How Long Will It Take To Repair My Car In South Jersey?

Getting into an accident and following through with insurance claims and other responsibilities can seem overwhelming. You just want things to return to normal, but now you have to wait for your vehicle to be repaired. You may find yourself wondering how long it will take or how long you will have to use a rental. The good news is that, most of the time, car repairs take less than a week to finish. There are some occasions, though, where auto body repair may take several months.

Here is everything you need to know to answer the question “How long will it take to repair my car in Southern New Jersey?”

 

Estimating How Long Repairs Will Take

There are a couple of ways to determine how long it will take for your car to be repaired. If you submitted your insurance claim already, then you need to wait a couple of days for a decision to be reached. Depending on your policy, you may already be assured coverage for damages.

If you know what repairs have to be made on your car, then you can begin estimating the duration of the repairs. Remember that estimates are just estimates. Sometimes, the auto body repair shop will have fewer clients ahead of you. Sometimes, they will have all the parts already in stock. This can accelerate things.

Here are some estimated times for car repairs:

  • Minor auto body work – 1-2 days
  • Paint touch-up – 1-2 days
  • Windshield replacement – Less than 24 hours
  • Bumper repairs or replacement – 1 day
  • Internal elements – 1-2 weeks
  • Extensive damage to internal and external components (if not deemed “totaled”) – Over a month

 

Factors That Delay Car Repair

There are some occasions where you return to the auto repair shop the next day only to find that there has been a delay, forcing you to wait longer. Although this is frustrating, there are a couple of reasons why this could happen:

  • The mechanics are already swamped with work; someone may have called out sick or with an emergency, reducing the labor force
  • Your repair may take longer based on what has to be repaired or additional damages have been discovered that also need repairs
  • The insurance provider was unable to pay for the repairs on time, so your car is being kept as collateral until the payment arrives
  • The parts needed to be ordered directly from the manufacturer
  • OEM parts required are expensive and not completely covered by the insurance provider, so you may have to pay
  • You own a foreign or exotic model

 

If you find that the delay period is unreasonable or doesn’t seem justifiable, don’t worry. Get in contact with the auto body shop to learn why and also discuss what is happening with your insurance provider. A solution will be found.

 

Types of Repair Parts

As mentioned above, there are some instances where special parts needed to be acquired from the vehicle manufacturer prior to repairs. It may take a while for the mechanic to receive the items. This generally depends on the model year of your car. Some parts, called Original Equipment Manufacturer parts, or OEM parts, are the best quality for your vehicle and will restore your car to its fresh-from-the-factory condition.

Any reputable auto body shop is going to want to use OEM, because generic parts could cause damage in the future. Unfortunately, because insurance companies want you to receive your repaired vehicle as soon as possible, there is often pressure on the mechanics to rush. Some body shops are forced to use salvaged pieces or aftermarket items for a quick turnaround, but that can cause ADAS features for functioning optimally.

In short, if you do not wait for the auto body shop to receive the ordered OEM parts, you are setting yourself up for another accident.

But that brings us to a second point: Insurance companies may hesitate to cover the cost of more expensive equipment. At the end of the day, what parts are used and where you go for those repairs is up to you, but that could cause further delay. If the cost goes over the amount allocated by your policy, you will have to cover the rest of the bill.

Elmer’s Auto Body promises to deliver the best repairs using only the highest quality parts.

 

Need Car Repair in South Jersey?

How long does it take to have a car repaired in Southern New Jersey? It depends on a couple of things, such as what needs to be repaired and how fast your insurer moves. Simple repairs may take a few days, while extensive collision repair could take a few months. If you want the best repairs, you may have to put out a little extra, but it will be worth it later on!

Looking for a customer-focused auto body repair shop in South Jersey? Get in touch with us to learn more about what we can do for you by filling out the contact form.

What if I don’t agree with my insurance adjuster?

Being involved in a car accident that results in significant damage can be worrisome, especially when you know that you must file a claim and deal with an insurance company and an adjuster who will have major input with your claim. When you’re looking for fair compensation, there is the definite possibility of not receiving the full worth of your claim. When you are dealing with an adjuster who will do all that’s necessary to pay out the lowest amount for your claim, what can you do if you disagree with what the adjuster has determined? What if you don’t agree with the insurance adjuster? There are ways to negotiate with your insurance adjuster concerning your claim and here are a few of the value in the negotiation process.

