What To Do When You Get Involved In A Fender Bender Accident

What To Do When You Get Involved In A Fender Bender Accident

It’s time to talk about an unpleasant topic, and that topic is auto accidents. Specifically, we are talking about “fender benders”: Minor collisions that result in minor damage. Despite the name, a fender bender doesn’t necessarily involve fender damage. This term is generally applied to any minor collision between vehicles. So, what should you do if you happen to be involved in one of these? Let’s talk about the most important points.

 

Step 1: Get All Vehicles To A Safe Position

After the collision has occurred, your first priority is to get both vehicles to a safe position. This will usually mean pulling over to the roadside and waiting for the other driver to do the same. If such an area is not available, use a nearby driveway, a parking lot, or anything else that puts you in a safe location.

If possible, you should get their license plate number before this point, however. Most people will be responsible enough to pull over and exchange information, but some people might get scared and bolt, especially if they were clearly at fault. If necessary, you should direct the other driver to a good place. In most cases, these types of minor accidents will not disable a vehicle, giving you the opportunity to find a good place. The important thing is to get you and the other driver out of traffic where you might be hit again. If you cannot pull off the road, light some road flares around your vehicle.

 

Step 2: Exchange Information With The Other Driver

After you have removed yourself from immediate danger, you need to exchange information with the other driver. This should include:

  • Names
  • Insurance policy information
  • Telephone numbers
  • Driver’s license numbers
  • License plate numbers
  • Make and model of both vehicles

One little thing to remember at this point: Do not admit fault in any way. If you do, this can later be used against you. Make sure you never admit fault in any way, shape, or form. The question of fault should be decided by qualified investigators, so never automatically assume that you’re at fault and don’t allow the other driver to do so.

 

Step 3: Analyze And Document The Damage

It is very important to take pictures of both vehicles before even calling the police. If the matter should be disputed by either insurance company, it will be necessary to prove the extent of the damage. Obviously, you should focus your efforts on the areas that have suffered the most damage. Don’t hesitate to take multiple pictures of the same spot from multiple angles. Such pictures will be very valuable to insurance investigators and could prevent you from being held liable. If there are any witnesses involved, this is also the time to talk with them.

 

Step 4: Call The Police

Now that you have gathered all the necessary information and evidence, it is time to call the police and report the accident. When you’re talking about a fender bender, there is a natural temptation to blow it off and drive away. This should never be done because not all damage is obvious at first. For instance, many modern vehicles have front or rear fenders that are covered by panels. Thus, it may not always be possible to see when they have been bent or dented. You should always report an accident.

As before, make sure that you never admit fault when talking to the officer. Present your account of the incident in a truthful and straightforward manner. When we say “don’t admit fault,” we are not telling you to lie. We are just telling you to stick with the facts. Just tell the officer what happened and let things be decided in the proper way. Before the officer leaves, make sure that you ask for a police report number. This will enable you to get a copy of the accident report from the local police station.

 

Step 5: Call Your Insurance Company

Don’t assume that your insurance company will be informed about the accident. Either way, it is your responsibility to call them and make a report. The general contact number for your insurance company should be fine, so just call them up and tell them that you need to report an accident. When they connect you to the appropriate person, Simply tell them what happened. They will undoubtedly want to see all of the pictures from the scene of the accident. They will also want the police report number so that they can verify your story. The more information you can give them, the better.

 

Conclusion

Now that all the legal matters have been handled, it’s time to worry about getting your vehicle fixed. If the damage is very small, you might want to just drive to your preferred repair shop. If it’s a little worse, you’ll need to call a tow truck. Regardless, you will have to ask yourself: “what is the best auto body shop near me?” If you are located in South Jersey, the answer is Elmer’s Auto Body. We have been proudly serving this locality for over 70 years, and we have a well-earned reputation for excellence. If you need help with a fender bender, you can call us at (856) 218-0202.

Minimizing Vehicle Depreciation After An Accident

Minimizing Vehicle Depreciation After An Accident

When your vehicle has been involved in an accident, there is little doubt that its value will be reduced. Any accident that is serious enough to report will surely reduce the value to some extent. Even if you have it repaired and the shop does a flawless job, there will still be some reduction in your vehicle’s overall value. That being said, there are ways to reduce and minimize the depreciation of your vehicle’s value.

