Category: Collision Repair

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 Safety – After 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 Fault – Be 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.

Were You Just In An Accident? How Long The Repairs Will Take

If you were just in an accident you, of course, worry from the very beginning about the accident itself and how long any repairs to your vehicle will take. There are many factors that determine the time involved in repairing your vehicle. Maybe you won’t be able to pick an exact time for any repairs to happen and be taken care of, but there are things to consider that help the process along its way. Here are some important influences.

Factors Influencing How Long It Takes to Repair a Car

After you’ve been in a collision, your insurance company should assign an adjuster to your claim and the adjuster should give you an estimate on repairs after the collision. Just remember, an estimate is just what it says it is. Costs will probably be considerably more or perhaps less. Take that into consideration with any repair work done to your vehicle.

The factors involved in influencing how long it takes to repair your vehicle can include:

1. Delays in the repair process as you go to pick up your vehicle on the appointed day and find out there is a delay

2. Other cars in line waiting for repairs

3. The extent of damage to your vehicle

4. Your insurance provider’s processing your claim, approving it, and finding a repair shop

5. There may be additional repairs beyond the ones originally found

6. A mechanic may need additional time to finish the job, they may be sick, or could have an emergency in the family and could not get to your vehicle repairs

7. Your insurance provider doesn’t pay the mechanic in a timely manner, so your vehicle remains in the shop until the check gets to the repair shop

8. The vehicle you own (any foreign vehicle, sports car or specialty vehicle parts may take longer for them to receive).

9. You submit your claim to your insurance company and several days may go by until they decide about your claim.

Delays are usually inevitable, and the best way to overcome them is to remain in contact with your insurance provider and the repair shop. Remaining in communication allows you to stay ahead of the situation with your vehicle and helps you deal with any delays.

Estimating How Long It Takes to Repair a Car

With a vehicle that has serious damage, it’s difficult to tell exactly how much work is required and how long it will take to repair it. Once the vehicle is down to its bare bones and inspected, it will only be then that body shop experts can determine the time involved in repairing it. When that’s the case, several estimates may be necessary through different body shops. Whether your insurance company adjuster recommends a body shop for their insurance work or you need to think seriously about any other reputable auto body shop near me that can do the work in a reasonable amount of time. Remember, the time to repair your vehicle will coincide with the damage your vehicle sustained.

If you’re simply replacing a bumper, it may take a few days to finish, but if your vehicle requires more intense bodywork, it could take considerably more time. With major work, different parts of your vehicle require removal and this also takes additional time. You want your vehicle to get the repairs it needs before driving it away from a repair center. You certainly don’t want to go back to the repair shop when undetected repairs pop up and you’re out of your car once again.

Estimating Average Collision Repair Cost

Estimating the average costs of repair for your vehicle will depend on not only the situation surrounding the damage but other factors. Those costs will revolve around the following.

The year, make, and model of your vehicle. The parts for newer and more popular models are usually available; however, older or exclusive vehicle parts are harder to come by and require both ordering and searching for those parts.
A detailed repair is going to be included in the costs. Whether it’s a paint job or more detail work, additional time is necessary to complete the work and cost comes into play with those repairs.
The labor involved in your repair is also a part of the cost. A mechanic or other technicians work hard to get your vehicle in shape and you compensate them for their efforts. It all adds to the cost of the repairs to your vehicle.
Collision repair costs can be costly and you’ll need to know what to look for when the costs are high. Even the smallest of accidents can lead to expensive repair costs. You want simple answers on costs, so a little research should provide you with what you need to know about repair costs.
You also need to understand the full extent of any damage to your vehicle. Many costs are hidden, such as leaky windows and windshields, wire replacement, frame parts, welding of parts, and any other damages that increase repair costs.
It’s inevitable that classic, foreign, unique styles, custom cars, and other exclusive vehicles are going to take longer to fix. Repairs and parts for these vehicles will take both time and additional money to repair.

