Category: Accident

Why GM Collision Certification Matters

General Motors is one of the largest vehicle manufacturers on the planet. Brands such as Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac have been absorbed by GM, making them a very multi-faceted company. Of course, any of these vehicles can easily be involved in a collision. Even if you are the safest driver in the world, the mistakes of another driver can cause the same level of damage. For those who find themselves in this situation, it is important to take your vehicle to a shop with a GM collision certification.

How Hard Is It To Get A GM Collision Certification?

Unlike some certifications of this kind, a GM collision certification requires a fair amount of education and time. As part of the GM collision certification program, the license holder must become familiar with a wide variety of vehicles and systems, including (but not limited to):

Engine repair
Transmission repair
HVAC repair
Brakes
Steering
Electrical work/ wiring
Body work of all kinds

Of all these criteria, that last one is probably the most important. In the event of a collision, the body is normally the first part of the car to feel the impact. With the plastic-like bodies found on many modern cars, whole sections can be crumpled like a tin can. Needless to say, most collision repairs will begin with the bodywork.

Why Gm Collision Certification Matters

There are several factors that make it important to use a certified body mechanic. First of all, a certified mechanic will be more familiar with the details and needs of your vehicle. As such, they will be far more likely to do things right the first time. Secondly, taking your car to a non-certified shop can (and probably will) void the warranty. So, unless your warranty doesn’t matter to you at all, you pretty much have to stick with a GM-certified collision shop.

On a lesser note, asking for a GM-certified collision specialist is a good way to filter out the unprofessional choices. Some shops are simply not operating with a high degree of professionalism, and these will almost certainly be non-certified. By demanding to see that collision cert, you can immediately see who is serious and who is not. A shop that isn’t likely to be around in a year or two isn’t going to care about certs, so a lack thereof should be considered as a red flag.

The Importance Of Using The Right Parts

There is another reason that you should avoid non-certified body shops, and it is a very practical one. When you go with a certified shop, you can be sure that they will only use original GM parts. At the very least, they will use parts that have been approved by GM, even if they aren’t 100% original.

On the other hand, many disreputable shops will make use of cheap aftermarket parts to make some extra money. Basically, they charge you for a premium part and then order the cheapest part that they can find. Of course, the cheapest option probably won’t be approved by GM. This allows the crooked mechanic to pocket the extra money that would have been spent on a high-quality part. If you really want to be sure, ask for the part number or product code on any replacement part that your body shop may use.

The Importance Of Using The Right Tools

If you have ever tried to do some DIY mechanic work (particularly on foreign-made cars), you may have noticed that some tasks will require specialized tools. These are what most authorities call “proprietary tools” and that means they are not so easy to acquire. In some cases, you can’t even get the right tools for a repair job unless you are certified by the company that made the car. In other cases, getting the right tools might cost a non-certified mechanic hundreds of thousands of dollars. Of course, for those who are qualified, it is easier to get those specialized tools and do the job correctly. While it still isn’t cheap, it is a lot more realistic.

You can bet that auto companies do this sort of thing on purpose. They don’t want just anyone working on their vehicles, so they make it difficult for non-certified mechanics to do that work. Some people think that they do this in order to “screw” the customer, but this doesn’t make much sense if you think about the particulars. The auto company doesn’t really make any money by forcing you to visit a mechanic (unless you go to a dealership, which many people will avoid due to the higher costs). In reality, these specialized tools are used to try and filter out substandard mechanic work.

Don’t Trust Your Vehicle To Anyone Else

Here at Elmer’s Auto Body, we only employ the best mechanics that we can find and all of them must be properly certified. If you happen to be within our service area and you need some collision repair, you can stop by anytime and see what we have to offer. We have no problem showing our credentials and certs to any customer, as you have a right to know what kind of people you are hiring. Your vehicle is important to you, and it’s equally important to us.

Conclusion

Right now, you might be asking, “where can I find the best auto body shop near me?” If you are in or around South Jersey, Elmer’s Auto Body shop is the answer to your question. We pride ourselves on doing the most professional work because we value our customers very highly. We understand that a vehicle collision is a traumatic event and that most people simply want to get it behind them. If you would like us to help you do exactly that, feel free to call our shop at (856) 218-0202.

