Author: John Palmer

Will Your Car Still Have Issues After An Expensive Collision Repair In South Jersey?

After you receive the repairs from a collision, you don’t want to take it back to the auto body shop. You paid hard-earned cash and have a right to expect that the repairs made will make a difference. You wonder if your car will still have issues after you took it in for expensive collision repairs. Where you take it in will make a difference because not all auto body shops perform at the same level.

How Bad was the Damage?

Most accident damage can be repaired. Insurance companies wait until about 70 percent damage to total the vehicle. After the auto body shop repairs the vehicle, you should inspect it closely. All respectable auto body shops will stand by their workmanship. You have a right to inspect the car before you pay for it or authorize your insurance to pay for it. In many cases like with prior severe damage, the auto body shop will recommend that you take it for a quick test drive to ensure that no damage remains.

You should check to see if the wheel alignment was corrected, and you should also check that the steering is normal and the headlights work right.

How to Inspect Your Car After the Repairs

First, if you have any issues, discuss them with the manager. For example, if you disliked how they fixed the damage, the painting or the quality of the parts, speak to who carried out the repairs. You want to point out the potential defects before you pay the bill.

Second, request a post-repair inspection. Not all auto body shops will perform this, but reputable auto body shops will do this to verify that they fixed the damage. This inspection provides you with a full assessment of the original damage to ensure that you can safely take the car on the road. Important to note, the post-repair inspection should be performed by a knowledgeable and independent third party. They can support or dismiss doubts that you might express about the repairs.

In some states, they will provide you with no-cost inspections for collision repairs. Let’s say that you can’t reach an agreement with the body shop about the repairs. You would then speak with your car insurance company. They will manage the dispute even if you used an auto body shop outside of their network.

File a Complaint if Required

Good auto body shops should be willing to address your complaints and ensure that the repairs get done right. Let’s say that you can’t come to a resolution. You might file a complaint with the state bureau of auto repair. This bureau exists to ensure that customers who seek car repairs receive fair treatment. A bureau of representatives will review the case, and if they find that the repairs don’t meet the standards of the industry, they will either negotiate further repair work, or they will transfer your repairs over to a more reputable auto body shop. They might also seek a refund or adjustment for the customer in some cases.

Only Work with Auto Body Shops That Offer a Guarantee

Great auto body shops will provide you with a guarantee that lasts for as long as the repairs were made. This is a lifetime warranty on all of the repairs and replacement parts. Going with an auto body shop that offers this guarantee shows that they will do quality work, and even if you experience problems, they will back you up.

When done right, your car won’t continue to have issues after the collision repairs. The one exception to this would be when you had extensive damage done to the frame or severe damage to an essential part of the car. Most often, the insurance company will total the car in those cases.

How Long Do You Have to Determine if There’s Hidden Damage

Each auto body shop will differ on this, which is why you would want to have an inspection done to find any hidden damage before it manifests itself. Some of the most common types of hidden damage after a car accident include:

Brake damage
Bumper damage
Trunk damage
Suspension system damage
Leaking fluids

Reputable auto body shops will do their best to catch hidden damage, but even great auto body shops will occasionally miss something because the issue can materialize more as you run the vehicle.

Interesting Statistic About Auto Body Repairs

In most cases when the repairs cost under $10,000, most customers feel satisfied with the repairs made. Once the repairs cross the $10,000 market, only an estimated 26.6 percent of all customers feel satisfied with the repairs.

When it comes to cars needing to go back to the auto body shop after repairs, they call these cars go-backs because they need to return to the auto body shop. An estimated 10.9 percent of all cars fixed at the auto body shop will be go-backs. That means that one out of every 10 cars will need to return to the shop. Unfortunately, car accidents can severely damage the essential components in a vehicle, and in some cases, they can be difficult to fully fix.

