What Are The Benefits Of Paintless Dent Repair?

What Are The Benefits Of Paintless Dent Repair?

Few things in life are as annoying as a dent in your nice fresh paint job. Getting an automobile finish can be a difficult and/or expensive process, so it really is annoying when someone or something ruins that perfect shine. You may think that the vehicle needs to be repainted at this point, but that would be untrue. In many cases, a vehicle dent can be repaired without damaging the paint. This is what we call a “paint-less dent repair”, and it has several distinct benefits.

 

1. Cost Savings

What Are The Benefits Of Paintless Dent Repair? Any other kind of dent repair will involve at least partial repainting. Needless to say, this equals a much larger repair bill. A paint-less dent repair, on the other hand, tends to be a fairly quick and easy process. It does take some specialized tools, but it isn’t very hard. Thus, your repair bill is likely to be a lot smaller.

 

2. No Worries About Poor Touch-Up Work

You should probably know that most auto body shops will not repaint the entire car over a single dent. Instead, they will normally repaint the affected area. If they do a good job of matching the colors and blending the edges, a “spot” job like that can be perfectly adequate. However, if they don’t do such a good job, that repainted spot will be very noticeable and very ugly. When you go for a paint-less dent repair, you simply don’t have to worry about that.

 

3. Less Down Time

Being without your vehicle is a major life disruption. When you aren’t able to go anywhere (without asking someone else for a ride), a lot of plans will have to be delayed or canceled. That is why you should try to minimize that repair time as much as possible. Sometimes, you may not have that option, but a paint-less dent repair will pretty much always be done quickly. Thus, you will experience less disruption of your life and plans.

 

4. Preservation Of The Vehicle’s Market Value

In general, vehicles have a higher market value when they still have the original factory finish. Like anything else, a vehicle will bring more money when it is in “mint” condition. Paintless dent repair allows you to fix those minor dings without removing any of the original finish. This is especially important if you plan to sell the vehicle at some point.

 

5. Environmental Friendliness

If you are concerned about keeping your activities “green,” paint-less dent repair will fit the bill nicely. It does not require any chemicals, whether toxic or otherwise. It does not produce any pollution of any kind. This is mainly because paint-less dent removal is an inherently simple process. The dent is pushed from the inside of the panel, allowing it to “pop” back into place. Again, it just requires the right tools for the job, Since it is a simple mechanical process, paint-less dent repair is ecologically friendly.

 

Can You Do A D.I.Y. Paint-less Dent Repair?

It is possible to do a P.D.R as a home repair job. However, it is not recommended for most people. Not only does it require specialized tools, but it also requires the knowledge to use those tools correctly. It’s not quite as simple as pushing the dent outward from the inside. That is a part of the process, but there are numerous little tricks that make the difference between a mediocre P.D.R. and a perfect one. If you can’t do a perfect job on your own, it really is better to call a reputable and experienced body shop.

 

When You Can’t Do A Paint-less Dent Repair

Unfortunately, there are some instances where a paint-less dent repair is not possible. If the finish has already been damaged by the impact, you obviously cannot use this method. The paint-less method will only work if the finish itself is undamaged. If you have lost even a single flake of paint, the P.D.R. method will not work.

That brings us to the crucial factor of dent size. If you are dealing with a very large dent, there will probably be paint damage. Even if it isn’t visible right away, any damage to the paint itself will render the paint-less method ineffective. When they have to pop out a larger dent, more force is required, and that will often knock away pieces of paint. Thus, you should know that this method is primarily effective for small dents and minor impacts.

 

Conclusion

Although it might not always be an option, paint-less dent repair offers many benefits. To sum up those benefits, it will save you time, money, risk, and trouble. If you are interested in paint-less dent repair (or any other auto bodywork), Elmer’s Auto Body is the place to call.

There is no need to ask “where can I find a good auto body shop near me?” because the answer is staring you in the face right now. Elmer’s Auto Body has been proudly serving the New Jersey area for over 75 years, and we look forward to showing you why our reputation is so good. If you would like to know more, you can reach us at (856) 218-0202.

Repairing VS Replacing Your Cars Bumper

Repairing VS Replacing Your Cars Bumper

No one likes to think about the possibility of getting into a car accident. Most of us go about our daily driving and try not to think about those ugly possibilities. However, collisions happen all the time. Even if you don’t make a mistake, someone else might. Because bumpers are usually the first parts of your vehicle to take the impact of a collision, bumper damage is very commonplace. So, let’s discuss the question of when to repair that bumper and when to replace it entirely.

