Question 1

My car isn't drivable, can I get it towed to your shop?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Call us at (973) 627-0059 and let us know you’re in need of a tow to the shop.

Question 2

Who do I pay for the vehicle being towed?

Accepted Answer

If you are going through insurance, usually the tow bill will be billed directly to them. If you decide to pay out of pocket, the tow bill will be added to the final bill and due at the time the repair is complete.

Question 3

How can I get a rental car?

Accepted Answer

If you need a rental car, we can help you make the necessary arrangements with Enterprise rentals. Insurance companies will only pay for a rental car if you have that option on your policy or if you are a claimant. Check your policy and/or call your insurance company to find out if you have rental coverage and what your specific limitations are.

Question 4

Do you offer loaner cars?

Accepted Answer

We do not offer loaner cars. However, Enterprise Rent a Car is nearby and will provide shuttle service for you.

Question 5

How do I get an estimate?

Accepted Answer

We offer all estimates free of charge and appreciate you making an appointment so we can guarantee the time it requires to make you feel comfortable in your decision to let us repair your vehicle. On smaller repairs you can use our remote estimate tool which can be found on this site. Using this tool will not get you a final repair cost but an initial estimate to help you decide if you need to go through your insurance or not.

Question 6

Do I need more than one estimate?

Accepted Answer

No, it is up to you to decide how many estimates you would like and if you want to compare with more than one shop. When you decided on a shop, have your insurance company deal directly with them.

Question 7

Where do I get a claim number?

Accepted Answer

Claim numbers are issued by your insurance company at the time you report your accident. Make sure to write it down and bring it with you when you come in to begin the repair process, we’ll do the rest.

Question 8

I already have an estimate from my insurance company, what do I do next?

Accepted Answer

If your insurance adjuster already came to look at your vehicle you are able to call and schedule the repairs. All we need is a copy of the insurance estimate which you can fax, email or drop it off. If you don’t have a copy, give us your insurance information and we can attain a copy of the estimate. We must start the repair process from the original insurance estimate when going through your insurance company.

Question 9

Will my estimate include all new OEM factory replacement parts?

Accepted Answer

Each insurance company has different parts guidelines. Many insurance companies only allow for aftermarket (copied and made by another company), remanufactured (Previously damaged) or used (LKQ) parts to be used during the repair. You always have the choice to pay any difference in part price if you would like to use all factory parts in your repair.

Question 10

My insurance company wants me to send them pictures for my estimate. Should I?

Accepted Answer

Photo estimates are increasingly common. Unfortunately they often provide an incomplete assessment of the damages. We suggest a physical evaluation of the damage if at all possible.

Question 11

Can I have my vehicle repaired at the shop of my choice?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is your responsibility, and your right, to choose who will repair your vehicle. Also, if you cannot decide on a repair facility, check your vehicle’s manufactures website to find a certified shop in your area. Certified shops have the proper training and equipment to properly repair your make of vehicle.

Question 12

Why do I need to leave a deposit when scheduling?

Accepted Answer

If you are asked to leave a deposit when scheduling it is because we are ordering your parts in advance. Many part venders have restocking fees for returned parts that need to be paid in the event you change your mind about repairing your vehicle.

Question 13

How long will the repair take?

Accepted Answer

"There are many factors to consider when estimating length of time for the repairs like part availability, paint and material dry times and availability of specific equipment within our facility.

We understand that you depend on your transportation and we work very hard to complete the repair in a timely manner. Rushing repairs could result in a less satisfactory repair. Our professional estimators are happy to estimate how long it will take and do our very best to meet or exceed that goal. In many ways, it’s to our advantage to complete your vehicle in a timely manner."

Question 14

Will my vehicle drive the same?

Accepted Answer

Vehicles with frame or suspension damage will require a two or four-wheel alignment. We have specifications on every vehicle to insure that the frame or unibody is returned to its original condition. With precise frame repair and state-of-the-art alignment equipment your vehicle will drive and handle the same way it did before the accident.

Question 15

Will my color match?

Accepted Answer

With our highly skilled professionals and paint matching technology, we are able to reproduce the finish on your vehicle. Any difference in color between new and old paint will be undetectable by blending into the adjacent panels. We only use the highest of quality paint; and not only do we duplicate the precise color, but also the texture.

Question 16

What if I want to keep my vehicle after it is totaled?

Accepted Answer

You have the right to retain ownership of the vehicle, however the amount of the settlement will be reduced by the salvage value.

Question 17

Do you guarantee your work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have a limited lifetime warranty on all of our work for as long as you own the vehicle. Parts have their own warranty from the manufacture. It is important to know that your body shop is the only party responsible for a warranty on your repair, NOT your insurance company.

Question 18

I picked up my vehicle but noticed something wrong after I got home, what should I do?

Accepted Answer

We do everything in our power to ensure your vehicle is back to original condition before vehicle leaves our shop. If you notice anything that doesn’t seem right or experience any problems, please do not hesitate to give us a call or stop back in. We warranty all of our work and will fix any issues that arise that are related to our repair. If it turns out to be something the insurance company needs to be brought in on, we have procedures in place to get everything taken care of.

Question 19

Can you just spray some paint on this scrape over here?

Accepted Answer

A large portion of the time required to paint a body panel is in the preparation. Paint will not adhere properly or look even worse if applied to an incorrectly prepared part. If we are painting any part of your vehicle during repairs we will be happy to provide a bottle of touch up paint at no charge.

Question 20

Do you detail cars?

Accepted Answer

We make sure your vehicle is clean after repair, however we do not currently provide detailing services. We suggest nearby Denville Detail.