Final Thoughts

On the whole, auto body repairs will fix the car, but you do have cases where they can’t completely get rid of the issues. Some will also make the repairs better than others since this field requires skill. When looking at auto body shops in South Jersey, Elmer’s Auto Body is one example of a great company that has served South Jersey for over 75 years. This is the best body shop in NJ because they hire the best auto body and paint technicians to ensure that the repairs are done right. If you’d like to learn more, you can call us at (856) 218-0202.

Is Repainting A Car Worth It?

Perhaps you’ve thought about how your car’s paint job has begun to show its age and wondered if you should repaint it. Doing a repainting can bring a lot of satisfaction, but you should consider a few things before you tell someone to repaint it. First, repainting a car takes careful thought because of the cost. You can expect it to cost $1,000, but it depends on the complexity and the paint you want. The average range is anywhere from $300 to $10,000.

Worth It? Depends on the Vehicle

Some repaints will cost as much as 25 percent of the car’s value, which makes it a bad deal. Request an appraisal through a dealership, professional appraiser or lender before you repaint it. If it costs 25 percent or more of the car’s value, you may want to skip the paint job and just drive it.

Changing the Color: Should You Do It?

Changing the car’s color will cost more than repainting it with the same color. You should also understand how this can impact its resale value, and in most cases, the value won’t take a turn for the positive. Sometimes it will drop in value by as much as 20 percent.

Are You Holding the Car for the Long Term?

If you plan to hold onto the car over the long term and a new paint job would give you pleasure, then it might be worth the extra cost to repaint your car. Especially if you don’t care about the resale value, it would freshen up its look. Now, everyone should understand how no new paint job will ever have as much value as the original factory paint job. Unless you’re willing to pay $7,000 or more, the original factory paint job will always look better, so you want to protect it as much as possible.

Many Choice for Paint Jobs

You can choose from a variety of paints that will impact the price and quality of the paint job. Everything considers the color, quality and level of preparation. Let’s say you encounter one shop willing to do it for $700 and another that requests $1,400. In 99 percent of all circumstances, you can expect that the $700 paint job will give you half the value. You can get lucky deals on this, but on the whole, you will get a subpar job if you go too cheap.

Don’t Expect a Repainting to Fix All Your Problems

We highlight this because you need realistic expectations. The second paint job will almost never beat the original factory paint job, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. You need realistic expectations.

The other thing is that painting over severe damage won’t fix the issue. Think of it like putting a bandaid over a bullet wound. In some cases, a shiny new paint job can even highlight the problem areas on the car even more. To get the best results, the auto body shop should be able to remove the old paint on the car and fix the problematic areas.

This would include things like:

Gouges
Scratches
Rust spots
Holes
Pits
Dents

Fixing these things beforehand will ensure that you receive the best results. You can’t just paint over the problem, and you don’t want to hire an auto body shop that uses that approach.

Repainting a Car Adds Value Usually

Most of the time when you repaint a car, it will add value if you use the right auto body shop. You might think of repainting as an investment because it makes your car more attractive and will bring in more buyers. In some cases, a new paint job can add a couple of thousand dollars in value.

When you Google “auto body shop near me,” however, check to see that you use a reputable shop. You want someone who understands paint jobs and will do the best work possible with quality paints. A lousy paint job can have the opposite effect on value.

The Unknown Risk

Some risk does exist and many people don’t even realize the danger because you’d never think you’d need to remove the interior to do a paint job. This removal includes the dash, console and seats. In some cases, the technician accidentally damages the interior. Reputable technicians remove this extra so that it doesn’t interfere with painting.

Most auto body shops recommend that you remove all your valuables from the car before you have a paint job done. This removes the risk that you would find anything missing, but it saves time as well with what they need to remove from the car.

Call on the Best Body Shop in NJ

If you’re interested in a business that can do paint jobs well, Elmer’s Auto Body has served the South Jersey community for over 75 years. We have the know-how and the experience to ensure that you receive a paint job that will add value. Sometimes people choose to get a paint job done just as a way to pump up the value of the car right before they sell it. Provided you hired a reputable auto body shop that knows what they’re doing, that can be a viable path to get some extra cash. Call Elmer’s Auto Body today at (856) 218-0202.