 

When Can Bumpers Be Repaired?

First of all, we should tell you that it’s generally better to replace a damaged bumper if possible. This is one of those parts that exist to ensure your safety, so you don’t want to cut corners here. However, if your bumper has only suffered some scratches, paint damage, and/or small dents, there may be no need for a replacement.

In some cases, you may only sustain damage to the plastic housing that covers the bumper. When this is the case, you can just replace that outer covering rather than the entire bumper. In some other cases, your bumper might simply be knocked a little bit loose. If there is no damage to the bolts and brackets that hold the bumper in place, you can simply adjust everything to the correct position and re-tighten the loose bolts.

Once again, it is important to avoid cutting corners here. You don’t want to do anything that will endanger the safety of you or your passengers. That’s why you need a competent mechanic to examine the damage and determine if repair is an option. At Elmer’s Auto Body, we have plenty of experienced mechanics who can help you make that decision.

 

When Must Bumpers Be Replaced?

First of all, a cracked bumper should always be replaced. In fact, anything that compromises the structural integrity of the bumper calls for replacement. You might be tempted to use some kind of a filler substance (like epoxy or fiberglass) to repair those small cracks, but this is a bad idea. Those filler substances will never have the strength of a solid piece of steel, and that means less protection from impact.

As we said, scratches are usually not a big problem. However, if the scratches are deep, that could be a different matter. The rest of the bumper will have to be ground down in order to get rid of those scratches. After a certain point, the bumper will simply become too thin to do its job. Minor paint damage is also usually not a problem, but major paint damage could be another story. Major paint damage often indicates that there is a bigger problem underneath.

If you have ever seen a detached bumper, you know that they have small “hooks” on the inside that help to hold them in place. If these hooks are broken, damaged, or bent more than a little bit, the bumper will need to be replaced. Some unscrupulous mechanics will try to cut corners and weld the hooks back in place. However, that weld will never have the strength of a solid piece.

Sometimes, in the case of an extreme collision, a bumper might be completely bent into a “V” shape. Obviously, there is no good way to repair this kind of damage. Even if you bend the bumper straight again, the metal will have already been weakened beyond repair. If a second impact were to occur, such a bumper would provide little protection and would likely snap in half. The same reasoning applies to large dents.

Any holes or gaps in a bumper are cause for replacement as well. These are less likely to occur from impact and more likely to occur as a result of rust. Older vehicles, in particular, need to watch out for this kind of thing. By this point, you might be noticing a theme: Anything that compromises the structural integrity of the metal bumper itself is cause for replacement. Only a strong and solid piece is capable of giving you sufficient protection from impact.

 

Cost of Repair vs Replace

Usually, replacement is going to be more expensive than repair. As for the cost of replacement, that will typically cost anywhere from $500 to $1500. The costs will vary a lot because labor has to be taken into account. If the job is particularly difficult for one reason or another, the costs will naturally end up being higher. $5000 is a maximum figure, although most bumper replacement jobs do not cost nearly that much.

In cases where repair is possible, the costs will generally be much lower. This is mainly because there will be a lot less labor involved in fixing the problems. These jobs can be as cheap as $50, although $300-$400 is more common. It is rare for these kinds of repair costs to exceed $600.

Now you can see why many people choose to repair their bumpers rather than replace them. There is a lot of money to be saved by repairing a bumper rather than replacing it, but that doesn’t always make it the better option. Repair is only a better option if your bumper remains strong enough to do its job. Once again, remember that a bumper is usually the first part of your car to receive an impact, so it is your first line of defense.

 

Conclusion

If you have been asking yourself: “Where can I find a good auto body shop near me?”, then you have come to the right page. Elmer’s Auto Body has been in the business of collision repair for over 70 years, and we have always taken pride in serving Southern New Jersey with the highest degree of service and professionalism. We are family-owned and operated, and that is why we can make your bumper repair quick and convenient. If you would like more information, you can call Elmer’s Auto Body at (856) 218-0202.

Do I Need to Report a Car Accident in New Jersey?

Do I Need to Report a Car Accident in New Jersey?

Major or minor, car accidents in the state of New Jersey must often be reported, according to several laws. Those laws usually include reporting the accident to local, county, or state police agencies, as well as a report on the damages or costs incurred. If you are wondering whether or not you have to report your car accident in New Jersey, keep reading for more information.

