New Jersey Automotive July 2020

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TO OUR READERS, ADVERTISERS AND SUPPORTERS: THE PAST FEW MONTHS HAVE BEEN CHALLENGING, TO SAY THE LEAST. AS WE ALL LOOK AHEAD TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE, WE WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE SUPPORT OF THE MANY READERS AND ADVERTISERS WHO STUCK BY US THROUGHOUT THE PANDEMIC. YOUR LOYALTY SPEAKS VOLUMES. WE APPRECIATE YOUR OVERWHELMING SUPPORT AND FLEXIBILITY - WE QUITE LITERALLY COULD NOT HAVE GOTTEN THROUGH THIS PERIOD WITHOUT YOU. WE LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING TO SERVE YOU IN OUR DUTY TO KEEP THE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR INDUSTRY CONNECTED AND INFORMED. THANK YOU AGAIN - THE BEST IS YET TO COME!

THOMAS GRECO PUBLISHING, INC. PUBLISHERS OF NEW JERSEY AUTOMOTIVE 6 | New Jersey Automotive | July 2020

P.O. Box 734 Neptune, NJ 07753 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Charles Bryant 732-922-8909 / setlit4u@msn.com 2019 - 2021 OFFICERS PRESIDENT Jerry McNee, Ultimate Collision Repair, Inc. 732-494-1900 / ultimatecollision@att.net COLLISION CHAIRMAN Dennis Cataldo, Jr., D&M Auto Body 732-251-4313 / jr@dnmautobody.com

CONTENTS

VOLUME 50 NUMBER 7 | July 2020

30

MECHANICAL CHAIRMAN Keith Krehel, Krehel Automotive Repair, Inc. 973-546-2828 / krehelauto@aol.com TREASURER Tom Elder, Compact Kars, Inc. 609-259-6373 / compactkars@aol.com SECRETARY Thomas Greco, Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. 973-667-6922 / thomas@grecopublishing.com BOARD Gary Gardella, Jr., County Line Auto Body 732-363-5904 / countylineautobody@gmail.com Dave Laganella, Peters Body and Fender 201-337-1200 / petersbandf@gmail.com Sam Mikhail, Prestige Auto Body 908-294-1985 /prestige@goldcar.us Ted Rainer, Ocean Bay Auto Body 732-899-7900 / ted@oceanbayautobody.com Anthony Trama, Bloomfield Auto Body 973-748-2608 / anthony@bloomfieldautobody.com BOARD ALLIED Joe Amato, The Amato Agency 732-530-6740 / joesr@amatoagency.com Mike Kaufmann, Advantage Dealer Services 973-332-7014 / mkaufmann@advantageds.com PAST PRESIDENT ATTENDING Jeff McDowell, Leslie’s Auto Body 732-738-1948 / chacki@aol.com

PUBLISHER Thomas Greco / thomas@grecopublishing.com SALES DIRECTOR Alicia Figurelli / alicia@grecopublishing.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lisa M. Cuthbert/ lisa@grecopublishing.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Joel Gausten / joel@grecopublishing.com EDITORIAL/CREATIVE COORDINATOR Alana Bonillo / alana@grecopublishing.com OFFICE MANAGER Donna Greco / donna@grecopublishing.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Charles Bryant • Mario DeFilippis • Jeff McDowell • Mitch Portnoi • Ron Ananian Keith Krehel • Jerry McNee • Bob Dirkes • Jacquelyn Bauman

Published by: Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. 244 Chestnut Street, Suite 202, Nutley, NJ 07110 Corporate: (973) 667-6922 / FAX: (973) 235-1963

www.grecopublishing.com NEW JERSEY AUTOMOTIVE is published monthly and is sent to AASP/NJ and ARANJ members free of charge. Subscriptions are $24 per year. NEW JERSEY AUTOMOTIVE is published by Thomas Greco Publishing Inc., 244 Chestnut St., Nutley, NJ 07110. The editorial contents of NEW JERSEY AUTOMOTIVE are copyright © 2020 by Thomas Greco Publishing Inc. and may not be reproduced in any manner, either in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher and/or editor. Articles in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Thomas Greco Publishing Inc. Stock Images courtesy of www.istockphoto.com.