4 Important Things You Should Know About Repairing Your Car After a Collision

You had an auto collision. Now, you want to get your car repaired as quickly as possible. Auto collision repair deals with the removal of dents, straightening metal parts, glass work, painting, and auto detailing to get your car back to its pre-accident condition. Aside from that, there are 4 important things you should know about repairing your car after a collision, so you know exactly what to expect.

What is Collision Repair?

For starters, let’s briefly discuss what it means to go to an auto collision repair center, because it is different from lube shops and regular service centers. With auto collision repair, you have automotive technicians who are trained and certified in the restoration of vehicles that have been damaged in accidents or other incidents.

Collision repair has nothing to do with oil changes. Instead, it involves removing scratches, dents, replacing glass, matching paint, straightening bent metal, auto detailing, replacing hardware and doors and handles, and much more. Once your vehicle has been repaired, the technician may also do detailing to eliminate minor scratches with buffing, waxing, polishing, and more.

1. Damages May Affect Other Areas

When you are in a collision, there will be damage to the body of the vehicle, even if it is minimal. The more severe the accident, the greater the damage. Sometimes the cracked glass and bent metal will give way to broken sections of frame, damaged sensors, and issues with the engine or transmission. You never really know the extent of the issues until the technician gets to take a peek.

In order to get your car thoroughly repaired, you must take it to an auto body shop where it can be inspected inside and out. The technician will be able to give you an idea of what needs to be repaired and for how much.

2. Repairs Will Return Your Car to Its Original State

Dropping your car off at one of the many auto body shops in South Jersey (or elsewhere) ensures that your car will be returned to original specifications. That being said, different makes and models will require various techniques and equipment. Keep an eye out for collision repair shops that have technicians certified by manufacturers for repairs, as that guarantees OEM parts and properly repaired computer systems.

Additionally, having your car repaired to its pre-accident condition gives you peace of mind. You know that your car will be sound and safe, even when driving through poor weather or terrain.

3. You Can Choose Not to Have Your Car Fixed

This may not be surprising, but the cost of the repairs is going to depend on the damage done to the vehicle. After a collision, your vehicle may have frame damage, mechanical damage, or both. Any time there is mechanical damage, however, you can expect the cost to be driven upwards.

At this time, you can choose whether you want your car repaired or not. If the car is not totaled, you can choose to keep the cash instead of having it repaired.

For example, your car is estimated to have $2,500 worth of damages. Even though it is still driveable, you do not have to get the repairs. You could choose to take the money and do whatever you wish with the car.

4. You Can Choose The Body Shop Of Your Choice

One of the things that many people do not know about repairing their car after a collision is that you can choose where your car goes. You do not have to choose your insurer’s preferred auto body shop. Think of it as a suggestion.

In actuality, you have the right to take your car wherever you choose, though you may have to obtain some bids from a couple of shops.

Choose an auto body shop with high ratings that is close by, like the best body shop in NJ, Elmer’s Auto Body. When shops are unaffiliated with insurance companies, they are not coerced to use certain parts. For example, at Elmer’s Auto Body, we only use OEM parts for your vehicle and have certified technicians do the necessary repairs and installations.

Schedule Your Collision Repair Today

There you have it—4 important things to know about repairing your car after a collision. Heading over to an auto collision repair shop and receiving an appraisal of the damage is key in getting your car back to normal. However, you do not have to get your vehicle repaired or even go to the repair shop recommended by the insurance company.

Make sure you are choosing the best body shop in NJ for the job: Elmer’s Auto Body. With 3 locations and over 75 years of experience, Elmer’s Auto Body has you covered. As an I-CAR and recognized collision repair center for Acura, Nissian, Kia, Subaru, Honda, Ford, and more, our technicians will get your car running like new. Give us a call today or fill out the contact form to schedule your consultation.