 

Your Vehicle’s Value

When you know the real value of your vehicle, you will be better able to negotiate with your insurance company. After an accident, your vehicle will be under the guise of a claims adjuster who will figure the worth of your vehicle and the cost of repairs. Whatever type of claim you submit, you will either deal with your own insurance company or the other driver’s insurance provider. No matter the claim, the adjuster will unlikely pay out the full worth of your claim, but when you know your vehicle’s value, you should be able to determine whether you are getting a fair deal. In that case, you want to get estimates together to determine your vehicle’s worth. That can be done through sources, such as:

 

  • Your own trusted certified mechanic
  • Other trusted certified mechanics
  • Websites that deal in car value estimates
  • Autotrader – Valuation Tool
  • Kelley Bluebook – Blue Book Value refers to the value of a vehicle
  • Edmunds – generally provides an accurate price for a vehicle through their appraisal tool
  • NADA Guides
  • VIN Number search valuation

 

Whatever figure an adjuster finally gives you does not obligate you to accept it, particularly after you know the true worth of your vehicle through the estimates you receive from a mechanic, dealership or other sources. If the offer you are given is below the value and estimates, you’ll need to initiate negotiations with the insurance company.

 

Negotiating

Instead of legally contesting a claim amount and making your way to court, you can negotiate with the insurance company. They’re not eager for a claim to end up in court anymore than you are or the other driver.

 

What to Do

You must get the adjuster to explain the details of the offer made. After considering their justification behind the offer, you’ll want to counter what they have said. You want to remember and know that a trained adjuster will come up with insurance legalese and reasoning behind their estimates.

With a counteroffer on your claim, you’ll want to have both high and low settlement figures that you can deal with in your negotiations. The high and low figures should correspond with the estimates you got on your vehicle through your mechanic or internet sources. When you continue on in your negotiations, you’ll want to deal effectively with the advantages and disadvantages of what the insurance company and the adjuster are making with their offer.

 

Your Vehicle’s Value and the Betterment Term

An adjuster can use increased value or betterment of your vehicle as ways to either reduce the payment to you or charge you for any value increase. When you have an older vehicle that requires new parts to repair it, your vehicle will have more value than it did before the accident. If you have increased the value of your vehicle or made it better, it will be difficult to ask for a higher reimbursement on your claim. To counter your insurance carrier’s betterment charge, you’ll want to provide proof that any new parts didn’t add to the value of your vehicle. You may have to get testimony from your mechanic or a witness to prove that additional parts did not increase your vehicle’s value.

 

Your State

The state you live in will determine the value of your claim, as will the person at fault in an accident. Any payouts from claims that involve property damage or injuries will depend on the driver at fault in the accident, and that will hinge on the state where the accident occurred. For example, in the state of California, any payouts are proportional. The amount of fault you had in the accident will determine compensation, whether it was 10 percent or 75 percent.

With negotiations, any insurance company will want to prove that you were more responsible or at-fault in an accident that involves a payout. In countering that, you’ll want to provide as much information as you can with photos, videos, police reports and any witness testimony. Any solid evidence that comes into play will be of proof in your innocence.

 

Other Points for a Higher Claim Value

There are other points in the negotiating process that can be of help in gaining a higher claim value. Emotional factors come into play with simple photos or images of damage to your car and the turmoil it’s taken on your everyday life, particularly when it involves getting back and forth to work, running errands, carpooling for your children or getting an older adult to medical or other appointments.

Most importantly, organize the counter-arguments you want to make. Consider them carefully and make them accessible in notes to yourself or input them to a device for retrieval. Reviewing your arguments will allow you to go forward and press for a settlement that goes above the lower amount that the adjuster originally gave you. If you can’t come to terms with negotiating with an adjuster or simply don’t have the time or the ability, you may want to hire legal help to settle your claim in an amount that’s agreeable to you. Also, proving who was at fault can be a tricky situation, so you may need legal advice with that as well.

 

Settlement Agreement

Once negotiations have reached the point of settlement and all parties involved are in agreement with the final outcome, the offer needs to be confirmed in writing for all parties. The agreement doesn’t have to be lengthy. Just provide sufficient detail in terms that outline the total amount of the settlement and what will be used in the repair process.