10 14

OUT OF BODY AND (MECHANICAL) EXPERIENCES PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

16

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

46 NJA ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

LOCAL NEWS 20

Shops Battle Insurers over Photo Estimates, Storage Charges

by Joel Gausten

22

AASP/NJ Members Attend Webinar about the Dangers

of Counterfeit Parts by Alana Bonillo

COVER STORY by Joel Gausten

30 A Safer Solution: AASP/NJ to Hold Virtual NORTHEAST® 2020

AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY 42 Wharton Insurance Briefs

by Mario DeFilippis

Joe Amato, Sr. Ron Ananian Jim Bowers Charles Bryant Don Chard Guy Citro Pete Cook Ed Day Dave Demarest Phil Dolcemascolo Tom Elder

Bob Everett Thomas Greco Dan Hawtin Rich Johnson Wes Kearney Nick Kostakis Jim Kowalak Keith Krehel Joe Lubrano Michael Lovullo Jeff McDowell Sam Mikhail

Ron Mucklow George Petrask Russ Robson Jerry Russomano George Threlfall Cynthia Tursi Lee Vetland Paul Vigilant Rich Weber Brian Vesley Glenn Villacari Stan Wilson

New Jersey Automotive | July 2020 | 7

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Better Days

OUT OF BODY (AND MECHANICAL) EXPERIENCES by THOMAS GRECO, PUBLISHER

H

ow do you write an article when you’re speechless? That’s my dilemma this month as I look around and see a world in chaos. Common sense has become extinct – on all fronts. The only advice I can give is take care of the people you love. Keep them safe and happy. And don’t give up. Keep fighting for what YOU believe in – not what some politician or the media tell you to. Now, on another note…

Prior to opening up my own business, I only had a few jobs. Most were short-lived and unmemorable, but the one job I had the longest was at a publishing company. We had a lot of fun there before it was sold to an evil idiot. It had a cast of characters. Allow me to tell you about some of them.

The easiest way for me to do this is

to pretend I am walking through the place and going office by office. The first person you would see was our receptionist, Michelle. She was just a kid, not that far removed from high school. (I wasn’t exactly an old man then…I was 23.) She always had a welcoming smile and a friendly vibe.

Perfect start to the day. Moving down the hall, the first office on the right was our editorial assistant, Rob. I had a special relationship with Rob, since I hired him. But honestly, I brought Rob on because he was 6’2” and I needed a tall guy for my basketball league. The fact that he turned out to be a great writer and proofreader was pure luck.

In the next was our bookPageoffice 1 keeper, Mary, who was a wonderful person. Older than me by at least a decade, she had a very motherly

disposition, which was perfect for her job. No one wanted to disappoint the mother hen by spending too much money on expenses. One other thing: Have you ever seen that Austin Powers movie where Fred Savage’s character has a giant mole on his face and Austin can’t help but say, “Mole? Moley, Miley, Moley” every time he sees him? Well, Mary had a huge mole right between her eyes. We couldn’t help but stare at it and try not to have her catch us.

Next to Mary was the company’s general manager, Chuck, who was the guy who hired me and got my career in publishing started. So, I owe him. Still, Chuck could be a bit of a pain. If you walked into the office five minutes late,

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he’d always ask the same question: “Traffic?” No, Chuck; I’m just late because I stayed here till 10pm last night. Chuck was like one of Elvis Presley’s entourage when it came to the owner. Whenever the owner called his name, I would feel a breeze in my office as Chuck broke land speed records getting to the owner’s office. It was always pretty funny how the tough GM would turn into a pussycat in a matter of seconds.

One office down, Big Jack could be found. Jack was quite simply one of the funniest guys in the world. He was about 5’9,” 300 pounds and always wore the same clothes. He would be the only one in the office who refused to work with his door open. Problem was, when the door would open, the stench would blow through the rest of the office like a pack of skunks. He didn’t care; he would just make a comment that would have you laughing

your ass off, and you’d get used to just holding your nose as you walked by.

Next to Jack was Melanie, who Jack just happened to be madly in love with. There were a couple of problems with that. First of all, both were married.

Secondly, if Melanie weighed 85 pounds soaking wet, I’d be surprised.

Most importantly, Melanie, who was really nice, politely didn’t give John the time of day. That made for a fascinating dynamic.

My office was next to Melanie’s, and next to mine was the owner of the company, John. He was a great guy.

Of course, it’s hard to like everything about any boss, but it was pretty hard not to love this guy. He was funny, and he treated us all very well – except when he had a problem. I would hear him yell Chuck’s name and feel that burst of wind go by. Before I knew it, one of us was called into Chuck’s office to be reprimanded. We’d go to John

after, and he’d be like, “I don’t know anything about it.” Then, he’d run out the door. Even then, it was hard to be pissed at him.

The next office held our production department, which hosted a few different people during my tenure.