Any kind of auto repair is going to take time, particularly when you have extended repairs because of a major accident. Whether you have a major or minor accident, you’ll need the advice and help of a trusted auto body shop and Elmer’s Auto Body in South Jersey is a family-owned and operated business that makes any kind of service convenient and easy for you. Our exceptional service is second to none and our 70 years of service is proof of that. Call us at (856) 218-0202. We will meet all your vehicle needs.

How Much Does it Cost to Repair or Replace a Bumper?

You’re looking at the cost of repairing or replacing a bumper and wondering how much you should expect to pay. Though the design of both front and rear bumpers keeps the rest of a vehicle safe from damage, bumpers are still susceptible to disrepair, especially when hit by another vehicle. So, if there are damages, how much is it going to cost to repair or replace one? Here is some information on bumpers and answers to the repair and replacement costs of them.

Actual Damages

The extent of damage to a bumper will determine the cost of repairs or replacement of a bumper. They make most bumper materials today of plastic that contain a steel or aluminum bar for reinforcement. The basic parts include:

a structural support system
a shock-absorbing foam section and
a plastic cover

Damage can affect any of these bumper parts and cause increased expense, particularly if the problem is the structural support system, which can run up repair costs. Any underlying damage can also add to the expense. Other repairs such as replacing a severely damaged bumper, wide cracks and holes, and a bumper that’s ready to fall off require extended repair or replacement.

When minor dents, chips, punctures, and scratches happen, any auto body shop near you can repair those lesser damages fairly easily. Body shop experts have the tools to do the job and they can repaint and color coordinate for an exact match for almost any vehicle. With cracks, holes, and punctures, there will be fill and sanding of the areas. The average cost is between $325 and $425. You can reduce light scratches fairly quickly, but if they are severe enough to cause major paint chipping, the cost can be anywhere from $50 to $600.

Costs of Front Bumper Replacement

With a front bumper replacement, the old bumper has to be removed first, and the area inspected for any possible underlying damage and replacement of damaged parts. Total costs will depend on where the vehicle is located, the vehicle, its make or model, the extent of damage, and the amount of labor that goes into the repair. With these factors in mind, replacing a front bumper runs between $500 to $1500 and beyond for usual replacements. In fact, most auto body shop charges range from $48 to $215 per hour. If repairs or replacements are more difficult and extensive, costs could reach around $5000.

Other cars or trucks may cost more for bumper replacement. Smaller cars with inadequate bumper protection that sustain damage from a collision, even at lower speeds, will end up costing more. Not only are bumpers in need of repair, but damages occur with other components. Damages may involve the frame, wheels, grill, and any structural aspects.

Costs of Rear Bumper Replacement

With a rear bumper, the damage is usually due to rear-end accidents, and it’s a common occurrence to see minor scratches, dents, and scuffed paint when accidents occur. If the collision involves high speeds, damages will not only hurt the bumper but will affect any other underlying components. With minimal damage, you can expect to pay at least $100, but that figure will depend on again the make, model, and year of a vehicle. More extensive damage amounts to around $2,000 for full bumper replacement.

Other Repair Methods

You can repair a bumper through paint-less dent repair or PDR. A body shop will use special tools that pull the dents out of a bumper without damage to the paint. This is a less costly and quicker method of repairing a bumper, but it’s not the best for damage that has gone beyond the surface and ruined both the surface and paint. Unfortunately, PDR isn’t usable with plastic bumpers, as these bumpers will require more than a simple buffing.

Savings on Bumper Repairs and Replacement

If you’re looking for ways to save on bumper repairs or replacement, the first thing to do is find a trustworthy body shop. Doing the repairs yourself is risky. You may choose where you take your vehicle even if your insurance company suggests a shop for repair.

Get a few estimates from repair shops. Don’t go with the lowest quoted price, as it doesn’t mean the best in repairs or service.

When you need a replacement bumper and want to save money, consider aftermarket parts as opposed to Original Equipment Manufacturer(OEM) parts. They are more affordable. You should weigh the differences and determine what’s best, but you may take a chance on an aftermarket part.

Know You Insurance Deductible

With minor damage to a bumper, any repair costs may be significantly lower than the deductible you have with your insurance company. If this is the case, you can pay for the repairs outright. You’ll also avoid an insurance claim that could raise your rates.

