In New Jersey, all body shops must be licensed by the state. But licensing alone does not make a shop qualified to restore the safety, function, appearance, and value of your car to pre-accident condition! Prior to 2002, there were NO requirements for technical training or knowledge, and NO requirements for facilities or equipment in the licensing regulations! Almost anyone, regardless of how little they knew about proper collision repairs or how little they may have had in the way of facilities and equipment, could obtain a body shop license. The new licensing law which went into effect in September, 2002, does include requirements for training and equipment, but not all New Jersey shops are in full compliance yet. Here then are the factors you must consider in selecting a shop truly qualified to restore your car to its pre-accident condition:
Training is more important now than ever before. Vehicle designs are changing rapidly. Vehicle makers are adding new materials or changing manufacturing methods almost every year. New materials require new repair methods, and new manufacturing methods also affect how a vehicle is to be safely repaired. Without constant training, technicians cannot always know the correct repair methods when they encounter new materials or manufacturing methods. Look for certificates displayed and ask questions to be sure technicians have received advanced training and certifications from organizations such as I-CAR (The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair) and ASE (The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence), or from car manufacturers.
Proper structural repairs are essential to maintain the safety of your car. Today's unibody designs offer far better protection for the driver and passengers than just a few years ago, but special equipment and repair methods are necessary. Proper wheel alignment for safe handling and normal tire wear also depends on correct structural alignment. Look for a three dimensional unibody measuring system, preferrably a computerized laser system, and a unibody and frame straightening system. With the right equipment, training, and skills, technicians can identify hidden structural damage that might not otherwise be detected, and proper repairs can be made.
Ask what type of paint system the shop uses and what type of warranty is provided. Ask to see a copy of the warranty. To maintain the appearance and value of your car, the color, texture, gloss, and durability of the factory paint finish must be duplicated. Modern basecoat/clearcoat, pearl, mica, and three stage finishes require special blending techniques and equipment to obtain a satisfactory match. How the paint looks one year, two years or more after the repair is just as important as how it looks the day the repair is completed.
Proper restoration of your car to pre-accident condition involves far more than structural repairs, parts replacement, and painting, however. Air conditioning systems are charged with pressurized refrigerants which require highly specialized equipment for servicing. Safety systems such as air bags and anti-lock brakes can be damaged by improper repair methods. Mechanical components which used to be very simple are now electronically controlled. Be sure the shop you select is prepared to handle these more complex repairs.
The exterior appearance of a shop also says a lot about the attitude of the management and employees. A clean exterior and an attractive office and waiting area are usually indications of a professional attitude which extends into the shop and the repair of your car.
Goldcar Collision Repair Network certified member shops meet all of the requirements above. They have passed a strict inspection and verification of their qualifications. Goldcar Network member shops are required to have the necessary training, equipment, and facilities to properly restore your car to pre-accident condition. All Goldcar Network member shops provide a minimum of a one year warranty. For a detailed list of the qualifications Goldcar Collision Repair Network Certified Members must meet, refer to our Standards for Certified Members page.
If anyone tries to require you to use any shop against your will, refer to our Consumer Help page.
Remember - it's YOUR choice!!!
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