There was Audrey, Teri, Lisa and Jeri. I got closest to Jeri, probably because she had big “eyes.” Only kidding. Jeri was a great person who was pretty much in over her head at first, but she was always trying and learning. Plus, like Michelle and a couple of others at the office, she came from Northwest Jersey, which could just as well have been another planet as far as I was concerned. They all had a different way about them. Not any better or worse than where I came from, but different.

Much more country, I guess. It took some adapting to.

The sales department came next,

Continued on page 26

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12 | New Jersey Automotive | July 2020

A New Way Forward

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE by JERRY MCNEE

W

e’re now in the early days of summer, and I’m happy to report that business is beginning to pick up for many of our members. We are an industry that obviously thrives on people being on the roads, so I hope this trend carries on throughout the season as more of us make a safe and gradual return to our regular lives.

Unfortunately, there are plenty of things that will still take a long time to return to “normal.” As I write this message, the Governor has just rescinded the stay-athome order for our state. While this is definitely good news (especially if everyone follows social distancing and other appropriate safety measures), the jury is still out on what indoor gatherings will look like in the future. With this in mind, AASP/NJ recently made the very difficult decision to cancel this year’s NORTHEAST® Automotive Services Show.

AASP/NJ is committed to supporting this industry and helping it through these very strange and difficult times.

Although our flagship brick-and-mortar event is off the table for 2020, that doesn’t mean we won’t be providing a valuable experience to the automotive community next

month. We are currently in the process of developing a special virtual online portal to allow NORTHEAST attendees to “visit” and interact with the many exhibitors that had signed on to participate in the show. This is something I’m really looking forward to as a shop owner, as I had already earmarked NORTHEAST as the time to buy some much-needed products and equipment for my business. This virtual experience will still allow me – and many others – the ability to do that. Additionally, the Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association (WMABA) is hard at work developing a virtual version of its Collision Professional Repairer Education Program (Collision P.R.E.P.) offerings originally scheduled for NORTHEAST. We will be updating and informing the industry on these endeavors as they progress.

NORTHEAST has always been a physical show at heart, but these online options will help us offer something truly beneficial at a time when we all need it. We’ll get to network with vendors and industry peers from our living rooms or decks, and we’ll receive education without having to jump in a car or a plane. If anything, going virtual

Continued on page 36

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Stop Listening to the False Narrative!

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE by CHARLES BRYANT

C

an anyone point to the “we don’t pay for that” provision in an auto insurance policy when it comes to an operation that a collision shop must perform in order to safely and properly repair a vehicle? No, I didn’t think so. Maybe that’s because it doesn’t exist. Yet, that phrase is repeated over and over by insurance representatives when discussing the repair of a damaged vehicle with a shop owner when the carrier is obligated to pay.

Here’s another one: “We don’t pay mark-up on paidout towing bills or sublet repairs.” Now, I know there are a lot of shop owners who often help their customers out with certain issues because of the close relationships they have formed with them over the years, but does that mean that the shop has suddenly become a charity that provides services for the same amount that it cost them? This is a simple matter of wholesale versus retail.

Now, let’s have a look at Labor Rates being paid for collision repairs right here in New Jersey. Insurers will tell

16 | New Jersey Automotive | July 2020

you they pay fair and reasonable Labor Rates for collision repairs. If you look at the average Labor Rate, you will find that collision facilities, on average, are only getting paid about half the rate that lawnmower shops are regularly getting paid and much less than what bicycle shops make. Now, I know that I have made this comparison many times in the past, but since it makes such a great point, I can’t help myself from using it over and over again.

Moving away from repair issues for a minute, what about a shop charging storage for providing protective custody of a vehicle while waiting for an insurer to reach an agreement on the cost of repairs? Has anyone ever heard an insurer state that they don’t pay storage on repairable vehicles, even going so far as to state that it is illegal for a shop to charge for it? I have, and I am sure many collision shops have as well. Well, although most collision shops are not aware, the reality is that the standard auto policy has a provision referred to as the

Continued on page 41

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Shops Battle Insurers over Photo Estimates, Storage Charges LOCAL NEWS by Joel Gausten

A

s COVID-19 continues to dramatically affect the collision repair industry, several Garden State shops are being forced to contend with insurers refusing to send out appraisers to perform personal inspections on damaged vehicles. Instead, these carriers are pushing for the use of photo estimating to determine the amount of loss and what shops will receive for payment.