Fault in a Bumper Collision

When you’re at fault in a bumper collision, check what coverage you have with your insurance company and determine what choices you have. With collision coverage, you will be out for damages to your vehicle and the other driver’s vehicle. With no collision coverage, it’s your responsibility to pay for all repairs.

If the accident wasn’t your fault, you can get in touch with the other driver’s insurance company and claim either the cost for any bumper repairs or full replacement. The auto body shop will arrange for the repairs between the insurance company and the others concerned. They will take care of any damage and do it in a stress-free manner.

Once the auto body shop coordinates the bumper repair or replacement with your insurance company, they will order the parts. The insurance company usually has the last word, whether they will use OEM or aftermarket parts in the repair or replacement process. Once the vehicle is ready, the bumper will be ready for removal and disengagement from all its component systems, such as sensors, lights, and warning systems.

When you’re having trouble deciding what to do about a damaged bumper and the cost of repairing or replacing it, call Elmer’s Auto Body at (856) 218-0202. They’ll give you honest answers and provide experienced and expert care for your damaged bumper.

What Does Your Auto Body Collision Repair Specialist Do?

Whether you get into a mild fender bender or are involved in a serious car wreck, your vehicle needs the attention of specially trained professionals to get the damage repaired. That’s why it’s best to take your vehicle to an auto body collision repair specialist.

This specialist is trained in every step of the process of repairing a vehicle regardless of the extent of the damage. A reliable auto body collision repair specialist understands the importance of performing thorough work during every step to get the best end result.

Discover the specifics of what an auto body collision specialist does and how this professional can get your vehicle back into excellent condition.

Assess the Repair Project

Before any of the physical repair work begins this professional will go over the damage report and costs with you. The auto body collision repair specialist makes sure you know what work needs to be done to get your vehicle back into shape. All of the planned repair work and estimates should be put into writing so there are no surprises after the work is done. You and the auto body collision repair specialist will refer to this written document as you check over the finished work later on.

Remove the Damaged Parts of the Vehicle

The first step in the physical repair work is to remove the damaged parts of the vehicle. This is usually done with pneumatic tools and guns designed to cut metal. The type and amount of parts removed depend on the specific damage done to a vehicle. One vehicle may have a damaged fender while another may have a smashed front end along with a cracked windshield. This is why it’s so important to map out exactly what repairs will be accomplished before starting the project.

Realignment Work

Once the damaged parts are removed, the auto body collision repair specialist shifts their focus to the structural damage done to the vehicle. This involves realigning the vehicle’s frame and repairing damage there. A hydraulic system designed for heavy work is often used in realignment. Not surprisingly, the force and intensity of a wreck can affect the fundamental structure of the vehicle. So, realigning the frame is an important part of the work of an auto body collision repair specialist.

Evens Out Minor Damage

Special tools help this professional to remove minor damage to the body of the vehicle. This includes removing dents and dimples in the frame. The goal is to make the structure of the vehicle as solid as possible before installing the new parts.

Attach the Proper Replacement Parts

Early in the process, the proper replacement parts were ordered for the repair work and now need to be installed. An auto body collision repair specialist fits the parts onto the vehicle, then welds them to the body.

Install Replacement Windows and/or Windshield

If a vehicle has damaged windows, a damaged windshield, or both, new ones are installed. They are weatherproofed with a chemical solution to ensure they are equal in quality to the vehicle’s previous windows.

Sand Surfaces

This step in the process involves grinding, sanding, and priming areas that have been repaired. This is done with professional, heavy-duty grinding and sanding equipment.

Paint the Restored Area of the Vehicle

Applying paint to the restored areas of the vehicle is another responsibility of the auto body collision repair specialist. The paint color must be matched to the rest of the vehicle beforehand, so it looks uniform. This involves checking with the vehicle’s manufacturer to find the shade of color originally applied at the factory.

Our Expert Team Stands Ready to Repair Your Vehicle

Elmer’s Auto Body has been serving customers in New Jersey since 1947. We are a family-owned business dedicated to providing our customers with expert, reliable service. We handle all aspects of collision repair to make the process more convenient for our customers. Our auto collision repair specialists are trained and experienced with the most modern tools to do the work properly.