The Real Difference Between Auto Body Repair Estimates

Auto body repair is never really an enjoyable process, but it’s an inescapable part of life. As long as you drive, there will occasionally be a need to repair your vehicle. And, of course, such repairs can sometimes be expensive. After a collision or other accident, you will surely be thinking about the monetary damages, and that’s why it is important to get an accurate estimate from the repair shop. However, getting such an accurate estimate can be difficult. There are very real differences between different kinds of estimates, so let’s try to clear up this misunderstanding.

The Two Kinds Of Estimates

First off, you need to know that there are two basic types of car repair estimates: The quick kind and the thorough kind. The quick kind of estimate is normally done when your vehicle first arrives and is not intended to be authoritative. It’s just an initial assessment so that the shop can get an idea of what they will be repairing. This kind of estimate is usually done by visual inspection. In other words, someone will just walk around the car and look for any obvious problems.

A thorough estimate is something different entirely. First of all, this kind of assessment has to be done by a certified mechanic, as only they will have the knowledge to give an accurate estimate. Secondly, they won’t just look for obvious problems. Instead, they will look for all the problems that can be found. Needless to say, this sort of estimate takes a lot longer. However, it’s always going to be more accurate.

Understanding The Difference

When you get an initial cost estimate, you should understand that it won’t represent the final price. It’s a ballpark figure, so take it as such. Even if the initial assessment comes from a reliable source (like an adjuster from your insurance company), you should still take it with a grain of salt.

One reason for this lack of predictability comes from the repair shops themselves. Mechanics generally charge by the hour, and all of them will have different hourly rates. Your insurance adjuster certainly won’t have time to check the rates for every mechanic in the area, and a shop employee won’t have any reason to do that at all.

What Is A Supplemental Repair?

At some point, you might hear your mechanic or someone from the insurance company talking about the need for a supplemental repair. This term is kind of self-explanatory, as we are talking about extra repairs that need to be added after the initial assessment. When a repair shop determines that a vehicle requires more than the estimate could cover, they have to file a supplement claim with your insurance company.

While this claim is being processed, the repair job will (unfortunately) be put on hold. This is why collision repair can sometimes take a long time. The approval process can take anywhere from a few days to a week or more. It all depends on how fast your insurance company moves. In any case, supplemental repairs are one of the main things that can raise a repair bill beyond what was expected.

Should I Be Suspicious Of Cost Overruns?

If your repair bill turns out to be way higher than your initial estimate, you should probably be a little bit suspicious. However, don’t jump to conclusions because there is probably a good explanation. If you find yourself in this predicament, the best thing you can do is contact the shop directly and ask them to explain every part of the bill. There is no need to get rude or angry, just ask a lot of questions and get the information you need. They should be able to provide documentation for every repair. Also, in most cases, there will be no need to get too suspicious because everything will already have been investigated and approved by your insurance company.

Estimates Can Also Overestimate Your Damage

Obviously, not all vehicle damage can be detected visually. Other problems can be seen with the eye, but not until you remove one or more parts. When a quick initial estimate is done, the inspector will not be removing parts or anything of the sort. Instead, they will be taking guesses and making a cost estimate based on those guesses. If the inspector has overestimated the extent of the damage, those associated costs will not show up on the final bill. Thus, depending on the nature of your repair and the damage done, you might even end up with a bill that is lower than your initial estimate.

Call Elmer’s Auto Body Today!

Before you walk into a body shop for a repair estimate, it pays to know what you are doing. In this way, you will know what to expect and how to react. It is, of course, important to understand the difference between a quick estimate and a thorough estimate. A thorough estimate usually involves removing parts and checking many different things manually, which takes a lot longer than walking around the car and looking for signs of wear. In any case, you might now find yourself asking: “Where can I find the best auto body shop near me?” To answer that question, you need only call Elmer’s Auto Body at (856) 218-0202.

Collision Repair Fact and Fiction

Accidents are something that none of us want to experience. Unfortunately, they can happen to anyone who spends enough time on the road. If you need an auto body repair, it can be overwhelming to navigate the process. Along with that, there are a lot of rumors out there that can make it hard to separate fact from fiction when it comes to professional collision repair. Here are some of the most common vehicle repair myths.