Already a controversial process long before coronavirus, photo estimating has become at least the temporary norm. Unfortunately, the growing use of this method has confirmed longstanding concerns that it causes unnecessary repair delays and disagreements between shops and insurers over procedures and proper compensation. Recent calls to the AASP/NJ Hot Line indicate that certain insurers are currently improperly denying storage charges that have been incurred as the result of delayed settlements on either the cost of repairs or the determination of whether a vehicle should be considered repairable or a total loss.

“We have been receiving reports that certain carriers

are not paying for storage charges after delaying the repair by refusing to inspect a damaged vehicle and instead insisting that shops take pictures over and over and send them in until the insurer finally decides it is a total loss,” reveals AASP/NJ Executive Director Charles Bryant.

“An insurer will often tell a shop, ‘Send us pictures, and we’ll prepare the estimate based on them.’ More often than not, that ends up adding even more time to the negotiation process.

“I heard of one job in particular where an insurer wrote an estimate for approximately $800 based on photos when the repair was really about 10 times that amount,” he adds.

“The insurer argued that they couldn’t see the damage the shop was talking about, so they requested even more photos. The shop sent the additional requested photos along with a supplement. The insurer continued to say it couldn’t see the damage the shop noted but refused to visit the facility. This went on for weeks until the shop’s final supplement resulted in the insurer declaring the vehicle a total loss. At that point, the shop sent in the bill for all

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services owed up to that point, which included fees for estimating, administrative work, towing and storage.”

However, the insurer refused to pay for any storage fees incurred before the car was deemed a total loss.

“The reality is that the vehicle became a total loss when it collided with the other car; no additional damage had occurred since the original accident happened. It took the insurer longer to determine the total loss by dragging on the process. It doesn’t matter if a vehicle is a total loss or repairable; the insurer still owes the storage either way.

The charges were much more than they would have been had the insurer acted in good faith and physically inspected the vehicle within the seven working days allowed by the regulations governing fair claim settlement practices.”

This dilemma is further aggravated by shops waiving storage fees incurred on borderline total loss vehicles in order to convince insurers to consider certain vehicles repairable, thus helping the shops avoid losing the work.

Although it is the facility’s choice to do this, Bryant cautions that it is a concessionary practice that has no bearing on the issue at hand.

“Certain insurers now claim that it is illegal to charge storage on repairable vehicles, which is absolutely not true. Just because certain shops have been willing to waive storage fees on certain repairable vehicles in the

past does not mean that it becomes illegal when a shop chooses not to do so. The definition of a ‘waiver’ is to give up a known right.”

According to Bryant, an insurer’s refusal to honor storage charges on repairable vehicles directly contradicts what they actually provide for in their auto insurance policies to consumers.

“All standard automobile insurance policies contain a provision called a ‘Duty to Protect,’ which requires the insured to protect their vehicle from further loss when a loss is incurred. The policy makes it clear that the insurer will pay a reasonable amount for that protection, which obviously includes storage charges.”

This obligation is exemplified by the following (or similar) verbiage that can be found in numerous New Jersey standard auto policies issued by insurers: In the event of loss, the insured will: a. Protect the auto, whether or not the loss is covered by this policy. Further loss due to the insured’s failure to protect the auto will not be covered. Reasonable expenses incurred for this protection will be paid by us. (Emphasis Added) Continued on page 36

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LOCAL NEWS by Alana Bonillo

AASP/NJ Members Attend Webinar about the Dangers of Counterfeit Parts A ny time a counterfeit part is added to a vehicle, it can cause injury to the driver, their passenger(s) and others on the road.

This critical message was recently shared by the Automotive AntiCounterfeiting Council (A2C2) to a large webinar audience comprised of members of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ), parts distributors, insurers and other inter-industry representatives.

Presented by Guild 21/VeriFacts Automotive, “Don’t Gamble with Counterfeit Parts” explored the dangers of fake automotive products and A2C2’s work to hunt down these items and prosecute those who sell them to unsuspecting shops.

Led by retired insurance industry

veteran George Avery on behalf of VeriFacts, the webinar featured panelists Abe Jardines (special agent/national program manager for Homeland Security Investigations, National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center), John Lancaster (national wholesale parts manager for Subaru of America),Teena Bohi (senior brand protection analyst for Toyota Motor North America) and Andy Forsythe (brand protection and dealer parts loyalty for Nissan Group of North America).

A2C2 consists of multiple OEMs, including Volkswagen, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan Group, Subaru and Toyota. This collaboration among automakers and their partners strives to eliminate counterfeit

automotive components that could harm US consumers.

Long before his career in law enforcement began, Jardines delivered car parts to collision shops in his home area. He was well known among these facilities and on a firstname basis with everyone he encountered, but he warned attendees that those days are gone.