Our team understands that being in a vehicle wreck is stressful enough. That’s why we do all we can to make the damage repair process as easy as possible.

So, are you wondering: Is there an Elmer’s Auto Body Shop near me? The answer is yes! We have several locations in New Jersey. Check the locations tab on our website and you’re sure to find a location near you.

Call us at 856-218-0202 today and let our team get you and your vehicle back onto the road!

What is I-CAR Gold Class Certification?

Late-model vehicle technology is taking the auto industry by storm and the changing makeup of materials that go into vehicles has altered the repair process. This trend is only moving forward and the collision repair industry has had to adapt to the changes. High strength steel replaces mild steel (low carbon steel) and carbon fiber, metal alloys, aluminum, and plastic are in use now, so auto technicians have to learn new techniques for repairs. Experience as shop technicians isn’t enough anymore as they need intensive training to understand the proper way to repair newer model vehicles.

I-Car’s Organization

I-Car is a non-profit training organization. They commit themselves to safety in the collision repair industry. The Gold Class represents its various training programs that organize themselves around the highest levels of training achievement and gain recognition by the collision repair industry. The certification is open to collision body shops and also insurance companies.

How do I know whether there is an auto body shop near me that can do updated work on a newer vehicle? Well, the I-CAR or Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair started an educational program that gives technicians the training to repair newer vehicles efficiently and safely. Body shops are training their employees to meet I-CAR’s training requirements in order to gain Gold Class Certification.

I-CAR Gold Class Certification Requirements

Only shops whose employees meet I-CAR’s most stringent training requirements can get Gold Class certification, which is considered the utmost in certification standards. Training is even available for special roles within the structure that include:

Production management
Aluminum structural technician
Electrical/mechanical technician

If an auto body shop is to achieve I-CAR Gold Class Certification, there are technicians within the body shop who specialize in four distinct areas that include:

Value Estimator
Non-structural Technician
Structural Technician
Refinish Technician

Those enrolled in one of these specialization areas are there to achieve a Platinum Class I-CAR certification and any body-shop technician within the shop with I-CAR Gold Glass certification must renew their certification on an annual basis.

Most people want to know if the body shop they use is I-CAR certified and whether they can repair a newer model car. The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair provides workers in the auto body repair industry the education they need to repair vehicles safely and effectively.

New Technologies

Whether it’s new materials, advanced safety systems, new electronics, or some other innovative upgrades, as more cars on the road embrace these new technologies, up-to-date training has become increasingly necessary to ensure safety, accuracy, and a shop’s ability to perform quality repairs.

They train all technicians in an ongoing manner with the latest developments in techniques, materials, and the equipment used to make repairs. The training prepares a technician with the skills necessary to repair a vehicle. Once a technician performs the work and finishes it, your vehicle is safe and maintains its value.

A body shop’s infrastructure and its equipment are crucial to the facility running smoothly and performing safe and pertinent repairs. When a manufacturer introduces new materials and technology into the auto industry, training occurs to accommodate the changes and brings safety into the mix.

I-Car Gold Class Certification

In order to earn I-Car Gold Class certification, body shops need to achieve and maintain a high level of relevant training that deals with the various collision repair roles. To maintain the certification, auto body shops have to continue the development of knowledge and skills with their staff. I-Car Gold Class certification requires continuing training and testing on content that deals with updating the latest vehicle models and the new technologies that are compatible with them. Body shops that are behind in their training will lose I-Car Gold Class certification.

Besides, I-CAR Gold Class shops being certified to provide the highest quality repairs, there are additional benefits to the certification. A collision body shop’s certification brings relevant outcomes to customers and the shop itself. Body shops that hold I-Car Gold Class certification continually put in faster repair times because of their high-performance returns. It also means a customer will spend less time and money on vehicle rentals, which brings greater customer satisfaction and higher network ratings. I-CAR shops also outperform other body shops because of their productivity and efficiency rate.