 

Don’t Try To Cover It Up

You might be thinking that you can simply refrain from reporting the accident to your insurance company or any other relevant parties. If you are talking about a very minor accident, concealing the accident might be possible, but it is hardly ethical. Besides, any reputable repair shop will make a record of the repairs. That record will become part of a Carfax report that anyone can obtain, and that isn’t the only way for a potential buyer to uncover your deception. A repair shop that doesn’t make such reports is likely not going to do a good job, so you really shouldn’t try to cover up a significant accident.

 

Get The Damage Repaired

The most obvious way to reduce the vehicle’s value loss is to get the issue fixed. More importantly, it needs to be fixed correctly. That means restoring your car to its pre-collision state. This is another good reason to avoid low-level repair shops. Yes, they will probably charge you less, but they cannot deliver the same quality of work. A competent repair job will not completely eliminate your car’s loss of value, but it will certainly reduce those losses significantly.

 

Make Sure They Use OEM Parts

As we said, you have to get your vehicle restored to its original state. Doing otherwise will probably reduce your car’s value, and will probably void the warranty. That means no aftermarket parts or used parts. Once again, remember that those service records can be checked by anyone who cares enough to look them up. Thus, if you use substandard parts or the wrong parts, you will be shooting yourself in the foot. You might save a few bucks in the short term, but you will greatly decrease the value of your car.

OEM stands for “Original Equipment Manufacturer,” and it is a label that is placed on machine parts of many sorts. Those three letters indicate that the part has been made by the manufacturer of the vehicle or someone they have licensed to produce parts. The OEM designation basically just means that you are getting a new part that is identical to the original one.

 

Consider Filing A Diminished Value Claim

Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you might be able to file a diminished value claim with your insurance company. This means that you will be compensated financially for your losses. So, let’s say your car was worth $8,000 before the accident, and then its value was reduced by half due to the damage. You would be able to recover that $4000 as a direct cash payment, but only if your claim is approved. So, even if you can’t necessarily stop your vehicle from depreciating in value, you can at least recoup your losses.

 

Every State Has Different Laws

There are laws that relate to these claims, and they vary from state to state. And so, the first thing you should do is look up the relevant laws for your state. This website might be a good place to begin. However, there are certain universal requirements. So, when should you file for a diminished value claim? Here are some things to consider:

  • If you were judged to be at fault, you will not be able to file the claim
  • Every state has a statute of limitations, and the claim must be filed within this period to be considered
  • If your vehicle was damaged by a random mishap like a falling tree branch, you probably won’t be approved
  • If your vehicle already had a lot of wear and tear, its value might be so low that the claim isn’t worth the trouble
  • If the other driver did not have car insurance, it could make you ineligible for the claim

 

Research And Documentation

If you want your claim to be approved, it pays to have as much knowledge and documentation as possible. You will definitely want pictures of your vehicle, showing its condition both before and after the accident. For the “before” pictures, use the most recent pictures of your vehicle that you can find. A receipt from the purchase of your car will also be helpful, and you should also have your service records handy. This is why you should always keep service records, by the way. The rules vary, so call your insurance company and ask about the types of documentation that they require.

 

Conclusion

Unless you plan to drive your car until the wheels fall off, resale value matters. If you want your vehicle to maintain a good resale value, it pays to follow all of these steps after an auto accident. It is also highly essential to choose the right shop, so ask yourself: “Where can I find the best auto body shop near me?” If you live in southern New Jersey or the surrounding areas, we can give you the correct answer. Just call Elmer’s Auto Body at (856) 218-0202.

Getting Your Car “Un-Totaled” So It Can Be Repaired

Getting Your Car "Un-Totaled" So It Can Be Repaired

After you have been in an accident, the insurance company could decide to total your vehicle. While you may think you cannot get it repaired, you could be able to persuade the insurance company to “un-total” your vehicle. Otherwise, you cannot get the car fixed at your local auto body shop with that designation. Here are a few tips to get that vehicle un-totaled from the insurance company.