When you don’t agree with your insurance adjuster, negotiating with the right strategies is one way to gain a fair settlement; however, if you’re unsure of the procedures involved in the negotiating process, go ahead and fill out the online contact form and a representative will get back to you with the answers you need to negotiate a fair settlement on your claim.

How long does a collision estimate take?

If you’ve never gone through a vehicle collision estimate, you’ve probably wondered how much time an estimate takes. Any collision estimate will take as much time as the damage done to your vehicle warrants. So, it will depend on just how severe or minor the damage is and what systems in a vehicle may require repair. Before you rush to the closest repair shop for an estimate, there are a few preliminary steps to follow.

 

Talk with your Insurance Carrier First

You want to talk with your vehicle insurance carrier before you get any estimates. Make sure you understand your carrier’s requirements with estimates. They will provide you with approved repair shops and will also specify their instructions to any of those approved collision or body shops.

You don’t necessarily have to use your insurance company’s recommendations, but your carrier will inform you of their requirements in the repair process. Once an accident has occurred, your insurance company will send out a claims adjuster who will estimate the damage and will provide an estimate for overall damages. An estimate through your insurance carrier could take from two to five days, which could create setbacks with repairs. You may want to move on with an estimate through a collision shop when time is of the essence.

 

Average Time for Collision Estimate

When you’re unable to repair any damage on your own and are also unable to get a timely estimate through your insurance company, you’ll need to find a reputable collision/body shop through your own online research and recommendations from others. Just remember that when you do go to various body shops for estimates, you’ll want to ask lots of questions before you commit to and sign off on any estimates you are given.

If your vehicle has incurred significant mechanical and exterior damage, an estimate could be anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, or longer. When the damage is minimal and mechanical issues don’t exist, an estimate usually takes 15-20 minutes. Less involved damage usually means dents, scratches, scuffs, scrapes and dings that don’t hinder a vehicle’s performance. If the damage is severe, and a vehicle isn’t drivable, a tow truck will be brought in and the vehicle taken to a repair facility. An estimate in that kind of situation will likely take longer, which could mean an hour to a couple of days.

 

What an Estimate Entails

An estimate will first entail a detailed inspection. A skilled professional will perform the inspection and provide an estimate. They will go over every inch of a vehicle and document all the areas, seen or unseen, that show damage. From there, every detail noted will be passed on to the vehicle owner. An inspector will even go to the extent of removing side panels and going over other crucial spots on a vehicle to determine if any underlying damage exists on the frame or other areas beneath the surface. Any excessive damage will take longer to assess. Every repair that needs to be made to a severely damaged vehicle from the repairs and parts and on to the paint and finish work will be explained, written out and recorded on an inspection and estimation form.

 

Cost Calculations

Once the inspection phase is complete and all the details of damage are noted, the repair costs will be calculated. An estimator will figure the number of hours of labor that will go into the repair process. Any needed parts will be included, as will the entire cost of repairs. They will provide you with an official estimate. If you choose the shop that did the inspection, you can give them the go-ahead to order any parts and they will assign a mechanic/technician to work on your vehicle. The body shop will let you know the arrival date of your parts and will find the best time to start your repair work and approximately how long it will take to finish the repairs.

An experienced estimator will be able to provide an accurate quote for you after they have assessed the total damage; however, there may be times when hidden damages don’t show up until after repair work has started. When that happens, a repair adjustment and supplement will be included in any final repair costs.

 

Follow the Procedures for Estimates

Any accident that involves major repairs or even minor repairs to a vehicle can be stressful but when you know the procedures involved in getting an estimate and the time that it takes, you don’t have to carry the worry, particularly when you find a collision shop that is reputable and provides you with a fair, concise and accurate estimate.

With the process in mind, you can assure yourself that your repairs will be done quickly, efficiently and to your specifications with no hidden surprises. If you haven’t found the answers given here in relation to estimates and the time involved, or have further concerns with getting an estimate, complete the online contact form and a representative will get back to you with the information you need concerning the estimate process.

What should you not say to an auto insurance adjuster?