Myth #1 – You Can Only Get OEM Parts at a Dealership

You don’t have to rely on your dealership to get OEM parts for your vehicle repair. While some auto manufacturers require these components to be used to maintain the validity of the warranty, you have the freedom to choose where you get those parts installed. Whether you need a new bumper, a replacement windshield, or any other type of repair, take your vehicle to any shop specializing in your make and model repairs. In many cases, you can get OEM parts directly from these shops.

Myth #2 – The Insurance Company Chooses the Repair Shop

You can choose where you want your vehicle repaired, even if your insurance company suggests a different shop. While some insurance providers may recommend a specific auto body shop or offer incentives for using their preferred provider network, the final decision is up to you. In some situations, you will want to consider the shop’s reputation, location, and recommendations when it comes time to fix the vehicle. Additionally, if you have a trusted relationship with a particular auto body shop, you can take your vehicle there for repairs.

Myth #3 – My Insurance Policy Will Cover All the Repairs

You might think that your insurance policy will cover the costs of all the repairs from an accident, but that is not always the case. Your specific policy determines how much your insurance company will pay out. Remember, they may select the cheapest and fastest option for repair. No matter what, you can still take your vehicle to a trustworthy shop without any issues. These professionals will work closely with your insurance company to ensure you receive a quality repair for your car.

Myth #4 – Your Vehicle Will Never Be Like New

You might have heard the myth that once your car has been in an accident, it will never be the same again. However, that is not true. There are specific guidelines that experienced technicians follow to ensure your car is repaired to the manufacturer’s standards. After the shop has finished the repair, your vehicle could look like it was never involved in an accident.

Your car’s history might still show it was in an accident, but most people care more about the appearance and safety of the vehicle. Yes, an accident can lower the resale value, but most shops can restore the car back to its pre-accident condition.

Myth #5 – You Cannot Dispute the Insurance Company’s Estimate

There is a myth that the first estimate your insurance company provides to you is considered the final offer. That is not true. They often come up with their own assessment based on what they think is reasonable, but you don’t have to accept it. You can challenge their offer and get additional estimates from other auto body shops.

Sometimes, the insurance company’s estimate may not be accurate or cover the total cost of the repairs. By getting multiple estimates, you can ensure that all the problems will be addressed in the repair shop.

If you don’t believe you are receiving a fair estimate, you can ask for help from the auto body shop. Many reputable shops have experience working with insurance companies and can help guide you through the process. You have the right to advocate for your vehicle.

Myth #6 – You Can Fix the Vehicle by Yourself

It is a common misconception that minor damage is an easy fix. In reality, modern safety features and technologies require extra care and attention during the repair process. If not fixed correctly, improper repairs can endanger the driver and passengers. Faulty safety features can lead to accidents or even more significant damage to the vehicle. In turn, you will have to spend more money to address those additional problems with your car.

Don’t Fall for These Myths When Repairing Your Vehicle

It can be tough to separate fact from fiction when repairing rumors. If you need clarification or have any questions, feel free to contact the professionals. They know all about repairs and can give you reliable information you can trust. Remember, accidents can be stressful, but they don’t have to ruin your day. With some patience and research, you can find the best body shop in NJ to quickly get your vehicle back in shape.

Elmer’s Auto Body Is Here to Help

Are you in search of a reliable auto body shop near me? At Elmer’s Auto Body, we take pride in our technicians’ advanced training and knowledge. We understand the complexities of modern vehicle systems and work to ensure your vehicle is restored.

We provide our customers with complete satisfaction through our commitment to high-quality repairs. Our team will bring your vehicle back to its pre-accident condition. If you need a car, truck, or SUV repaired, there is only one shop to trust. Call us at (856) 218-0202 to schedule an appointment for your vehicle.

4 Things to Know About Auto Body Repair for Electric Vehicles

Drivers choose electric vehicles for a variety of reasons. They may want to reduce fuel costs or combat climate change. However, owning an electric car also requires a different approach to bodywork than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Handling a repair is a challenging task for these vehicle owners. Whether you’re a current electric car owner or considering purchasing one, here are four things to know about auto body repair for electric vehicles.