 

What Is Considered a Totaled Car?

When a vehicle has a high cost of repair that exceeds its value, it is considered a total loss. The insurance company often decides it is not feasible to repair the vehicle.

For example, if your car was worth $3,000 before the accident, and the estimate is over that amount, the insurance company could “total” your vehicle, meaning it is a complete loss.

If you want to repair your vehicle, you could run into issues. The insurance company is often required to register it as a loss. You might be issued a salvage title or certificate. With that, it cannot be registered, sold, or driven without repairs. Even then, finding an auto body shop that will fix these vehicles will be challenging since it could be a liability for them.

 

What Happens After a Vehicle Is Declared a Total Loss?

After the insurance company has deemed the car a total loss, you will be sent a check for the remaining value of your vehicle. While some people will purchase a used or new car, some owners are not ready to get rid of their vehicle. In some cases, you could dispute the claim. However, the burden of proof is on the owner, who must show evidence that the vehicle has a higher value or that the repairs are not too costly. What can the owner do to un-total a car? There are several ways to get the insurance company to change its mind.

First, the vehicle owner should talk to an auto body mechanic. In many cases, they will take a look at the car and provide an estimate for the damage. They will break down the hourly labor price and the time involved in fixing the damaged parts. Many auto body specialists will tell you whether you can repair the vehicle or if it is ready for the scrap yard.

Unfortunately, the auto body shop cannot repair some vehicles to working condition. Remember that you can get a second estimate for your vehicle, especially if you feel the decision to total the vehicle is incorrect. If you can prove the vehicle has more value over the cost of repair, then the insurance company may change its decision.

When you talk to a reputable auto body mechanic, they can give you an opinion on the vehicle. Some body damage looks unfixable, but the auto body shop can restore the vehicle back to its pre-accident condition with the right mechanic and tools. If you successfully overturn the “total” decision, you will get the repairs completed like a regular insurance claim. Take the estimate and send it to a trusted repair shop for the work.

 

Keeping a Damage Vehicle

You can keep the car if you do not challenge the insurance company’s decision to total the vehicle. The insurance company will pay for the vehicle’s remaining value, but they could subtract the deductible and salvage value.

Even if you want to un-total your vehicle, remember that safety should be your top concern. Any reputable auto body shop will repair a vehicle that is in safe working order. Sometimes, the damage is too severe, and the vehicle needs to be scrapped. However, some insurance companies are known to be overzealous, totaling a car for minor repairs. If the damage is just cosmetic, you can fix the vehicle for a small repair cost.

Yes, there are times when you can un-total your vehicle, fix the damage, and get back on the road. Once the insurance company agrees to un-total your vehicle, make sure to take it to a professional and reputable auto body shop to complete those repairs.

 

Untotal Your Vehicle

Getting the insurance company to change its decision about your vehicle can be challenging. If you want to un-total the vehicle, you need to determine the damage to the car, the severity of the issues, the location of the damage, and the condition of your vehicle. Some vehicles have extensive damage, and fixing the cars may not be feasible. However, there are other times when the insurance company does not want to pay for a minor repair. You can get them to reverse their decisions with documentation and a professional auto body technician’s estimate.

 

Find an Auto Body Shop Near Me

If you need help to un-total your vehicle, you must talk to a reputable auto body repair shop. At Elmer’s Auto Body, our technicians have the experience to inspect your vehicle and determine the costs of the repairs. We will work with you to give you an accurate estimate so you can reach out to your insurance company. In some cases, we can send the estimate right to the insurance company, helping reduce some of the frustration of the process. When it comes time to get those repairs completed, make sure to contact our shop. We are a family-owned auto body shop that has been serving the community for the past 70 years. Schedule a consultation by calling (856) 218-0202.

Protect Your Honda With Certified Collision Repair

Protect Your Honda With Certified Collision Repair

Honda owners know that these vehicles are some of the most reliable cars on the road. They are long-lasting vehicles made for everyday driving. In many cases, it is not uncommon to have a Honda performing for years without any major issues. When you need a repair, you will want to protect your vehicle by taking it to a Honda-certified collision repair shop.

