAS calibration. Generally, sensors are aimed at targets while the technician works to scan the ADAS through your vehicle’s OBD port. The process is time-consuming, and if full attention is not given, the entirety of your car’s ADAS can be decreased.

Because many auto body shops cover a broad range of auto makes and models, it is best to let a specialized dealership or auto body shop do the ADAS calibration. The vehicle will be returned to the auto repair shop once the calibration is complete so any further work can be finished.

Therefore, if you receive an estimate that has “ADAS Calibration” written on it, it is most likely because the technician or mechanic is assuming that the sensors have been disrupted for some reason (or simply want to double-check for safety purposes).

Who in New Jersey Can Perform an ADAS Calibration?

Looking for an “auto body shop near me” in New Jersey with knowledge about ADAS and ADAS re-calibration? Elmer’s Auto Body has a long history in auto repairs, and we have seen ADAS technology evolve throughout the years. Furthermore, we know that ADAS calibration takes time, the proper equipment, and highly specialized knowledge to complete. Each of our technicians has been trained for OEM parts, and our shop has I-CAR certification. You can trust our mechanics to have the highest level of training and skill.

Learn more about our services by giving us a call. You can also fill out the contact form to schedule a consultation or to receive a quote. We are more than happy to answer whatever questions you have.

What To Do If The Other Party’s Insurance Company Denies Your Claim

Most people would consider themselves extremely fortunate if they never have to make an auto insurance claim. Even though the process is usually cut and dry, there can be times when the process is frustrating. Not only do you have to deal with the stress of getting your vehicle appraised and repaired, but you could be working with someone else’s insurance company. Then, you get a notification that the other party’s insurance company has denied your claim. Now, things are worse than ever. What can you do when the other person’s insurance company has denied liability? Are there steps you can take to get your fair cut?

Keep reading to find out.

What is Subrogation and How Does it Affect Your Claim?

Subrogation is not a common word. When you are in a car accident, though, it suddenly becomes much more common. Subrogation will play a role in how much money you get and how the entire claim process plays out.

In other words, subrogation is a way to determine who is at fault in a car accident. If it seems that more than one driver is responsible for the collision, subrogation will assign a percentage of responsibility to every party involved. Then, it helps divide up the amount of money every person gets as a payout.

Usually, you will not be involved in the process, because the insurance companies will do it in the background. After an accident occurs, the provider of your auto insurance will do their part in paying for whatever repairs you need. Sometimes, your insurance company will also work with the other party’s insurance company to get you more money.

If the fault is shared, then your insurance company will, for example, say there is a 50/50 split between providers. For example, if you have damages of $3000, the insurance company will give you whatever amount is needed, minus your deductible. So, let’s say $2000. Then, a subrogation claim is sent to the other party’s insurance company, who will hopefully pay for 50% of that $3000. You then get half of your deductible back.

But things can get quickly complicated, especially when the other party’s insurance company denies your claim.

Reasons Why an Insurer Could Deny Your Claim

The main motivator behind an insurance company denying claims is money. After all, insurance companies are a business, and like all businesses, they care about profit. Auto insurance companies aim to reduce their payouts; if they can deny their own insured, they can certainly deny you if it means saving them any extra cost. However, there are more reasons than that to getting denied.

Here are some other factors:

Lapsed policies. This has nothing to do with you. It means that the other driver could have lapsed on their policy, leaving them uninsured at the time of their accident. This complicates matters, especially subrogation.
You didn’t report fast enough. Depending on your state, you will have 2-6 years to file a claim. For NJ residents, you only have 2 years. Afterwards, you will be unable to get money from the other party’s insurance. Be sure to contact your insurance provider as soon as you can after the accident to ensure the subrogation process can begin without any hindrances.
Pre-existing damages. If the insurance company has reason to believe that issues with the vehicle were present before the accident, they could deny the claim.

The other party was not at fault. In the event the police report does not detail who caused the collision, then it must be proven. If there is no evidence to say that the other party was partially or completely at fault, then their insurance company does not have to do anything for you.

Steps to Take After The Other Party’s Insurance Denies a Claim

So, you have a letter stating that your claim was denied. This isn’t over—especially if you are undoubtedly entitled to compensation. Be sure to employ an attorney for this. They will have the experience and knowledge to get you the money you deserve.