Question 21

Do you do windshields?

Accepted Answer

For windshield claims only we recommend and use New Age Auto Glass.

Question 22

Is there a key drop?

Accepted Answer

We provide an after-hours key drop on the right side of the complex when facing the building from Main St. Please be sure to leave your information on the envelope provided.

Question 23

What is a deductible and how do I know if I have to pay one?

Accepted Answer

"A deductible is the portion of the total repair cost that you are responsible for. It is included in the terms of your auto insurance policy. There can be different deductibles amounts indicated on your policy for different types of incidents (e.g., Collision, Comprehensive, or Glass claims). If the accident was not your fault and the repairs are being paid by a company other than your insurance company then chances are that you do not have a deductible. You may not have any out of pocket expenses at all.

Sometimes it is difficult to understand what choices you have when you’re involved in an accident. We can help you with all these types of choices and help determine what’s in your best interest."

Question 24

The other insurance company says my car is a "total loss". What does that mean?

Accepted Answer

The cost of repairs plus the value of the vehicle in damaged condition (salvage value) – is greater than the actual cash value (ACV) of the vehicle prior to the accident. In this scenario the vehicle is not financially worth repairing.

Question 25

Can you save my deductible?

Accepted Answer

There are a lot of repair facilities who say they will save your deductible. What they fail to tell you is how they are able to do this. You should also be told what part of the repair they are not going to do or what is going to be sacrificed. As a rule, insurance companies pay as little as possible to repair vehicles at a repair facility. And leave no room for extra monies. We hope that if you choose to use a facility who is going to “save your deductible”, or any portion of it, that they are not forced to sacrifice the quality of the repair to make a profit.

Question 26

What are OEM Parts?

Accepted Answer

Original Equipment Manufactured (OEM) is a term for parts made by the manufacturer of your vehicle.

Question 27

What are Aftermarket Parts?

Accepted Answer

These are parts not made by your vehicle manufacturer. They are also known as Quality Replacement Parts (QRP). Aftermarket parts are much cheaper than OEM parts and might not have the same fit and function as OEM parts. If the insurance only pays for Aftermarket you have the option to pay the difference and receive the same part your vehicle was manufactured with.

Question 28

What are LKQ Parts?

Accepted Answer

LKQ – (Like Kind & Quality). These parts are more commonly referred to as used parts. These parts generally come from automotive salvage yards. Salvage yards purchase damaged or totaled vehicles, remove the parts and sell them as LKQ parts. Usually, when we receive used parts, they have some damage which requires additional labor and materials (money) to bring them to usable condition.

Question 29

How is the Actual Cash Value (AVC) determined?

Accepted Answer

The insurance company will assign an appraiser to inspect the vehicle to determine its condition prior to the accident. The appraiser then uses a vehicle evaluation service to determine pre-accident value. You as the owner should also determine the value on your own which can be done by using the N.A.D.A. vehicle guide link from the consumer rights page on our website.

Question 30

Is the Actual Cash Value (AVC) negotiable?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. If you feel the ACV offered by the insurance company is too low, then you are obligated to prove this either through documented receipts of vehicle enhancement (new tires, engine or recent major repairs) or higher values shown from several value guides that determine the proper value.

Question 31

What is subrogation?

Accepted Answer

Subrogation is the process by which your insurance company pays for the repairs to your vehicle, then they get reimbursed from another insurer or party. Your collision coverage will require you to pay your deductible, which may be refunded to you by your insurance company, once the other party pays them.

Question 32

When do I pay my deductible?

Accepted Answer

When the repairs are complete and you are satisfied with the repairs. The insurance check issued will be minus your deductible amount, if you have one. At the time you pick up your vehicle you will pay the deductible amount to D&M Auto Body.

Question 33

When is my deductible due?

Accepted Answer

Your deductible is due when you pick up your vehicle. If you are expecting your deductible to be reduced or waived by your insurance company, we suggest you contact your insurance carrier and confirm prior to picking up your vehicle.

Question 34

Can the shop help bury my deductible?

Accepted Answer

No. When you purchased your insurance policy, you signed a contract saying you will pay the  amount of the repair up to your deductible. Repairers should not be asked to hide the deductible. That practice would constitute fraud by both the shop and consumer. The penalties for insurance fraud are severe. If a shop offers to save your deductible, they are absorbing that at your cost. They are not doing the said repairs in order to make up for your deductible. This could lead to unsafe and unsatisfactory repairs which will ultimately cost you at some point.

Question 35

Can you fix my car for less so I can pocket some money?

Accepted Answer

Most initial insurance estimates are actually insufficient to properly repair your vehicle. We work very hard on your behalf to negotiate with the insurance companies for enough money to perform a complete and proper repair.

Question 36

Do you offer a payment plan?

Accepted Answer

We do not offer financing however we do accept all major credit cards.

Question 37

What happens if someone else is paying for my repairs?

Accepted Answer

We require payment in full before we can release a completed vehicle. We highly recommend negotiating those arrangements before beginning the repair. If the other party wishes to pay us directly we will certainly accept that payment.

Question 38

I was surprised at the quoted cost and length of time to repair my vehicle. Can you explain this?

Accepted Answer

We strive to restore your vehicle back to original manufactures condition. On a modern vehicle this is a time consuming and labor intensive process. View our “repair process” page under services on this website for a better understanding of all the steps required to repair a collision damaged vehicle. New technology such as blind spot monitors, pre-collision warnings and lane departure systems also add extra time to the repair because they must be carefully repaired and calibrated back to full functionality for your safety.

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