 

What You Need To Know About Honda-Certified Collision Repairs

Honda has made a recommendation that all its vehicles are repaired by auto body shops and technicians certified to perform Honda repairs. If you have been involved in an accident, it is crucial to take it to a reputable and certified repair shop. These vehicles have their own advanced safety systems, parts, and technology that only a certified technician should handle. When you choose a Certified Honda collision repair shop, these professionals know how to best repair your vehicle.

Honda is committed to safety and wants to ensure that all repairs are made according to its specifications. With the Honda ProFirst Collision Repair program, you are assured that every technician has the right equipment, skills, training, and tools to repair your vehicle safely. Honda offers ongoing training so that your auto body repair team stays up to date on the latest changes that could affect the performance and safety of the vehicle.

Some of the areas that technicians receive specialized training include:

  • On-board safety features
  • Advanced body materials
  • Collision avoidance systems

When you bring your Honda vehicle to a certified shop, you will have some peace of mind that they will only use Genuine Honda parts on your vehicle. With these qualified repairs, you can keep and maintain your original manufacturer’s warranty even after an accident.

There are many reasons why you should choose original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. These parts are guaranteed to meet Honda’s standards for appearance, safety, and fitment, meaning these parts will maintain the structural integrity of your Honda vehicle as designed by the company’s engineers.

Additionally, a Honda-certified collision repair shop offers technicians unlimited access to repair guidelines and information exclusively from the manufacturer. They can use all the proper tools and equipment to match the specifications of these vehicles. Plus, the technicians and shops must be I-CAR Gold Certified to complete a repair on your vehicle.

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Requirements of Honda’s Collision Repair Certification Program

Most vehicle manufacturers have strict requirements for repairs. With the ProFirst program, all shops and technicians must meet stringent standards to be certified to handle collision repair. With these standards, Honda can ensure that the repairs are completed to their specifications. First, any shop that wants to be certified will need to be an I-CAR Gold Class, Medallion, or VeriFact VQ shop.

Along with that, the technicians will take specific training that is designed and administered through the I-CAR program. These details are specific to the Honda line of vehicles. This training is required for anyone who takes on the roles of a structural technician, nonstructural technician, or estimator. Every shop must have one technician who completes these hands-on training programs.

All certified auto body shops will need to maintain the proper tools, equipment, and technology from Honda. With that, these professionals have committed to repairing your Honda vehicle to factory specifications by following the manufacturer’s safety and security protocols. Also, all auto body shops must use genuine parts and maintain the facility standards to Honda’s specifications.

Honda also wants to ensure that all shops meet their standards for customer service. With that, Honda requires the shop to have a full inspection by an independent third-party auditor. These auto body shops also need to maintain a customer contact program so that their customers know their certifications.

 

Get a Repair from a Honda-Certified Shop

When you have been in an accident, you want to avoid taking a chance with an unauthorized shop, especially if you want to maintain the appearance and warranty of your vehicle. A certified collision repair team has the skills and training to deliver the highest level of service to your vehicle. As a result, these technicians will only use authorized parts and tools to repair the car according to Honda’s standards.

 

Reach Out To Elmer’s Auto Body

You don’t want to leave your vehicle at any repair shop. These collision repairs must be handled by professionals who understand all of Honda’s safety features and systems, using only OEM parts and equipment.

With our experienced technicians, we will restore the vehicle back to its original factory finish. We understand that repairing a car is more than a cosmetic fix. You want your Honda repaired back to the vehicle’s pre-accident condition.

We stand behind our work and uphold our reputation as a Honda-certified collision repair shop. You can guarantee to have the highest quality repair work completed on your vehicle. Our shop will even help with your insurance claim, making the collision repair process easier for you.

Whether you have major collision damage or a small fender bender, you will want to get it fixed right the first time. Our auto body shop ensures your complete satisfaction with any repair. Hondas are durable vehicles that will last for many years. When it comes time to get your vehicle fixed, take it to a Honda-certified collision shop. Do you need an “auto body shop near me?” You can schedule a free estimate or repair by calling Elmer’s Auto Body at (856) 218-0202.