Write a Demand Letter

Your attorney will compose a demand letter that is akin to a formal claim that will detail everything that happened, the amount of damages to your vehicle and bodily injuries, and why the other driver is either partially or completely at fault. From there, the insurance company will respond with further reasons why you were denied. It may even offer some payment demanded but not all of it.

Proceed With a Formal Appeal

The other party’s insurance company should have a formal appeal process. In New Jersey, formal appeals are required in order to proceed lawfully.

You May Need a Lawsuit

Usually, the cost of a lawsuit will outweigh the cost of the damages, so you need to think about this carefully. If you suspect that the insurance company is committing an improper claims practice, it may be a good idea. However, you should discuss this with your attorney, as they will have a more educated opinion.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of the reasons why the other party’s insurance company denied your claim, having legal representation and guidance is the first step. In the meantime, proceed as you would with your own insurance company and have your car repaired. As long as some part of life returns to normal, things will seem a lot less hectic.

Elmer’s Auto Body is happy to work with our customers and their insurance companies. We provide high-quality repairs and act as a one-stop-shop for all other vehicle services in South Jersey. If you need help with filing your auto insurance claim, our customer service team may be able to help. Give us a call or fill out the contact form for more information.

Why Elmer’s Auto Body Only Uses OEM Parts

In the past, getting a car repaired for cheap was as easy as taking it down the road to a third-party mechanic. Those mechanics did not have to worry about computerized systems in your vehicle or ADAS or OEM. But such times have come and gone. Presently, automakers are pumping out advanced technologies that can help you drive better than ever before. But that means the cost of repairing cars is more complicated than before. If you do not supply your vehicle with the right parts, it could severely damage its performance. That’s why you should only go to an auto body shop that uses OEM parts.

What is OEM?

Original Equipment Manufacturer, or OEM, describes vehicle parts designed by the original manufacturer that is used for collision repairs and other services. OEM is not an entirely new concept, but they are becoming more and more essential as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) evolve. Since OEM parts are designed specifically for a certain make, they are of better quality than one-size-fits-all aftermarket parts.

OEM parts also guarantee quality. The manufacturers of OEM parts certify auto body shops and require them to follow stringent procedures to maintain that qualification. If you are looking for the best items to repair your vehicle, look at OEM parts.

What About Aftermarket Parts?

The alternative to OEM is aftermarket parts. Many repair shops will use aftermarket or salvage parts because the insurance company asks them to. Some aftermarket parts are considered modifications, but most of the time, “aftermarket” is just a fancy way to say “used.” The main reason auto body shops will give you aftermarket parts instead of new ones is to reduce the cost. As you may imagine, this could cause problems. Aftermarket parts may not be compatible, and that can mess with the ADAS. That is why OEM parts should be your first choice.

Advantages of OEM Parts

Purchasing OEM parts for your vehicle’s repairs come with a couple of benefits. The first is knowing that the auto body shop has been certified to provide such parts. This means that the technicians have spent plenty of hours earning those credentials. Once the auto body shop has the certification, they are backed by the manufacturer to provide superior quality service. Because of this, the manufacturer works closely with the mechanics, so any questions or concerns are dealt with quickly.

OEM parts also guarantee compatibility with the vehicle and upstanding quality. That is because OEM parts are designed by the very people who made your car to begin with; every piece of equipment is identical to the original factory parts. Most OEM parts have a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty, so if the product arrives with defects or damages, the manufacturer will replace it.

If OEM Parts Are So Good, Why Are They So Expensive?

Even with the latest and greatest technology available, returning your car to pre-accident condition requires manpower. You need a trained technician who knows what they’re doing; how to diagnose problems, devise a plan, and execute those plans successfully are all important steps. The cost of installing OEM parts is increased because those technicians need tools and equipment for every single manufacturer they are certified in.

That means a full-service auto body shop like Elmer’s Auto Body invests thousands into their equipment to ensure you are getting the best service available. Of course, that is reflected in the cost of OEM parts and installation. Plus, ADAS sensors have to be re-calibrated, and the process is arduous. Never get your OEM installed by a third-party. This will void the warranty and put you at risk of unhanded practices.

Choose Elmer’s Auto Body For OEM Repairs

The best body shops are going to use OEM parts and have OEM certifications to back that up. Since the cost of obtaining OEM certifications is so high for the collision repair shop, you know that the quality of repairs and service you receive is going to be a cut above average. OEM certifications come with a lot of responsibility, too. Such auto body shops are committing themselves to regulations and supervision. Therefore, you should choose an auto body shop that shows such commitment, such as Elmer’s Auto Body.