“We knew our supply chain back then…Can you trust who you get your supplies from? Can you trust that the part that is going in the car will be safe if your own loved ones were to enter [that vehicle]?”

E-commerce plays a role in the infiltration of these counterfeit parts by making it difficult for shops to know the legitimacy of part sources.

Continued on page 46

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Classic Audi 655 North Macquesten Pky. Mount Vernon, NY 10552 914.663.2870 Fax: 914.663.2878 email: parts@westchesteraudi.com www.westchesteraudi.com

Paul Miller Audi 179 Route 46 East Parsippany, NJ 07054 Toll Free: 800.35.MILLER Parts Direct: 973.575.7793 Fax: 973.575.5911 www.paulmiller.com

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New Jersey Automotive | July 2020 | 25

OUT OF BODY (AND MECHANICAL) EXPERIENCES

Continued from page 11

and there were lots of different faces down there. I worked closely with Faith, Laura, Suzanne and Cathy. All of them were hustlers who learned on the job and did great work. In fact, Laura, Amy and Cathy worked for me when I started my company a few years later.

It might be sexist to say (everything is an “ist” today, isn’t it?), but the two

26 | New Jersey Automotive | July 2020

biggest assholes in the company were the male salesmen. The head salesman – let’s call him “Dick,” because it’s appropriate – was a clueless clown. He was lucky enough to sell our most successful magazine, but it wasn’t due to anything he did. He was just in the right place at the right time. Of course, the other salesman was a friend of Dick’s who was hired because Dick

talked John into it. This guy was even more clueless than Dick (if that was possible). Everyone hated and resented him because he didn’t do anything and only got the job because Dick insisted.

One of the greatest things we ever did was create a company “graveyard.”

Big Jack and I had one of our artists draw up a cemetery with headstones in it. And each time someone was fired, we would add their name to a tombstone. We had it prominently displayed on the refrigerator in the kitchen. We hated Dick’s friend so much that we actually put his name on a tombstone while he was still working there. He and Dick went nuts when they saw it.

Needless to say, there was another burst of wind by my office, and Big Jack and I were called into Chuck’s office.

But this time, John was there as well, standing behind Chuck. As Chuck reamed Big Jack and me out, we had to do our best to keep a straight face because John was cracking up behind him. After Chuck left for the day, John came in and told us it was the funniest thing he had ever seen.

John sold the company not long after, and we all went our separate ways. Rob became a teacher. Chuck went on to own a small printing company. Big Jack started his own publishing company with Dick (of all people!) before branching out to become a writer for BMW and selfpublishing a few hilarious books. John recently retired after selling his sign company. I actually took him and his wife to see Tony Orlando in Atlantic City last November. He swears he doesn’t remember the graveyard. As I told him that night, I’m still grateful to him after all these years for giving me the opportunity to start out on this journey. I can only hope some of my employees feel the same way about me.

Stay safe. Have faith.

NJA

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New Jersey Automotive | July 2020 | 29

COVER STORY by Joel Gausten

T

he coronavirus pandemic has impacted every facet of the automotive repair and service industries – including the NORTHEAST® Automotive Services Show. This month, New Jersey Automotive provides an update on major changes to this year’s show and the steps AASP/NJ is taking to still provide an unforgettable sales and networking experience.

Protecting the Industry’s Health

After closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation both locally and nationwide for months, AASP/NJ made the difficult decision to cancel its 2020 NORTHEAST Automotive Services Show at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus. While statistical data throughout New Jersey continues to trend in a hopeful direction, the viability of holding NORTHEAST this summer remains too uncertain amidst no short-term timeframe of mass gatherings resuming in the state. Gatherings of large sizes remained prohibited as of early June, with indoor ones limited to a maximum of 10 people.

30 | New Jersey Automotive | July 2020

NORTHEAST 2020, originally scheduled for March 20-22 and then postponed to August 21-23, will resume its normal schedule next year with show dates of March 19-21, 2021.

“When we first realized the magnitude of COVID19 and postponed NORTHEAST in March, we hoped we wouldn’t be faced with this decision,” says AASP/NJ President Jerry McNee. “With the uncertainty about what restrictions will be lifted by August, we felt the public health and safety of our attendees, staff and volunteers outweighed any other considerations to go on with this year’s event and decided instead to plan for an even greater NORTHEAST in March 2021.”