Stringent Standards

Many repair shops today haven’t met the stringent standards that I-CAR Gold Class imposes. With the ever-changing nature of collision repairs, it’s important now more than ever for body shops to be well informed, particularly about the latest in automotive training and information that continually changes. Whether it’s sophisticated driving systems, lightweight vehicle materials, and elaborate safety systems, there have to be trained technicians who can work in any of these areas. That’s the importance of I-CAR Gold Class certification.

Maintaining a Gold Class certification is critical to the auto body collision industry locally and nationally. An organization that wants to move forward must develop knowledge and skills that are updated continuously. Becoming Gold Class certified means commitment to not only customers and body shop staff but dedication to the highest of standards. With Gold Class certification, you can show both customers and staff that your business is committed to the best in professional development and ongoing training.

If you want more information about I-CAR Gold Class Certification, contact Elmer’s Auto Body at (856) 218-0202. Our technicians are I-CAR Gold Class certified and value your repair work with high standards in mind. We will fix your newer and older vehicle safely and effectively. Call us for your auto body repair. You won’t regret it.

Car Accident Repair: Step-by-Step Guide, Tips & FAQs

You’ve been in an accident, and you’re looking for a reputable body shop. You want to understand the repair process before you take your car in for a damage estimate. Here’s a step-by-step guide that follows. It will help you know what to expect with car accident repairs.

Consider Safety First

Whenever you’re involved in an accident, the first thing you want to do, particularly if you have no injuries, is to move away from the accident scene and contact the police. In most states, you’re required to contact them even for a minor accident or a more serious collision.

If a police officer responds to the accident, there will be an accident report. You may need to get his report to your insurance company. When a police officer cannot be on the scene, make sure you get to the nearest police station and file a report.

Documentation is Crucial

One of the most important things to do is document everything and that includes taking pictures. You should also note:

Any other vehicles involved in the accident
The road conditions at the time of the accident
The lighting on the road
Any injuries that have occurred
Other driver involvement
to exchange your insurance information

Admitting Fault

You don’t want to admit you are at fault in an accident. If you are to blame for the accident, be truthful, but only offer facts with no opinion. It’s the insurance company’s duty to figure out who was at fault.

Medical Assistance

With no medical issues or injuries in an accident, seeking medical help may not be necessary. Right after an accident, certain injuries are hard to detect, but if there are detectable injuries, immediate medical care should follow. Though you may feel fine, you want to take precautionary measures and make an appointment to see a health care professional.

Insurance Company Contact

Contacting your insurance company at the scene of an accident is important. You’ll want to start your claim and also find out what the next steps are. Your insurance company should keep you apprised of what is happening with your claim.

Auto Body Repair Shop

Most insurance companies will probably give you a listing of preferred auto body shops in your area, but you don’t have to go by their suggestions. If the search goes well for you, you’re probably thinking, I need to find an auto body shop near me, as I don’t want to go miles out of my way. Plus, you’ll want to choose a shop that you feel comfortable working with.

Make sure your auto body shop offers the following services before you choose a shop:

Timely and free estimates
Certified technicians
Warranties (Lifetime limited) on repairs
Complete quality control
Follow precise steps in the repair process

Estimate

With an estimate, a good body shop will look at the overall damage to your vehicle and give you an initial quote. You should be able to get an idea of the level of damage and costs for repairs.

Insurance

The estimate the body shop gives you will go to your insurance company. You may have some communication with your provider, but mostly, your involvement should be minimal. The body shop you choose should arrange all repair work for your vehicle from the estimate to the last bill.

Vehicle Drop-off

Once you receive an allowed estimate, you can bring your car/truck in for repairs.

Dismantling

Body shop technicians will take your vehicle apart and create an outline of repairs.

Parts

Once there’s an outline of repairs, replacement parts are ordered. Top-of-the-line parts at the best prices will be coordinated with the insurance company.

Repairs

Repairs will be made both structurally and mechanically.

Painting

A vehicle returns to its factory finish with a new coat of paint.

Reassembly

Once all the perspective pieces are painted, the vehicle is ready for assembling.

Detail the Vehicle

With this step, vacuuming, cleaning, and adding final touches are completed.