 

Do You Have to Report a Car Accident in New Jersey?

If you’re a driver in New Jersey and are involved in a car accident, you’re obligated to report the accident if the situation means the following conditions: the collision resulted in a death or injury of any individual involved, or if the damages exceeded $500. You must report the accident to the local or county police departments or the New Jersey State Police.

 

After the collision, you must also file a written report about the accident. Though it is not legally required to file a claim with your insurance company, your policy may have stipulations about accident reporting. If you fail to notify your insurance company about an accident, they may deny you coverage for the claim.

 

How to Report a Car Accident in New Jersey

While New Jersey statutes do not tell you exactly when to report the accident, it is best to make the report as soon as possible. This could mean calling from your cell phone soon after the accident occurs or using another electronic device. Should you be unable to call by phone, it is best to visit the nearest police department—if the police have not arrived already. If your vehicle is totaled and inoperable, you can always report the accident upon returning home.

 

To file a written accident report, which is also required by law if the accident causes death, injury, or over $500 in damages, you can use the “Self-Reporting Crash” form, which is available from the New Jersey Department of Transportation. This must be done within 10 days of the accident.

The rules for filing a written report are found in section 39:4-130 of the New Jersey Statutes.

Because New Jersey is a “no-fault car insurance” state, you must report a car accident and file a claim in order to get compensation for financial losses and medical bills.

 

What Happens If You Fail to Report a Crash?

Since reporting an accident that caused injury, death, or $500 in damages is compulsory, you do not want to forget. In the event that you fail to report a car accident in a timely manner, you could potentially be fined up to $30 to $102, excluding court costs. Your driver’s license and vehicle registration may also be suspended for a period of time. However, failure to report an accident in NJ is not a points violation.

 

Leaving or Fleeing The Scene

Did you know that leaving the scene of a car accident you were involved in is considered a criminal offense in NJ? Abandoning the accident and failing to check on the other people involved carries a heavy penalty, especially if there were injuries, death, or property damage caused.

When there is property damage in a collision and you flee the scene, you could be convicted for up to 30 days in jail, a fine between $200-$600, and suspension of your driver’s license and registration. Plus, NJ adds 2 points to your driving record.

Was there an injury or death? You could be convicted for 3-5 years in prison, the loss of your driver’s license for 1 year, fines up to $15,000, and 8 points on your driving record. You can also expect up to $600 added to your current insurance rate.

 

Looking For Repairs After an Accident?

When you’re involved in a car accident in New Jersey and meet the stipulations of reporting the accident and making a claim, you’ll probably need repairs to your vehicle. If you’re in the southern New Jersey area, Elmer’s Auto Body can help you with any repairs or bodywork. We have been in business for 70 years and are a family-owned and operated business, so we are prepared to make the services we perform easy, convenient, and fast. We will provide you with the service that gets you and your vehicle up and running in no time. Call us at (856) 218-0202.

Is A Fender Bender Considered An Accident?

Is A Fender Bender Considered An Accident?

Experiencing a fender bender is one of those things that happens to almost anyone who drives. It usually results in limited property damage with no serious injuries. Yes, you can consider a fender bender an accident.

 

What is a Fender Bender?

The term fender bender is a way to describe a minor accident between two vehicles, which involves minor damage to the vehicles with no serious injuries to the drivers or any passengers. You wonder whether you should even involve the police when such an accident occurs.

Minor accidents usually mean actions like rear-end collisions at low speeds or slight bumps from a preoccupied driver or even a parking lot incident where a slight collision occurs. Despite it being a minor accident, a fender bender needs to be dealt with right away. Here are further explanations of what damage a fender bender can cause and what to do about it when one occurs.

 

Is a Fender Bender an Accident?

You usually consider a fender bender a minor car accident since it occurs at a low speed. During a fender bender, the involved vehicles sustain the most damage to their fenders. They may require fender repairs.

Fender Bender Accident Examples

  • Someone driving stops suddenly, and a hit occurs from the rear
  • Someone driving backs out of a parking space and hits the car behind them
  • Someone distracted while driving hits a moving or parked car

 

What to Do In/After a Fender Bender

Even a fender bender can be a jolting experience and unnerving. The first thing to do is move your vehicle to the side of the road and make sure that you and any passengers are free from injuries. You’ll also want to confirm that the other driver and any passengers are safe and uninjured. If there are any injuries because of the accident, call 911 for medical help.