What Kind of Damages Can Your Car Suffer In A Front-End Collision?

Needless to say, there are many ways in which your car can suffer from a head-on collision. Those are some of the most dangerous auto accidents and they can easily result in injury or death for the occupants of the vehicle. However, we are going to focus on vehicle damage today, as this is much easier to fix. If you find yourself in this situation, it is very important to be prepared. Not only do you need to have some money set back for the repair costs, but you should also make sure that you have asked yourself the crucial question: “Who is the best auto body shop near me?”

Engine Damage

This is one of the most severe problems that can result from a collision, and it happens a lot. The engine is located in the front of the vehicle, so it will be one of the first components to suffer an impact. Sometimes, the parts that are situated in front of the engine (like the radiator and fan) can be shoved back into the engine itself, causing terrible damage.

The engine is like the beating heart of any vehicle, so it should always be the first repair priority. In most cases, an engine that has suffered serious collision damage will need to be removed and replaced. This is never easy or cheap, but it can be a lot easier and more affordable if you employ the right body shop.

Body And Frame Damage

As the name implies, a body shop specializes in repairing the outer shell of the car (commonly called the “body” of the car). It’s pretty much impossible to suffer a collision without some kind of body damage, and that is why body shops are so easy to find. Most body problems can be fixed, although there is a question of how much it will cost. Obviously, dents and scratches aren’t usually expensive to fix at all, but major body damage can be another story.

If your car has a “unibody” design (i.e., a body that is all one piece), that can make things a little more difficult. With these designs, you can’t just swap out a panel and fix common problems. Still, body problems don’t tend to be that bad.

Frame problems, on the other hand, represent a serious threat to the structural integrity of the car. That’s a fancy way of saying that your car won’t hold together without a whole frame. A hard collision can certainly break parts of the frame, especially the thinner parts around the windows. Bending and twisting, however, are both more common than flat-out breakage. These kinds of repairs are so crucial that you should only trust them to be the best.

Windshield Damage

Windshields are definitely some of the most fragile parts of any vehicle, and the reason is obvious: They have to be made of glass. Thankfully, this is not quite as dangerous as it may seem. Windshield glass is made with vinyl layers in which the glass is held. Thus, if the glass breaks, it will not fly into a million pieces. Thus, it will crack and “spiderweb” without shattering. That being said, an extremely sharp impact can be enough to overcome that technology. In any case, there is pretty much only one remedy for a damaged windshield and that is a replacement.

Wheels, Suspension, and Steering

These components are also very likely to suffer damage in the event of a collision. Your wheels are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, so they suffer a lot of wear and tear anyway. To put it simply, your wheels are more likely to suffer damage because they are carrying all the weight. Of course, the suspension system gives them a hand, and it is also more vulnerable to damage as a result.

When we talk about the wheels, we also need to talk about that which controls them. The steering system of your car is also located in the front compartment (although the exact location varies). Regardless of design, the steering system has to transfer force to the wheels and make them react.

Now, imagine what happens when your front end is struck at a high speed. Everything in the front is going to go backward, and the thinner pieces of the steering system make them unlikely to win that contest. If your front wheels are bent or twisted inwards, anything connected to them is also likely to be damaged.

Fire Damage

Before we even talk about this, we need to dispel a common Hollywood myth: Vehicles do not usually catch fire or explode after a collision, even a serious one. That being said, fires can occur in some cases. You have probably seen a vehicle fire at least once in your life. If not, just do a quick internet search and you’ll see that it does occasionally happen.

In most cases, this occurs because of ruptured fuel lines. Your fuel pump constantly pumps a stream of highly flammable liquid (gasoline, of course) into the engine. If the line carrying that gasoline is ruptured, gas will spray all over the place until the vehicle is shut off. If yours is one of those unlucky cases, you are probably looking at much more extensive repairs.