What You Should Know About Electric Vehicle Body Repairs

When you own these vehicles, you should understand that they are not like their gas-powered counterparts. For example, you may need some work completed after an accident to get it back on the road. Taking it to the nearest body shop is not always an option. Consider these points when your vehicle needs to be repaired.

#1 – They Still Need Regular Maintenance

While electric cars have fewer moving parts than traditional vehicles, they still require regular maintenance to function correctly. For example, you must regularly rotate the tires to ensure they have even wear. Along with that, the brakes should be checked to make sure they are functioning properly.

With an electric vehicle, the battery also needs to be inspected. If any of the components or housing become damaged, they can turn into safety hazards. Additionally, some parts of the vehicle are prone to fail if you do not keep up with their maintenance. In turn, that can lead to complications when it comes time to repair the car after an accident.

#2 – They Use Unique Parts

Electric cars have different parts and components than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Instead of an engine, they have a battery that powers an electric motor. Plus, these cars use specialized systems that allow them to recharge their batteries. These electrical systems required trained personnel to complete any repairs on them. Not all shops know how to work on these vehicles. With that in mind, make sure to find trained auto body shops in South Jersey that can handle these repairs.

#3 – They Require Expensive Repairs

If you own an electric car, you already know the vehicle is expensive. However, those costs can extend to bodywork. If the panels are damaged, it is not an easy fix like a conventional car. Many times, it could be costly to repair them. If the accident damages the battery, it may need to be replaced, which could cost thousands of dollars. Unlike gas-powered vehicles, these cars must use parts directly from the manufacturer.

#4 – Repairs Need Specialized Equipment

Some electric vehicle repairs require specialized tools and skilled mechanics to fix a problem. Unfortunately, not all auto body businesses are knowledgeable about repairing these cars. You should bring your electric vehicle to a maintenance facility specializing in this type of work. With that, you can ensure the mechanic has access to the equipment needed to perform the necessary repairs.

Damage to the paint is another problem. If your vehicle needs to be repainted, it might require more time in the shop. With conventional cars, the repairing process is relatively quick. However, that is not the case with electric vehicles. Since these cars have a battery, the mechanics have to be mindful of the temperature during the curing process. Heat could damage the charging or power components when the vehicle becomes too hot.

How to Find the Best Body Shop in NJ for Your Electric Vehicle Repair

Now that you know about the four factors of an electric vehicle auto body repair, here are a few tips to choose the right shop for your car.

Check the Manufacturer’s Website

Take a look at the manufacturer’s website for authorized repair shops. Many electric vehicle manufacturers have a network of authorized dealerships and repair shops specializing in electric vehicle auto bodywork.

Ask Other Electric Vehicle Owners

If you know other owners of these vehicles, ask where they take their cars for repairs. They can recommend a good repair shop in your area.

Search Online

You can also search online for New Jersey repair shops specializing in auto bodywork for electric cars. When it comes time to find a shop, check its reviews and ratings to make sure they have an excellent reputation.

Speak With Local Mechanics

While not all mechanics have the specialized training and equipment to work on these vehicles, some will have the necessary expertise to restore the appearance of your electric car.

Ask About Certifications

When you find a potential repair shop, you always want to ask about their certifications and training. The mechanic should be certified and have specialized training to handle any auto bodywork for your car.

By following these tips, you can find a qualified repair shop to fix your electric vehicle after an accident. Keep in mind that not every shop can take care of these repairs for you. Before you drive your car to the local mechanic, make sure they understand how to fix these vehicles properly.

Need an Auto Body Shop Near Me?

At Elmer’s Auto Body, we have the experience you need to safely and effectively repair your electric vehicle. Our shop has been serving the South Jersey community for over 70 years. We make the repair process as fast, easy, and convenient as possible. Along with that, our team focuses on providing exceptional customer service to all vehicle owners. You can schedule a consultation by calling (856) 218-0202.