NORTHEAST Show Manager Thomas Greco (Thomas Greco Publishing) adds, “The association struggled with making a final decision but ultimately determined the health and safety of everyone involved in NORTHEAST must remain our top priority along with providing all with a high-quality trade event that is not only safe, but worthwhile for exhibitors and attendees alike.”

The Show Must Go On(line)

Fortunately, there is still plenty to get excited about next month.

To honor the experience that attendees expect from an in-person trade show, AASP/NJ is thrilled to announce an online NORTHEAST event for the weekend of August 21-23. This virtual framework will allow attendees to enter an online NORTHEAST portal and access exhibitors’ products, videos and information and even schedule a private meeting.

Educational opportunities will also be available in concert with the NORTHEAST-exclusive Collision Professional Repairer Education Program (Collision P.R.E.P.), presented by the Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association (WMABA).

“Though the NORTHEAST Automotive Services Show has been canceled this year, that is all the more reason that shops need to educate themselves,” comments WMABA Executive Director Jordan Hendler.

“This is a way they can do that from the comfort of their offices or home office – pajamas optional.”

With the NORTHEAST online portal providing a way for vendors and attendees to still enjoy critical one-on-one time, several show supporters are enthusiastically awaiting the debut of the new platform.

Already a longtime NORTHEAST exhibitor, Silver Show Sponsor PPG did not hesitate in pledging its involvement in next month’s virtual offerings.

“NORTHEAST is the only trade show we have in our area to really reach out and touch as many customers as we do in that timeframe,” shares PPG Regional Sales Manager Jack Perna. “We want to continue to support AASP/NJ and let our customers know we’re standing side by side with them as things continue to change in our state as a result of the pandemic. We’re here to help; we want to continue our relationships and be part of this community.”

No stranger to virtual engagement thanks to its history of providing online education to its customers, PPG is anxious to further utilize available technologies to reach NORTHEAST’s sizable attendee base.

“We’ve been reaching out virtually to our customers to keep them updated and educated as things progress and start to open back up, and now being a part of NORTHEAST in this way will help us reach even more people in the industry.”

A five-time NORTHEAST exhibitor, Tri-State Luxury Collection Parts Director Dave Allard has signed on to be a part of the upcoming virtual event.

“NORTHEAST has always given us a great opportunity to touch base with the people we do

business with. We continue to support the show because we know it’s something our customers attend.”

Allard’s commitment to supporting NORTHEAST at this time is in line with his company’s ongoing efforts to serve the automotive community throughout the COVID-19 era.

“We never closed down; we’ve been here every day. Now, we want everyone to know that we’ll be there for them as part of this new NORTHEAST portal.

It’s very important for us that customers know we’re still accessible and striving to be the best we can be for them.”

With AASP/NJ’s flagship event already known as a “buyer’s show,” NORTHEAST Chairman and AASP/NJ Past President Jeff McDowell is confident that the new virtual alternative will succeed in carrying on this tradition.

“What’s nice about this is that attendees who were looking for ‘show specials’ will still be able to find them.

Business has been affected across the board in recent times, so there’s an incentive right now for vendors to offer great deals to those who take advantage of the NORTHEAST portal.

“I’m excited to see how NORTHEAST vendors use this opportunity to grow sales,” he adds. “I’m also looking forward to industry members still being able to find equipment and other products they need. The downtime we’ve seen lately has given a lot of us a chance to take a closer look at what we need at our facilities, and NORTHEAST will still provide a means for us to find what we’re looking for to improve our businesses.”

Although the brick-and-mortar version of NORTHEAST won’t be happening this year, AASP/NJ’s online solution will keep the show’s reputation for industry comradery alive through a difficult time in history. And when next year comes around, the show will be back to being the weekend you can’t find anywhere else.

“We know that come March, there will be a pent-up demand to get back out to the NORTHEAST show for all the latest in equipment, technology and education,” McNee says. “We look forward to seeing everyone March 19-21, 2021!”

Watch for more details coming soon from AASP/NJ, and go to bit.ly/NEPREPemailsignup to be added to an e-blast list for important announcements about NORTHEAST and Collision P.R.E.P. Information on NORTHEAST is also available at aaspnjnortheast.com.

NJA

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New Jersey Automotive | July 2020 | 35

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Continued from page 14

is proof that our profession is flexible and willing to think of ways to improve our circumstances. That is exactly why NORTHEAST exists in the first place, and AASP/NJ looks forward to

still giving you an invaluable experience in August.

The COVID-19 situation has been forced upon us all, but we’re committed to making the very best of it. We’re fortunate that we can use the technology available to us to keep moving forward despite our current

LOCAL NEWS

Continued from page 21

Additionally, Bryant has various court decisions on file (and available to AASP/NJ members upon request) that clearly outline the insurance industry’s responsibilities under the “Duty to Protect” provision.