Conclusion

No matter which one of these problems you may have, you can count on the people at Elmer’s Auto Body to correct them. We have been doing this for over 70 years and there are very few problems we haven’t seen. Collision repair allows you to get your vehicle back on the road and get on with your life, but you need the right body shop if you expect to get good results. If you would like to employ our services or just know more about our business, feel free to call us at (856) 218-0202. We look forward to giving you the great service for which we are known.

Why Small Dings Can Pose Big Problems

When you think about all the things that can happen to your car, a small ding on the door or roof might not seem like a big deal. Many vehicle owners tend to put off repairing tiny dents because the damage seems to be purely cosmetic. However, a dent, no matter how small, is still exterior damage to your car, and it can have a negative impact on the vehicle. That is why even a small ding should be repaired by a professional auto technician.

Today, we’re going to discuss some of the reasons why getting a dent repaired is important.

Dents Harm The Exterior

Many people assume that a dent is cosmetic since most are small enough to be noticed. A ding is more trouble than it seems, though. Even the slightest auto body damage can decrease the structural integrity of a vehicle and affect the paint. Some dents can remove paint from the area entirely, opening your car up to a slew of issues, including moisture and sun exposure. That’s not good. Your car could end up developing rust in that area.

Dings Mask Other Problems

Dents are usually the result of an impact or collision. That could be the impact from a piece of hail or a tree branch. It could be from a light fender bender. You might even look at the ding in your car and be thankful that’s the only thing that happened. But let’s be honest. Even a low-speed collision can cause damage to your vehicle.

The problem is that dings and dents tend to hide other damages that are far less visible. For instance, if you get bumped while backing out of a parking spot, the point of impact could be bent, or the wheels could end up misaligned. While you don’t see an extensive amount of crumpling, the issues caused by such a collision will adversely affect your vehicle down the line.

When you drop your car off for a service, be sure to tell the technician that your car has been in an accident, no matter how minor. They will know to check for any hidden damages around the dents and scratches.

Dents Diminish Your Car’s Value

People are keeping their cars for longer, but that doesn’t mean you might not be tempted to trade in your vehicle down the road. As you go through life, you might own several more cars.

How does a dent relate to trade-ins, you ask? It’s simple. When a car has cosmetic damage, it is going to have a reduced value than a car without damages. If you plan on ever selling your car or trading it in, you should consider patching up those dings and dents before visiting the dealership.

The return on your investment is high. Fixing a dent isn’t as costly as it would be to try and sell a dinged-up car. Besides, having a car in good condition increases the value, meaning you could recoup the whole cost of the repair—and then some!

Dings Are Easier to Fix Early On

You might think that a dent or scratch on your vehicle doesn’t need immediate attention, but we’ve already outlined a number of reasons why you should get it fixed as soon as possible. Letting a dent go unattended for any period of time is like leaving an open wound uncleaned. The issue is only going to worsen and spread, right? It’s the same with a dent. Over time, the damage will get more severe, and the scratched paint will be harder to maintain.

As the damages advance, the appearance of your car diminishes. Not only that, but untreated dents turn into expensive defects that take a lot more time and money to repair. In other words, if you notice a new dent or ding someone on your vehicle, don’t wait. Take it to a trusted auto body repair shop near you. The smaller the ding, the easier it is to resolve.

Conclusion

There is so much that could happen to a car that a ding seems moot. Yet, those tiny dents can actually cause major issues and be expensive to repair if you don’t take care of them quickly. So be sure to keep an eye out for new dents.

Does your car have dents, dings, and scratches? Don’t worry. We can help. At Elmer’s Auto Body, we use methods like paintless dent repair, perform touch-ups, and have a crew of highly trained professionals to get the job done. Your car will look like it just drove off the dealership lot when we’re finished. Give us a call to schedule an appointment with us today!

5 Steps to Take After Witnessing a Car Accident

When you are on the road, you need to pay attention to traffic. In some cases, you could witness an accident involving other drivers. What should you do? Your first instinct might be to drive away and forget about what you saw. However, you need to put yourself in the other drivers’ position. You want to help out and give some assistance to those involved in the accident.