Common Paintless Dent Repair Myths

Common Paintless Dent Repair Myths

When it comes to collision repair, dent removal is pretty important. For that reason, the invention of paintless dent repair processes has had a huge effect on the industry. Paintless dent repair, or PDR, is a set of methods that are used to remove dents and dings without the need for repainting or any other extra work. These methods are particularly effective on small dents, allowing people to save a lot of money on repainting costs. Unfortunately, there are still quite a few people who don’t understand PDR or how it works, so let’s address some common myths about paintless dent repair.

 

Myth 1: “I Can Just Buy The Tools And Do It Myself!”

PDR relies on the use of specialized tools, and so some people think that this is all you need. Even if you purchase all the specialized tools that are required (or improvise them in some way), you probably won’t be able to do a competent job. That is because PDR tools require specialized training in order to use them properly. Thus, it’s better to trust the job to a professional.

 

Myth 2: “It Will Mess Up My Safety Systems!”

Some new cars are equipped with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) technology. This feature uses a network of specialized sensors to detect dangerous situations (like incoming collisions) and react accordingly to prevent them. It is true that the removal of any vehicle part can disrupt the calibration of these ADAS sensors. However, this is just another reason to trust the work of a professional. A technician who knows what they are doing will be able to re-calibrate those systems with no problem.

 

Myth 3: “My Insurance Won’t Cover That!”

When this technology was very new, some insurance companies refused to cover PDR procedures. However, this has long since ceased to be true. As long as you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance company will probably cover these repairs. Of course, you should call them and make sure of that beforehand.

 

Myth 4: “My Resale Value Will Be Affected!”

Some people seem to think that a PDR job will reduce their vehicle’s value. These people reason that it’s better to replace the part because PDR cannot fully remove the damage. This one is a little more complicated because it depends on the extent of the damage. Once the paint job itself has been damaged, PDR is no longer possible. Thus, PDR is mainly used for smaller dents, and that is why it will not affect the value of your car. In fact, it might help to preserve the value of your vehicle because you can keep the original part.

 

Myth 5: “It Will Stretch And Ruin The Paint Job!”

One prevalent myth is the idea that a PDR job will stretch the paint itself, causing it to eventually crack and peel. This one seems to make sense on the surface until you realize that most paints are capable of stretching, including vehicle paint. Also, the amount of stretching that will result from a PDR job will be very little. There is no need to get into a detailed discussion on the composition of paint, but you should be aware that most vehicle paints use latex as the main binder, and that is why they have a certain amount of elasticity.

 

Myth 6: “It Will Weaken The Metal!”

This is another myth that almost makes sense until you think about it a little more. Again, PDR is only used for small dents, which means the metal itself should still be intact. Steel is undoubtedly capable of flexing without breaking, as that is one of its main properties. In fact, it’s the main reason that we now use steel for most purposes instead of iron. When you combine that quality with the specialized tools and processes of PDR, it becomes obvious that you can pop a dent without weakening the steel.

 

Myth 7: “All Shops Do That!”

It should be noted that not all repair shops are able to do PDR jobs. As we said, it takes specialized equipment and training. Not all shops are going to have those things, so you can’t just take it for granted that a particular shop will offer PDR. If you want that service, you need to make sure that your repair shop can do it properly. Make sure to ask about training and certifications.

 

Myth 8: “The Dent Will Come Back!”

This is a ludicrous myth, but some people have fallen for it nevertheless. Some people will try to tell you that a dent that is repaired in this way will not stay repaired. They claim that it will “pop” inward and the dent will return. This is the kind of thing that can happen if PDR is done incorrectly, but that’s about all. When done by someone who knows what they are doing, PDR removes dents permanently.

 

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a lot of misunderstandings on this subject. This might be surprising because PDR is actually a very simple concept: You reverse the forces that caused the dent by applying them from the other side. However, there are many subtle things that only an expert would know, and that is why PDR requires an expert. If you need such an expert, or if you are just asking yourself: “where can I find the best auto body shop near me?”, then we have the answer. Just call Elmer’s Auto Body at (856) 218-0202.