Although insurers are pushing shops to utilize photo estimating programs to adhere to pandemic-related social distancing guidelines, Bryant is quick to note that collision shops should be very careful about how they utilize photo estimating programs. A collision shop sending an insurer pictures of a damaged vehicle is one thing; however, it is illegal for a licensed collision shop to prepare an estimate on a damaged vehicle that the shop hasn’t physically inspected.

36 | New Jersey Automotive | July 2020

obstacles. This would not have been an option 10 years ago, which shows that our industry is always evolving.

Our association and annual show are no different, and we promise to do everything we can to lead you toward a more positive and successful future.

NJA

“The New Jersey Auto Body License Law currently has a provision making it illegal for an auto body shop to prepare appraisals of the cost of repairing a collisiondamaged motor vehicle through the use of photographs, telephone calls or any manner other than personal inspection. A collision shop violating this and other provisions of the License Law could subject themselves to a serious fine and/or have their license suspended or revoked.”

AASP/NJ members who are experiencing issues with insurers refusing to pay storage charges incurred on a damaged vehicle by claiming that they don’t pay storage until a vehicle becomes a total loss, especially when the process has been delayed by the insurer’s insistence on preparing their estimate based on photos, are encouraged to contact Bryant at the AASP/NJ Hot Line at (732) 922-8909.

NJA

New Jersey Automotive | July 2020 | 37

HYUNDAI IS PROUD OF ITS REPUTATION FOR QUALITY AND SERVICE. SO ARE THE DEALERS AND BODY SHOPS WHO RELY ON GENUINE HYUNDAI PARTS. TO MAKE CERTAIN THAT YOU GET THE RIGHT HYUNDAI PART, ASK FOR A HYUNDAI WHOLESALE PARTS SPECIALIST. For Genuine Hyundai parts, contact an Authorized Hyundai Dealer.

MAXON HYUNDAI 2329 ROUTE 22 WEST UNION, NJ 07083 TOLL FREE: 800-964-7281 FAX: 908-851-5631

38 | New Jersey Automotive | July 2020

LIBERTY HYUNDAI 371 ROUTE 17 NORTH MAHWAH, NJ 07430 201-529-3600 FAX: 201-529-3051

WAYNE HYUNDAI 1244 ROUTE 23 NORTH WAYNE, NJ 07470 PH: 973-646-0333 FAX: 973-694-1700 waynehyundai.com

Genuine Volkswagen Collision Parts Are a Call or a Click Away.

The best repairs start with the best shop-supplier relationship. Contact the following Authorized Volkswagen dealers by phone, fax or email to get the parts you need, when you need them.

Flemington Volkswagen 213 Route 202/31 Flemington, NJ 08822 TOLL FREE: 877-657-2787 FAX: 908-782-1795 rmuir@flemington.com www.NJPARTS.com

Paul Miller VW of Bernardsville 118 Morristown ROAd Bernardsville, NJ 07924 Toll Free: 877-318-6557 Local: 908-766-1600 Fax: 908-766-6171

Douglas Motors 491 MORRIS AVE. SUMMIT, NJ 07901 PHONE: 908-277-1100 FAX: 908-273-6196 TOLL FREE: 800-672-1172 www.douglasvw.com email: douglasparts@douglasautonet.com

Trend Motors 221 Route 46 West Rockaway, NJ 07866 888-267-2821 fax: 973-625-4985 www.trendmotors.com email:dreinacher@trendmotors.com

Crestmont Volkswagen 730 ROUTE 23 NORTH POMPTON PLAINS, NJ 07444 TOLL FREE: 800-839-6444 fax: 973-839-8146 www.crestmontvw.com email:vwparts@crestmont23.com

“Volkswagen“ and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. ©2020 Volkswagen of America, Inc.

New Jersey Automotive | July 2020 | 39

Diagnostically speaking, there is no substitute.

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Contact one of these authorized dealers.

Town Porsche 105 Grand Avenue Englewood, NJ 201-227-6505 Fax 201-227-6553 town-motorcar.porschedealer.com

Flemington Porsche 213 Route 202/31 Flemington, NJ 800-216-5124 Fax 908-782-9397 flemingtonporsche.com

Porsche Princeton 3333 Route 1 Lawrenceville, NJ 609-945-1500 Fax 609-945-1501 princetonporsche.com

Š 2020 Porsche Cars North America Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of traffic laws at all times.