If you are a good citizen, you can stop your vehicle and provide some assistance. However, good intentions could make the situation worse for all of those involved in the accident. With a few tips, your actions can help to ensure the safety of others and provide the best information to law enforcement. Here are the top five steps you should take after witnessing an accident on the road.

1 – Get Out of Harm’s Way

If you just witnessed a car accident, you should pull off to a safe area before attempting to help anyone. After an accident, there could be coolant, metal debris, broken glass, and leaking fuel around the vehicles. You also need to watch out for passing cars. Make sure to stay about 100 feet from the accident scene and turn on your hazard lights.

Along with that, keep a far distance to provide room for emergency personnel to reach the vehicles. If the cars are smoking, move everyone away from the area. This could be an indication that the vehicles will explode.

2 – Dial 911 and Provide Details

When there is an accident, you need to contact emergency personnel right away. You should never assume that others have called for help. The drivers may be shaken up from the experience or are unable to call the police. Make sure to call 911 and explain the situation to the operator calmly. You can provide your contact information, the location of the accident, the number of vehicles involved in the accident, and if there are possible injuries.

You always want to stay calm and collected. This is not a time to panic. With a detailed description, operators can dispatch the appropriate emergency services. You will be offering aid to those who might not be able to reach out to 911.

3 – Check the Victims

It is also important to stay calm on the scene. You should walk over to the involved vehicles and check on the accident victims. Make sure to check the backseat for any infants or small children. You will want to ask the drivers to place the car into “park” and turn off the ignition. It is not your responsibility to determine fault at the accident scene, but you need to focus on the safety of all the involved parties.

If there is a fire risk, you need to try to get everyone away from the scene. However, you should not attempt to move a person who is injured. You can provide comfort and reassure them until medical personnel arrives on the scene. If the person has significant injuries and you move the individual, it can lead to additional harm. Unfortunately, some people may file a lawsuit, which could lead to you being held responsible for causing injuries.

If there is no danger, you might be able to assist in other ways, such as:

Offer your mobile phone to the victims. They may be able to call their loved ones and friends to let them know about the accident.
Ask to take pictures of the damage and write down details of the accident.
Give some comfort to the accident victims, especially if children have been involved.

4 – Speak To the Police

Whether you were involved in a car accident or just witnessed it, this situation can be very upsetting. You need to stay on the scene and wait for the police. When they arrive, you can let the officer know that you are a witness to the accident. In some cases, witnesses can help to diffuse any tense situation, especially if the driver’s reckless behavior caused the accident.

You want to provide law enforcement with a relevant and honest account of the details that led to the accident. You don’t want to accuse anyone of causing the accident. In some instances, that could lead to a backlash towards you. It is the officer’s job to investigate the accident. You should also provide the officer with your name and contact information.

When medical personnel shows up, let them know if anyone needs assistance. By speaking to the police and other authorities, you want to make sure that you are completely truthful about the accident.

5 – Make Yourself Available for a Later Interview

After you have provided your statement and other details, you might be contacted at a later date. Insurance adjusters, police officers, and medical authorities could call to ask you to recount the incident. You always want to honestly and factually explain what you observed at the time of the accident.

With these tips, you can safely assist those drivers and passengers involved in an accident. It is always great to act as a responsible witness on the scene of the accident. You never know, but someone might repay the favor for you.

Need an Auto Body Shop Near Me?

If you have been involved in an accident, it can be a stressful time. First, you need to make sure everyone is safe from the incident. After that, you can find a professional body shop for your vehicle. A reliable auto body shop will expertly repair your vehicle as its technicians restore the car’s appearance. With that, your vehicle will look as good as new as you remain safe on the road.

Elmer’s Auto Body is committed to getting your vehicle back on the road. We have the latest technology to handle all types of repairs. Our customers love our service, and we have the professional certifications to ensure your car is in the right hands. Along with that, we have taken the latest safety procedures to keep you safe during the pandemic. If you want to schedule a consultation, please call our shop at (856) 218-0202.

Social Distancing Tips After Getting into an Auto Accident In Gloucester County

Since restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic are easing, many more people are starting to hit the road. However, with all those vehicles, it does increase your chance of having an accident. In any case, you need to be extra vigilant on the road, or you could end up in a car accident. COVID-19 is still a concern for many drivers. From exchanging information to getting your car repaired, here are a few ways to stay socially distanced after an accident in Gloucester County.