How To Shop For A New Jersey Body Shop Based On Reviews

How To Shop For A New Jersey Body Shop Based On Reviews

It can be very difficult to select the right repair shop when you are in great need. Most of us depend on our vehicles to a large extent, so we will definitely be in a hurry to get the job done. However, it is important that you take the time to properly vet and evaluate the repair shops in your area. By making a list and using a process of elimination, you can figure things out much more quickly. Obviously, reviews are going to be your main source of information, so let’s talk about how you can use that information effectively.

 

Be Aware That Not All Reviews Are Honest Or Legitimate

The first thing you should understand is that rival companies will sometimes “review bomb” one another. This means that they create a large number of false complaints which are designed to make another company look bad. Even if there is no concerted effort to deceive, some bad reviews are based on unrealistic expectations and/or misunderstandings on the part of the writer. By the same token, you should remember that good reviews might also be forged by a company that is seeking some free advertising.

You want to look for criticisms that are consistent and reasonable. When the criticisms are all over the place and don’t make sense, they can be safely disregarded. Also, you should look for reviews that do not seem overly hateful. When someone shows that they have an agenda of some kind (i.e., dropping the name of a competitor in a bad review), that is also probably not legitimate. When it comes to good reviews, you want to look for those that praise the service and the overall experience without sounding like a commercial. For instance, if they insert the company’s advertising slogans into the review, it’s probably not an authentic review.

 

Ask Around For Personal Recommendations

You don’t necessarily have to get your reviews online. Instead, you can talk to your family and friends and see what body shop they prefer. By asking them some questions about the shop and how they do business, you can basically get a review from them. These reviews tend to be a little more trustworthy because they come from an in-person source.

 

Ask Your Insurance Company

If you are in need of a body shop, your insurance company is probably aware of that. Most body shops focus on collision repair, and all collisions need to be reported to your insurance company. As such, they might recommend a body shop in your area. In some cases, they might even attempt to pressure you into choosing a certain one. If this happens, just be aware that you do not have to go with their recommendation. The law protects your right to choose any repair shop you like.

If you choose to get a recommendation from your insurance provider, we would recommend that you simply get the name of the company without committing to anything. Once you know the name of the repair shop, you can look for some online reviews and ask around the area as well. That will allow you to decide if they are actually worth your time and money.

 

Prioritizing

We have talked about “good reviews” and “bad reviews,” but there are many reviews that fall into a middle-ground category. For instance, it is common to see a review that is mostly positive but with one or two small complaints. You might also see the opposite (i.e., a review that is mostly critical but still offers some praise). This is why you need to prioritize and decide which points are the most important to you.

For example, let’s say you find a consistent pattern in the reviews, indicating that this company does good work but takes a little longer than most. You have to decide which is more important: The overall quality of the work or the speed with which it is done? For most people, quality will be the more important consideration. However, if you really need your vehicle back in a hurry, speed might be more important to you.

 

Ask Plenty Of Questions

When you are evaluating a local New Jersey body shop, and everything seems to be good so far, the next step is to call them. Ask plenty of questions about who they are, how they do business, etc. Make sure you ask about I-CAR certifications, manufacturer certifications, and other relevant credentials.

Make sure you also ask about pricing, if they use OEM or aftermarket parts, hourly rates, etc. If you already know which parts are required, ask the shop if they have those parts in stock. If they do, it will mean less wait time on your repair. In the end, just remember that you have every right to ask for this information before paying anything.

 

Conclusion

Evaluating reviews and testimonials can be a difficult process because there are a lot of judgment calls that have to be made. In the end, you should look for patterns, as opposed to looking at the content of individual reviews. Any single review might be bogus for a variety of reasons, but overarching patterns tend to be more reliable. Of course, if you happen to be located in southern New Jersey, we can save you all that time and effort. If you live in this area, take a quick look here at our testimonials. We look forward to servicing your auto body repair needs. Give one of our Elmer’s Auto Body locations a call at (856) 218-0202.