Once everyone involved is safe and secure, call the police. Maybe you think you don’t need to, but you’ll want a report concerning the details of the accident. This gives you the leverage to report the fender bender to the authorities and you get your own copy of the police report.

Also, make sure your vehicle’s doors, hood, and trunk open and close correctly. Lean down and look for any damage underneath your vehicle and look out for leaking fluid and any issues with misalignment.

Another thing of importance is that both parties share their insurance information. You’ll also want to get the other driver’s contact information and other details with their driver’s license, registration, and license plate number. Take pictures of any damage to your car and the other driver’s car. When there are witnesses to the accident, be sure and get their contact information as well.

Contact your vehicle insurance carrier and provide the details of the accident. You can probably upload your pictures from the accident scene. There may be a mobile application that you can use to get evidence to your insurance provider quickly. Make sure your vehicle is drivable before you leave the accident scene. Check for any hidden damage. Also, be sure your brake lights, head and tail lights are working.

 

Hidden Damages of Fender Benders/What Might Happen During Repairs

Fender benders usually equate to rear-end collisions that happen when a vehicle is moving at a slow speed. The car behind you may have been following too close and a sudden stop results in a damaged bumper. With this kind of accident, you may see hidden damage and damages like dents and scratches. What other damages should you be looking for?

Hidden Damage – This could be damage to a vehicle’s frame or mechanical system. It could also be within the electrical system of a vehicle.

Vehicle FrameA vehicle’s frame is its mainstay. Even a fender-bender can displace the frame and render your vehicle out of alignment. A damaged frame can cause unique problems.

Alignment Problems – Typical indications of alignment problems can include:

  • Steering wheel drifts in one direction
  • The steering wheel exhibits shaking or wobbling
  • Tires show irregular wear
  • The vehicle shakes, vibrates, or is noisy

Faulty Latch Mechanisms – The inability of your trunk, hood, and doors to close properly could be related to damage to your vehicle’s frame. Damage to the seals around the doors or trunk could allow moisture in and cause rust and mold damage to the interior.

Suspension problems – With frame damage, you may see wear on your vehicle’s suspension system, which is what regulates and limits the brunt of road conditions and helps a driver to remain in control of their vehicle. The vehicle will suddenly ride rougher, which shows alignment issues and wear on the shocks, struts, or suspension parts.

Electrical System Damage – With the electrical system in your vehicle, you’re dealing with many wires and sensors that, when affected by a minor fender bender, can cause damage to the system. For example, with a collision affecting the rear-end bumper, even a minor accident can affect the sensors in the bumper.

Bumper sensors monitor things like cruise control, blind-spot viewing, and the overall system of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). To determine if your vehicle has electrical system damage, you’ll probably want to pursue a diagnostics test through an auto body shop near me to eliminate the possibility of damage. There can be damage to other electrical system components, such as brake lights, battery connectivity, airbag deployment, and other parts.

Vehicle Mechanics – Rear-end collisions can cause mechanical damage too. Both all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive and other transmission parts can sustain damage from a rear-end collision. When your vehicle experiences issues with leaking fluids or has problems with shifting or acceleration, your transmission may have damage.

 

Conclusion

When you have a minor accident or fender bender, you never know what kind of hidden or overt damage you’re dealing with. It’s probably best to take your vehicle to a reputable auto body shop. Elmer’s Auto Body is a tried-and-true family-owned and operated business that has dealt with every kind of vehicle damage. We will assess the issues and give you exceptional service while making it easy, fast, and convenient for you. Call us at (856) 218-0202. Our 70 years of service to the Southern New Jersey area is proof enough of our ability to find the damage and ease your fender bender problems.

What Safety Features Should Be Standard in 2022?

What Safety Features Should Be Standard in 2022?

There are some safety features that should be standard in 2022. With technological advancements, newer vehicles will keep drivers and passengers safer than before, with distinct features. One thing is for sure, these specific safety features in cameras and sensors will play a major role in overall car safety. What are those features that are being built into vehicles today rather than just add-ons for later installation?

Vehicles today have radar sensors mounted in the front grille, bumper, or air vents of a vehicle. Driver assistance systems also rely on cameras, which are usually installed inside the windshield behind the rearview mirror area. No matter the method of detection, software continually calculates the potential for any kind of collision centered on the data from sensors. Here are examples of safety features found in newer vehicles and proposed for vehicles of the future.