Before You Leave the House

There are a few things that you can do before you hit the road. Whether it is the summer or winter, you need to make sure your vehicle is in working order. Your tires should be properly inflated with good tread. Along with that, always make sure to have a full tank of gas.

Keep Those Safe Distance Priorities

After an accident, you need to collect information and abide by several steps when dealing with a motor vehicle accident. You never want to leave the accident scene until the police resolve the situation. If anyone was injured, make sure to call 911. Pull your vehicle off to the side and turn on your hazard lights. You don’t want to cause another accident on the road.

Typically, you want to collect any accident-related information from the driver. This information should include their name, driver’s license number, phone number, and license plate number. Since COVID-19 is a concern, you could always use a mask when interacting with the other person. You should also maintain a six-foot distance between you and the other driver.

If you are concerned with the hand-to-hand exchange of information, you can verbally exchange numbers with witnesses, involved parties, and the other driver. Make sure to send a text to verify the number. In addition to that, you can send a photo of your information and their required information.

After an accident, it is vital to get all of this information. You might have to get closer to the other driver in some cases, especially if the driver doesn’t have the technology to send the information to you. If you are concerned about the transmission of germs, you can take some precautions. Once you receive the information from the other driver, rub your hands with sanitizer to remove any germs.

If you don’t want to leave the vehicle, you can always wait for the law enforcement officer to come to the scene. The officer will obtain all the information that you need to file an insurance claim for your car.

Document the Scene

There are a few things that you can do that don’t require any interactions with others. When you are out of the car, make sure to document the accident scene. You can take your mobile phone and snap a few photos of the vehicle’s damage. The road conditions should be documented, and you need to make detailed notes with pertinent information about the accident.

Don’t Put Off Medical Attention

Unfortunately, many people have avoided seeking medical help during the pandemic. If you have been injured in an accident, you need to seek help. Even if the injuries do not require emergency treatment, you always want to schedule an appointment with a doctor. Many medical clinics have COVID-19 procedures in place that will protect you, other patients, and their staff. It is entirely safe to visit the doctor’s office to get checked out after an accident. In some cases, you may be able to schedule a telemedicine appointment or video call to avoid an in-person visit.

You never want to delay in seeking any type of medical attention. If you plan to file a claim, you need to contact your doctor right after the accident. Your injuries need to be documented. Along with that, your medical providers can determine the right course of treatment for your injuries. In some instances, if you don’t seek help, the insurance company can argue that your injuries were not serious or related to the accident. As a result, you might not be able to seek compensation for these medical bills.

Contact Your Insurance Provider

After you have obtained the other driver’s information and visited the doctor, you can contact your insurance provider. Many of the most popular companies have tools where you can submit information on an app. If not, you may be able to send all the information digitally to your insurance agent. You don’t want to overwhelm them with unnecessary information, but you need to stick to the facts. All these steps can help you to avoid in-person contact with your insurance company.

Get a Repair Quote

If your vehicle needs repair, you should ask your auto body shop if they will accept digital photos of the damage. Some shops can give you an estimate based on clear images. However, until you get your car into the shop, you will not know the full extent of the damage.

Prepare for Delays

From insurance claims to ordering parts, COVID-19 has caused delays in many different industries. You should prepare yourself for these delays. If you take your claim to court, the legal system is still catching up from the closed courthouses dating back to last year. Even non-emergency procedures are taking longer than usual. You might have to wait to get checked out by your doctor, especially if you don’t need immediate medical assistance.

Unfortunately, many insurance companies are taking advantage of these delays and pressuring the claimants into early settlements at lower costs. If you are experiencing issues like this, it may be time to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

Let Elmer’s Auto Body Help You

If you want to find an auto body shop that practices safe health procedures for its clients, make sure to schedule an appointment with us. We are keeping our waiting rooms clean and offering no-contract services. Your health and safety are our primary concerns. Want to find an auto body shop near me in Gloucester County? Call our office at (856) 218-0202 to set up a consultation.