Car accidents have consequences and when you are in one and have to make a property or injury claim, you will deal with insurance companies and auto insurance adjuster. They will ask you questions concerning the incidentals of the accident and will be prepared to do their job, which means they will work to reimburse claims at the lowest limit possible for the insurance company they represent. So, with that in mind, there are certain comments or statements that you should not say or divulge to an adjuster to avoid complications with your claim.

 

Dealing With Adjuster Inquiries

Remember that any trained insurance adjuster will do what they can to save the insurance company they represent as much money as possible through any claim made. You’ll be under the guidance of a trained adjuster from the start of your claim, so you’ll want to know how to deal with any inquiries the adjuster or adjusters have. You’re likely to receive a call from one wanting as much information from you as possible along with your side or rendition of what happened in the accident.

 

Insurance Adjusters

You may deal with one or more auto insurance adjuster with your accident situation, as there are specialty adjusters at different levels with insurance companies. An auto insurance adjuster can be investigators only or work with injury-related cases. They can be negotiators in dealings with attorneys or handle property damage issues with vehicle damage. Property damage adjusters can estimate damages, or they can specialize in paying out for damages.

 

What to Remember

When you speak with a property damage adjuster, specialty adjuster or any insurance representative, above all you want to be honest and believable in any answers you give to them. You want to do the right thing and it will help you in defending yourself legally should they involve you in a court case. Adjusters will do what they can to dig at you when they believe you aren’t being truthful with them. You want any information you provide to sound credible and convincing.

 

What to Avoid

Just what should you avoid saying to an auto insurance adjuster? Here are some more important things to take into consideration before revealing information to any insurance adjuster in a property damage or bodily insurance situation.

 

Don’t Admit Fault

When you speak with an adjuster or adjusters don’t admit fault or speak apologetically. Since an adjuster will investigate your accident, they will look for ways to vindicate the insurance company of any fault. If you admit blame for the accident in your initial conversations with an adjuster, you could jeopardize your case or lessen your chances of compensation. Even in the slight chance that you think you are at fault, don’t speak of it in any phone conversations with the insurance company or the adjuster. You want to wait for the complete investigation to determine fault. You may not be aware of the other driver’s fault or a defect with any vehicle in question.

 

Don’t Speculate

If you aren’t clear with the facts in an accident situation, decline politely to provide answers to an adjuster’s questions. You don’t want to give an opinion as to what you think happened or place blame. Giving unproven statements could jeopardize your claim. An adjuster could use what you said previously and turn it to your detriment as the claim progresses. Keep any answers short, concise and truthful. Don’t provide unasked for details. Anytime you are unsure of an answer, say nothing.

 

Don’t Disclose Injury Information

When you experience an accident that includes bodily injury, an insurance adjuster will probably ask you for information about those injuries. You don’t have to answer those questions other than to explain to the adjuster that you will provide the information once doctors have assessed all your injuries. You need to explain that you don’t know the full extent of those injuries until such time that your doctors provide you with a breakdown of your injuries and a complete diagnosis of your medical condition. Divulging the status of your injuries before you have all the facts may give the adjuster the idea that your injuries are not that extensive. Also, don’t sign any medical release forms that provide access to your medical records. If you allow this kind of access, an adjuster may discover other injuries or other medical problems that they will try to relate to your current condition.

 

Don’t Give a Recorded Statement

You’re not legally obligated to give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster. They will probably ask you, as most adjusters will want you to agree to a recorded statement. You are completely within your rights to refuse. An adjuster cannot require you to make a recorded statement. Declining is the right thing to do as an adjuster may try to use any recorded statement against you as your claim progresses and turn your story around and damage your credibility.

 

Don’t Accept First Settlement

If the insurance company gives you a settlement offer the first time around, you don’t want to accept it as it’s usually a bottom dollar offer. The adjuster may try to tell you that there will be no other offers or that this is a last offer. A first offer is usually a lot lower than the actual value of your claim. An insurance company will be in hopes you are desperate enough to accept an initial offer. You have a right to fight for full compensation.

If you are unsure how to deal with insurance adjusters, complete the online contact form and a representative will get back to you with the answers you need to communicate effectively with insurance adjusters and the settlement of your claim.

Car Warranty Scams You Need To Know About

You’re thinking about extending the warranty on your vehicle, but you’re also aware of the scams out there concerning car warranties. You want coverage on your car, truck or SUV, but you’re in a quandary about how to go about it. So, what do you do when you really want to extend your warranty? Ask yourself, I need to know about car warranty scams and how I can avoid being taken for a ride. Here is some information that will give you the lowdown on what to avoid.