 

Driver-Assistance Features

Driver assistance features are a group of safety systems that are made to work together to automate and augment vehicle safety by alerting the driver to any hazardous issues as well as avoiding collisions. The systems include adaptive, automated, monitoring, and warning features.

Adaptive – Systems that either change or adapt to influences from the environment. Example: Adaptive cruise control – adapts to the speed of what the road or highway dictates. Sensors onboard assist with adaptive cruise control, which helps to maintain a safe distance by automatically regulating a driver’s speed of travel.

Automated – Systems that secure and carry out functions a driver can’t do safely. Example: Emergency steering – steers the vehicle to avoid hitting an object in the lane or on the road.

Monitoring – Systems that involve the use of sensors, cameras, and other devices to view the area outside of a vehicle. Cameras, software, or enhancements to cruise control systems, and braking are examples of driver monitoring systems. They determine the need for a correction. A concrete example is a dashboard camera mount that tracks a driver’s distraction or sleepiness and alerts the driver to get back on task.

Warning – Systems that warn a driver of issues with their own driving or the driving of others, that could produce injury risks to others in the vehicle. Example: With a lane departure, it automatically creates a warning when the vehicle leaves the lane.

Other examples include:

  • Adaptive headlights
  • Adaptive light control
  • Automatic braking system
  • Automatic parking
  • Blind-spot monitors
  • Pedestrian monitors
  • Proximity monitors
  • Collision avoidance system
  • Forward collision warning
  • Cross-traffic interference at intersections
  • Incorporation of GPS/traffic data, etc.
  • Connecting smartphones for hands-free dialing
  • Blindspot warning light (on side-view mirrors

 

Safe Exit Assist

The safe exit assist technology features cameras, sensors, and other ways to make exiting a vehicle safer. When you open a car door, it can be dangerous for the person trying to exit it, particularly if there is a bicycle, motorbike, or another vehicle passing the area. It’s dangerous to the person opening the door and to the individual passing it. Injuries can occur, particularly in large cities and in areas where bike paths are prevalent.

 

Driver Surveillance and/or Health Monitoring Systems

Driver surveillance systems include the use of driver monitoring devices and software that will have a greater influence on vehicle safety now and in the future. Even more effective are health monitoring systems that detect medical emergencies. Updated health monitoring will be helpful with accidents related to health, such as driving under the influence, experiencing low blood or high blood pressure, cardiovascular issues, heart attacks, road weariness, or being an inattentive driver. Advanced systems will eventually be able to react to safety issues that will slow down a vehicle, bring it to a safe stop, or get assistance.

 

 Automatic Emergency Braking

Automatic emergency braking is a safety system that enables the brakes of a vehicle when a collision appears imminent. The system works automatically, and the driver doesn’t have to engage the brake pedal. You can also increase the braking force with the system. Automatic emergency braking systems detect not only other vehicles but bicyclists, pedestrians, and even animals. Their purpose is to diminish accidents by activating braking when dangerous conditions occur or if a driver brakes inadequately.

 

Remote Vehicle Shutdown

Remote vehicle shutdown is a system that uses radio pulses to shut down a vehicle remotely. With the rise in vehicle and cargo theft, automated systems that prevent theft of either are important. Automated systems that both secure vehicles and any cargo are of help in preventing thefts and deterring thieves.

Police departments use remote vehicle shutdown to stop high-speed vehicle chases and find stolen cars. Besides law enforcement, the transport industry is going through cargo losses because of robberies. This kind of crime leads to market demand for remote vehicle shutdown.

Bank and finance companies are also interested in remote vehicle shutdown technology to lock down vehicles that go into default because of nonpayment on vehicle loans.

 

Dealing with Safety Features

When you own a vehicle with any of these standard features or are contemplating purchasing such a vehicle, you need to be thinking about a good auto body shop near me that specializes in safety features. You want them to be knowledgeable about the changes occurring in standards and how to deal with them.

Expanded safety features for your vehicle are important and should be standard fare in any newer and future vehicles. If you have problems with safety features on your vehicle and aren’t sure how to handle any that are currently in use, Elmer’s Auto Body can be of help with those feature malfunctions. We have been in business for 70 years and know the ins and outs of the industry, plus we are familiar with the ever-changing nature of today’s vehicles. If you want convenient, fast, and easy service, call us at (856) 218-0202. Our team will be happy to help you solve your problems with safety features.