How To Minimize Vehicle Depreciation After An Accident

Image Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/30478819@N08/43187143742

Everyone knows a car will depreciate over time and with accident involvement, the vehicle depreciates just as quickly. How can you minimize vehicle depreciation after an accident? Here are some guidelines that will help you understand what happens with vehicle depreciation.

Vehicle Repairs

When you make repairs to a vehicle and there are no signs of damage and once the repair process is over, your vehicle won’t appreciate in value. In fact, its value in retail terms won’t be what it was previously. If you think about hiding any repairs, you’re out of luck there as well as any accidents with your vehicle will show up in a CARFAX report which anyone can access. The average figure for depreciation differs with every vehicle, but after an accident, the depreciation rate is approximately 30%. You say, Wow, but when you drive a car away from a car lot, the vehicle depreciates by double digits (11 percent). So, how do you make up for the loss?

Fix your Vehicle

The first thing you want to do is repair your vehicle soon after an accident. You’ll probably contemplate, I want to find an auto body shop near me where the work can be accurately and professionally done. Even minor work will increase a vehicle’s resale value, so you want to find the best body repair shop to take care of those small damaged areas. When you have the damage repaired, the resale value of your vehicle will increase. In all your vehicle depreciates after an accident.

Use Original Manufactured Parts

When you search for a body shop that will do the work on your car, you’ll want to find one that uses OEM or original manufactured equipment to repair your vehicle. Using parts that are considered aftermarket will lessen the value of your vehicle. Keeping your car as original as possible is important if you want to get the most for its value. Whoever you choose to do the work, be sure and ask them whether they use OEM or aftermarket parts and how the value of your vehicle will be affected.

Diminished Value Insurance Claim

One thing you’ll want to do is file a claim with your insurance company that covers diminished value. If your car has been in an accident, it will lose more of its value. Also, if you did not cause the accident and you’re carrying full coverage, your insurance carrier should compensate you for the diminished value of the vehicle. Contact your insurance company to find out whether you are eligible to file for a diminished value insurance claim.

Diminished Value Types

Diminished value exists because of the results of an accident. If you put your vehicle up for sale after an accident, a diminished value is part of the deal. Even though the car goes through the repair process and is in good condition, it still faces a diminished value or depreciation.

There are different types of diminished value that include:

Immediate diminished value – This means the difference between your car’s resale value before any accident involvement to after the accident when any repairs are made.
Inherent diminished value – Once repairs are made after an accident, and the body shop restores the vehicle to pristine condition, you still need to consider that the vehicle was involved in an accident and its value is diminished. When it comes time to sell it or trade it in, the vehicle’s value decreases compared to before the accident.
Repair-related diminished value – You’re talking about the value lost in a vehicle that is based solely on the quality of the repairs made to it. Say the color of your car is not just the right match or after-market or generic parts were used to repair it. The car will suffer depreciation because of any repairs or equipment used that were less than the highest standard. Your vehicle has a good chance of a certain loss in its value from the repairs made to it.

If you intend to claim diminished value through your insurance company, you’ll want to determine what kind of monetary loss you would deal with because of an accident. When you have an older vehicle that has lost its value, making a claim would probably not be sensible, particularly if a court case and legal fees are in the mix.

Determining Diminished Value

In order to determine diminished value, you can find what the Blue Book value would be normally before an accident. From there, you can deal with a car dealership and ask them for a trade-in value on your vehicle. This figure would give you an idea of its diminished value. It may not be the best offer, but it gives you an understanding of your vehicle’s worth.

You can also verify your vehicle’s worth by evaluating it through a company that deals in diminished value insurance assessments. This option would be the most accurate for a more solid figure of your car’s worth. Just make sure that whoever evaluates your car is a qualified expert and is accepted by your insurance company.

When you have an accident and need repair work done, you’ll want to get the best return on any losses, and Elmer’s Auto Body can help you pave the way through to a more acceptable return. Their auto body technicians provide services that return your vehicle to its original looks while minimizing its depreciation. Call Elmer’s and book an appointment for repairs at (856) 218-0202.