 

Phone Calls and Mailings

You may recall receiving a phone call or two or even robocalls from telemarketers trying to use high-pressure tactics to convince you that the warranty on your vehicle is about to expire and you need to extend it before the deadline approaches. You may have also gotten a notification in the mail showing the expiration of the warranty on your car. A letter or postcard will appear as though it’s from the vehicle manufacturer, a car dealership or a state motor vehicle department, and there will be a phone number to call to extend coverage. Before you call that number, which you shouldn’t, check directly with the manufacturer of your vehicle to determine your warranty status.

 

Third Party Contracts

When you’re dealing with are third-party entities offering extended warranty contracts, you need to watch out for what they are peddling as their representatives will do what they can to convince you they are operating legitimately. They usually have no connection or ties with the company that manufactured your vehicle.

Again, contact with a third-party company can happen through a phone call, an online offer or a mailing that appears to be very official. If you buy into their hype, you’re asking for services you’ll likely never receive. Even if the company is operating legitimately and has no connection with the manufacturer, you want to examine every aspect of the contract to determine whether your vehicle will be covered for any repairs or service. There is always the notorious fine print clauses that usually translate as denial of repairs for common everyday wear and tear types of problems or anything that is thought to be an existing issue with your vehicle. A third-party contract can leave you without extended warranty coverage for the most basic repairs, or nothing at all.

 

Protecting Yourself Against Car Warranty Scams

If you find yourself in the situation of trying to recoup services and money from an unscrupulous third-party warranty company, you can file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or you can go through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and lodge a complaint with them. They can help you recover your money and shut down harassment from scammers. You can also make a request through the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that your phone number be placed on their National Do Not Call Register.

Having to deal with robocalls coming into your home or business can be a real annoyance. One way to combat calls is to use robocall blocking software that helps stop calls from unscrupulous car warranty companies. Caller ID is also an easy way to screen and identify calls from telemarketers. Many cell phone company providers offer apps that can help you screen calls. An honest warranty company should provide a genuine number that can be contacted to stop continuous car warranty scams calls.

When you take calls from telemarketers, validate the company’s authenticity before you provide them with any of your personal information such as your Social Security number, credit card numbers, driver’s license number or bank account specifics. With any mailings you receive regarding your car’s warranty, you can check with the manufacturer through their contact information. You can also go online and confirm whether the warranty information matches what’s on any correspondence.

 

Real Extended Warranty Help

You can get a manufacturer’s extended warranty on a new or used car. This is the safe route to take as you can be confident that your vehicle will be dealt with professionally through a certified auto repair shop that uses original parts and employees highly trained mechanics.

If you don’t want to invest in the cost of an extended warranty through the manufacturer, start your own repair and replacement savings account for your vehicle to offset the costs of maintenance, repairs and replacement parts. Putting aside some money every month is often less expensive than an extended warranty that you might not use that often.

When you decide on an extended warranty, you may want to think about investing further in an exclusionary policy that covers anything that is not listed or covered on your policy. Being unsure of what is or isn’t covered in an extended warranty can leave you with having to pay out of pocket expenses for an uncovered repair or replacement.

Whether you’re thinking about investing in an extended warranty backed by the manufacturer or a reputable third-party warranty and aren’t that familiar with car warranty scams, complete the online contact form, and an expert will get back to you with the information you need to make an informed decision. Whatever you decide, make sure you get the answers you need concerning car warranty scams and always read the fine print in any plan. Save yourself the expense and trouble that a third-party extended warranty scam can cause. Please fill out our online contact form to have more of your auto repair needs met.

How to Insure a Car That Has Prior Damage

You’ve just purchased a vehicle that has prior damage and you’re probably wondering, am I going to recover the cost to insure my vehicle with this existing damage? Well, the answer is no, as you’re not going to get any coverage for previous damage. There are reasons that is so and here are a few explanations why.

 

Previous Damage

Any previous damage that happens with a vehicle is not going to be covered by car insurance. Say you have a truck with a severely crushed back fender, and you failed to make a claim for the damage when it occurred. Now you want to make a claim as you are selling the truck to a friend and want to repair the damage. Well, it’s too late, and you must pay for any repairs out of pocket. Car insurance coverage will not pay for any repairs or fender replacement at this stage.