Inspection and Delivery

Your body shop’s quality assurance section does a vehicle inspection and determines that your vehicle is ready for pickup.

Insurance Claims and Coverage Tips

You want to know what your insurance carrier covers and how the claims process works. With policies being different, there are factors you should know about.

Find out whether you are in a Fault vs. No-Fault State. All states follow one of these systems. With a Fault State, you can seek reimbursement from any driver at fault in the accident through your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance. Thirty-eight (38) states that including Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont follow this system.

If you’re in a No-Fault state, compensation is only through your insurance carrier. It doesn’t matter who was at fault in the accident. There are 12 states that are no-fault and they include Massachusetts and New York. Each state observes its own variation of rules with No-Fault issues.

Collision and Comprehensive Coverage

If you carry collision coverage on your vehicle, it will pay for repairs to your vehicle when it incurs damage from a collision with another vehicle or object, like a fence. Collision coverage also includes damage from potholes, accidents with other vehicles, and accidents that involve objects, such as trees or fences.2. With comprehensive coverage, any damage to your vehicle caused by theft, vandalism, or hail that is not related to collision is covered. It will cover any damage that includes falling objects, animals, fire, and natural disasters.3. When you are leasing or financing a vehicle, both collision and comprehensive insurance coverage are usually required. These two coverages will not pay for damage to another person’s vehicle or any medical issues of your own or for anyone else. You will need liability insurance to pay for any damage to another driver’s property or medically related injuries when you’re at fault in an accident.

Replacement Parts

Your insurance policy determines whether you can use aftermarket parts or OEM parts for vehicle repair. With aftermarket parts being made by various manufacturers, they aren’t the preferred option. If you are leasing a vehicle, you want a policy that includes OEM parts.

Added Repairs

When an auto body company finds additional damage to your vehicle, it requires them to get in touch with your insurance company for approval to make additional repairs.

Repair FAQs

Q: Will I need an appointment for an estimate?

A: Most of the time, you won’t need an appointment, but that will depend on the auto body repair shop and its hours of operation.

Q: Will I need more than one estimate?

A: Getting more than one estimate will depend on your insurance company. When you find a repair shop you want to use, but your insurance company is asking for more than one estimate, the repair shop should contact your insurance company to arrange for the repairs.

Q: What happens when repair costs go beyond the worth of my vehicle?

A: When any repairs total more than the cash value of your vehicle, your insurer will decide whether to pay the repair bill or pay you the value (what you originally paid for the vehicle minus depreciation) of your vehicle. Most standard automobile policies won’t pay for repairs to a vehicle that’s totaled.

Q: What if it was my fault for the damage to my vehicle?

A: When you are at fault in an accident, and you live in a fault state, your insurance carrier pays for damage to the other driver’s vehicle, plus any medical bills or pain, suffering, and wages lost from a job.

When you live in a no-fault state, the other person involved in the accident will submit a claim to their insurance company. Your insurer will be contacted for reimbursement. You will probably see an increase in your premiums at the time of policy renewal.

Q: What if there is a disagreement between the car repair shop and the insurance company concerning repair costs?

A: The possibility is there of rejection of a body shop’s estimate by your insurance company or that the auto body shop rejects an insurance company’s estimate. When this happens, the auto body repair shop should coordinate a solution with the insurance company.

Q: What should I do about not having a car while mine is being repaired?

A: The auto body shop should be able to arrange for a rental vehicle while you are waiting for repairs. Check your insurance policy for details. A rental vehicle is not always covered. When coverage is available, limits will apply to the length of rental time and the cost per day.

Q: My car was under a lease contract, and I was in an accident. What will happen?

A: When a vehicle is not your property, the repair process is under stricter guidelines. Only new OEM (Original equipment manufacturer) replacement parts can be used. If a vehicle is determined to be a total loss by the insurance company, the vehicle will be paid for with a check to the leasing company for the value of the vehicle.

You may have further questions concerning the complete repair process. Should that be the case, contact Elmer’s Auto Body at (856) 218-0202. We can answer your questions and make quick and expert repairs to your vehicle as well.