What To Do After A Car Accident That’s Not Your Fault

What To Do After A Car Accident That's Not Your Fault

When you’re involved in a car accident that you know was not your fault, it’s important to understand how to handle the situation. There are various steps to follow when you’re not responsible for an accident. You need to know how to protect yourself, how to receive fair compensation, and how to deal with any legal obligations that come because of an accident. Here are guidelines to follow.

 

What to Do After An Accident That Isn’t Your Fault

If you’re involved in an accident that you didn’t cause, there are guidelines as to what you should do. You want to:

  • Ensure Your SafetyAfter an accident, ensure your personal safety. The first thing you want to do is move your vehicle out of the road or highway and park it on the shoulder of the road or, if possible, a parking lot. Move the vehicle and put on the hazard lights to avoid being hit again. Check yourself and anyone else involved for personal injuries.
  • Contact the Police – In most states, if an accident occurs that causes injuries or death and an amount that exceeds $1,000 in damage, it’s mandatory to report the collision to the police. It’s also a good idea to call the police about a minor accident for documentation of the accident. The police will provide a report that relays information related to the accident, which includes the date and time of the accident, driver information, and anything else that applies to the collision. When you involve the police with an accident that wasn’t your fault, they can help you with evidence of the other driver’s liability. In fact, the police could be of help with citing the other driver for violations that show the accident was their fault, such as running a red light.
  • Do Not Admit FaultBe careful what you say to others at the accident scene and the other driver. You do not want to say the wrong thing to the other driver, the police, your insurance company, or anyone at the scene. Do not admit fault in the collision and don’t express regrets to the other driver. They could take it as an admission of guilt. Be patient and wait for a full report on who was at fault in the collision.
  • Share Insurance Information – You’ll want to exchange insurance information with the driver of the other vehicle. You’ll also want to contact your insurance provider to file a claim, even if you weren’t at fault. Your insurance provider will help you with the claim process, including going against the other driver’s insurance carrier. You may receive immediate relief in payment for your losses while awaiting the completion of the claims process. Your insurance provider will also pursue reimbursement from the other driver’s insurance company.

 

What Information Do I Need to Know About The Accident?

You’ll need to know the location of the accident, as well as the full name, address, and phone number of the driver of the other vehicle. You also need to know their insurance company, insurance policy number, the color, make, and model of the vehicle that hit you, as well as their driver’s license number and the license plate number of their vehicle.

Besides these details, you also need to gather information at the accident scene as the more information you get, the better your case will be. It’s safe to say that when you get the information yourself, you can start the claims process much faster. Otherwise, you could wait several days for the report to be filed and available to you. Just because you weren’t at fault doesn’t mean your provider doesn’t need your information concerning the accident.

Try to get video, photographs, and any accounts from those who have witnessed the accident. Get witnesses’ contact information too, as you may need their accounts of the accident as well. Also, when you collect evidence from the scene and evaluate the damage, you can make a strong claim for liability against the other driver. If you require hospitalization after the accident, be sure and get a family member or friend to return to the scene of the accident to get as much information and evidence for you.

 

Whose Insurance Company Do I Call?

You’ll want to call your own insurance company first and inform them of the accident and explain that you want to file a claim. They’ll take your information and any evidence you’ve gotten together. This helps your insurance company fight against the other driver’s insurance company in the event they decide to file a claim against you.

Your insurance provider will want the details of the accident and will probably assign a collision repair shop once they give the authorization to approve your claim for repairs and any injuries. They’ll ask you to think about using reputable auto body shops in your area. It will be up to you to find one and get an estimate from an auto body shop near me.

Also, you’ll want to inform the insurance provider (insurance provider for the other driver) of the accident and tell them you’re filing a claim. You can’t automatically assume the other driver will report the accident.

Whatever your insurance covers, they still need the information you provide them with so they can deliberate with the other driver’s insurance company concerning the repair costs and any compensation for any injuries. When you file your claim with the other insurance company, be careful what you sign. You could sign for a lesser settlement or a declaration that relieves them of any liability.

Once your insurance company gives you the go-ahead in finding the right auto body shop to repair your damaged vehicle, you’ll want to consider who you should work with in the southern New Jersey area. Seriously consider Elmer’s Auto Body. We are a family-owned and operated shop and have been in business for 70 years. Our reputation is stellar and they provide excellent service to our customers. We will also make any collision work easy, convenient, and fast. Call us at (856) 218-0202.