 

When Damage is Covered

If the damage is present on your vehicle and you plan on selling it or passing on that vehicle to someone else, you must follow normal procedures with any kind of damage that occurs. If you want to qualify for coverage, you must report the damage at the time of the accident. Second, the damage has to have been an actual insurable occurrence, such as an accident with another vehicle.

 

Insignificant Damage

Usually, when previous damage is insignificant or slight, some vehicle owners will not make a claim for minor damage such as a gash or small dent. Repairing the damage isn’t worth the time and trouble when the deductible costs are more than the repair. So, instead of doing the repairs, most people will simply drive their vehicle with the damage.

 

False Claims and Insurance Fraud

When a vehicle has damage from a previous accident and a policyholder attempts to claim coverage weeks following the accident, that scenario hints of insurance fraud. Maybe your vehicle had a tree limb fall on it in an area where tree limbs often fall and you lacked the right type coverage (comprehensive) to repair the damage done. That means you failed to purchase coverage for falling limbs and other objects. Instead of paying for the damage out of pocket, you quickly add comprehensive coverage to your policy. In the meantime, another tree limb in the same area falls on your vehicle. Now you make a claim. An insurer would consider this kind of action insurance fraud.

When a policy is new, you cannot claim any damage that came before the inception of the policy. It will not cover damages that you fail to report at the time of an incident.

 

In-depth Insurance Fraud

Insurance fraud can be even more in-depth when drivers create incidents and try to collect on claims under false pretenses. For example, maybe you’re trying to parallel park in a crammed parking spot and you jump the curb and badly scrape the side of your car and put a nice dent in it. Instead of notifying your insurance company, you wait a while and claim that someone ran into your vehicle and pushed it up over a curb and sidewalk while you were away from your vehicle. You then make it your intention to submit a claim for the earlier damage.

 

Can any Vehicle be Covered for Previous Damage?

When a vehicle exceeds damage limitations, there may be issues with coverage. If a vehicle has more than surface or cosmetic damage, there are questions whether the vehicle may be seriously impaired and actual driving made difficult if not impossible.

 

Liability Coverage

You might have a chance for liability coverage, and there is even less of a chance for collision and comprehensive coverage. With both collision and comprehensive insurance, you’re dealing with physical damage and insurance companies may not want to deal with those coverages for an already damaged vehicle.

 

Collision Coverage

With collision coverage, any previous damage usually negates coverage when a new accident occurs. An insurance company may have difficulty determining new accident-related damages from the old ones and deny coverage.

 

Comprehensive Coverage

Even a non-accident related incident that falls under comprehensive coverage will not garner coverage because of previous damage to a vehicle. There may be issues with comprehensive coverage, just as there are with collision coverage. A claim faces denial because of the difficulty in recognizing previous damage from more current damage, despite a non-accident situation.

 

The Safe Way to Go

If you own a vehicle with previous or pre-existing damage, you are eligible for liability coverage. Most any registered vehicle that’s legal to drive on the road is eligible for minimum liability coverage. Even if your vehicle has previous damage, liability coverage is available. It covers costs you incur on other drivers and any property. You need to know, however, that you might need to go through a different insurance provider that deals in high-risk insurance, particularly when there’s considerable damage to your vehicle. Also, you’ll probably be ineligible for either collision or comprehensive coverage when your vehicle has significant prior damage.

 

Prior Damage Legalities

With prior damage concerning your vehicle, it’s important to be upfront with your insurance carrier. When any damage occurs, contact your provider as soon as possible. Your company will document the damage and a company representative will assess the damage and take pictures of any damage. Any future claims will show documentation of previous damage that you report. Remember that any existing damage will not be under coverage. There is no reason to worry about insurance fraud when you are forthcoming about reporting damage when it happens.

When insuring a vehicle that has prior damage, it’s important to remember that an insurance company is unlikely to cover damage that is already there. It’s best to report any damage right away that happens whether you make a claim. If you fail to report previous damage, you could face the consequences of insurance fraud. If you’re still questioning how to insure a vehicle that has previous damage, complete the online contact form and a representative will get back to you with the options available to you.