We only use OEM parts for auto repair and never take any shortcuts. Every car receives the same uncompromising level of attention. That is why we have a community of happy customers who keep coming back. Fill out the contact form or give us a call to see what we can do for you.

What Are Your Legal Rights For Collision Repair in New Jersey?

Most vehicle owners do not know their rights. At Elmer’s Auto Body, we believe that such knowledge is power, and we want New Jersey drivers to know that they could be entitled to financial compensation for collision repair. These days, with New Jersey having some of the highest rates for auto insurance and vehicle prices, getting those costs covered is a tremendous blessing.

We understand if you are worried about repair shops raking you over the coals during such a distressing time. The truth is that, if you are seeking collision repair, you are protected by laws. If you are not aware of your rights, then auto body shops and insurance companies might try to pull a fast one on you.

Here is everything you need to know about your legal rights for New Jersey collision repair:

The Right To Choosing Who Repairs Your Vehicle

When your vehicle has been badly damaged in an accident, the insurance company will step in once the claim has been filed. During this time, the insurance company may try to push you towards their recommended auto body shop, also known as Direct Repair Facilities (DRP). There are agreements between preferred collision repair shops and insurance providers to save money, but this does not always work out in your favor. As a result of these partnerships, many consumers receive lower-quality repairs.

What you need to know is that the recommendations are only that—recommendations. You do not have to use your insurance provider’s auto body shop. Only trust qualified auto body shops with experienced technicians to do the job right.

The Right To Choose Your Repair Parts

If insurance companies could wish OEM parts out of existence, they would. Fortunately, you have the option to choose between aftermarket, salvaged, and OEM parts for your vehicle repairs—depending on the terms in your insurance policy. Yet, any respectable body shop is going to tell you this: aftermarket parts are cheaper, but they are not always better. Some are ill-fitting and not of the same quality as Original Equipment Manufacturer parts.

Every policy is different, so you will need to check. If it does not state anything against using OEM, you can ask for them. You may need to pay the difference of the cost, but at least you have peace of mind knowing that you are receiving high-quality items designed specifically for your vehicle’s make and model.

The Right To Coverage For All Related Expenses

No matter what happened in the accident, you are entitled to three things: the return of your vehicle to pre-accident condition, payment of any medical bills, and coverage for any further expenses as a result of the collision. In other words, insurance should pay for any dent repair, repainting, glass replacement and repair, and so on. If you were not at-fault in the accident, then you also getting the following expenses covered:

Reimbursement of a rental car
Reimbursement for personal property damage, such as your electronic devices or a child’s car seat
Out of pocket expenses
Diminished value
Loss of income or wages
Pain and suffering

The Right To Guaranteed Quality

Insurance companies may try to persuade you into using a DRP by saying work done at your chosen automotive repair shop is “not guaranteed.” However, any honest and trustworthy repair shop is going to provide you warranties for replacements and repairs anyway.

Prohibitions Under NJ Law

Aside from the above-stated rights, you are protected by the and from any of the following actions:

Oral and/or written statements made by the auto repair dealer that purposely mislead the consumer.
False promises that influence or persuade the consumer to authorize services or maintenance of their motor vehicle.
Work that was done without authorization from the vehicle owner that is not clearly stated and is done outside of working hours.
Work that is started prior to giving the consumer a written estimate.
Failure to provide a consumer with documentation and receipts pertaining to any services rendered. These must be provided at the time of signing.
Failure to return parts that were requested.
Failure to record all repair work done by the automotive repair dealer for the customer. The invoice should clearly itemize every single service rendered, as well as the amount of labor and whether the parts supplied were new, used, or rebuilt.
Failure to provide the customer with a contract that outlines all terms and conditions.
Failure to post signage that informs the consumer that the auto body shop must give them a written estimate, copies of documentation and receipts, invoices, guarantees, and the right to return any replaced vehicle part.

Elmer’s Auto Body—Your Ally In Collision Repair

You deserve to know your rights. You also deserve the best collision repair available. Knowing what you can and cannot do, as well as what should be covered by insurance, is one step back towards normal. Along the way, make sure you choose to work with an honest and transparent auto body shop.

At Elmer’s Auto Body, every technician has certifications for OEM. You can trust us to restore your vehicle back to excellent condition. We do what is best for you and your vehicle instead of listening to the insurance companies. If you would like more information or want to schedule an appointment, pick up the phone, or fill out the contact form.