40 | New Jersey Automotive | July 2020

Paul Miller Porsche 3419 Route 46 East Parsippany, NJ 973-227-3000 Fax 973-575-8396 paulmillerporsche.com

Porsche Monmouth 280 Route 36 East West Long Branch, NJ 732-935-7600 Fax 732-935-7602 porschemonmouth.com

Manhattan Motorcars 711 11th Avenue New York, NY 877-661-1586 Fax 646-473-0798 manhattanmotorcarsporsche.com

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE Continued from page 16

“Duty to Protect” that makes it clear that insureds are required to protect a vehicle with a loss from further damage and that the insurer will pay reasonable expenses incurred in providing that protection. New Jersey case law also makes it clear that an insured is legally entitled to recover such charges incurred in protecting a damaged vehicle from further loss while awaiting repairs. Yet, I am sure shop owners have been told over and over by insurers that they don’t pay for storage on repairable vehicles and it is illegal for shops to charge for it.

Most shop owners have waived storage on repairable vehicles for so long because they have come to believe these false and misleading statements.

Moving on, what about the Labor Rate that insurers pay for sublet mechanical repairs? Most of the time, insurers will pay mechanical shops close to double what they are willing to pay a collision shop for performing the same mechanical repairs inhouse. This one always puzzles me.

Why in the world would an insurer pay a shop that only performs mechanical repairs so much more than what they are willing to pay a collision shop that performs the same work right there?

In reality, we all know there is no logical answer to this question, yet collision shops allow insurers to get away with this on a daily basis. Go figure!

Well, although it is fun to point out these issues because they are ridiculous enough to make one laugh, it can’t be funny to the collision shop owners who are getting abused by any insurer practicing these things.

Yet, this has been going on for as long as I can remember. I have run the AASP/NJ Hot Line for well over 20 years, and I have heard these same stories since I started. However, it’s time for the collision industry to stop listening to these falsehoods and start demanding that insurers hold up their end of the agreement they made

when they insured the consumer’s vehicle.

The bottom line is that the vehicles on the roads today are not like the ones in the past, and collision shops need to stop playing Let’s Make a Deal with insurers and demand that these companies pay realistic Labor Rates and pay for the procedures required for safe and proper repairs. As long as the collision industry keeps listening to the false narrative that many insurers

167 Route 31 Flemington, NJ 08822 Toll Free: 877-657-2787 Fax: 908-782-1795 bseymour@flemington.com www.njparts.com

want collision shops to believe, things will not change. If a modern vehicle is not repaired as per the vehicle manufacturer recommendations and position statements and is involved in a future collision, that vehicle is not going to hold up and protect the passengers the way it was designed to from the factory. The excuse that an insurer would not pay to repair the vehicle properly will not fly. The shop will still be liable. You decide.

NJA

55 Kinderkamack Road Emerson, NJ 07630 Phone: 201-261-7495 Fax: 201-261-3261 Toll Free: 888-782-9493 parts@libertysubaru.com www.libertysubaru.com

3469 Route 46 Parsippany, NJ 07054 Phone: 973-658-5714 Fax: 973-402-9591 mdaltilio@paulmiler.com www.paulmillersubaru.com/parts

New Jersey Automotive | July 2020 | 41

ARANJ Officers

President Rodney Krawczyk Ace Auto Wreckers (732) 254-9816 aceautonj@comcast.net 1st Vice President Daryl CarmanLentini Auto Salvage (908) 782-4440 darryl@las-parts.coms 2nd Vice President Mike Ronayne Tilghmans Auto Parts (609) 723-7469 tilghmans@snip.net Past President Bob Dirkes Dirkes Used Auto Parts (609) 625-1718 dirkesauto@gmail.com

ARANJ Board of Directors David Yeager EL & M Auto (800) 624-2266 elandmauto@aol.com

Ed Silipena American II Autos (609) 965-0987 esilipena@yahoo.com

Norm Vachon Port Murray Auto (908) 689-3152 portmurrayauto@yahoo.com

42 | New Jersey Automotive | July 2020

Dillon Rinkens East Brunswick Auto (732) 254-6501 ebautonj@comcast.net

ARANJ The Automotive Recyclers Association of New Jersey

Wharton Insurance Briefs I want to bring to your attention an issue regarding the security and safety of your facilities. During this coronavirus pandemic, there may be offices, warehouses and plants closed to reduce the spread of the virus. These now-idle facilities could be prone to a host of risks, including stormy weather, fires, floods, vandalism and theft.

Any of these events could delay a company’s rebound when the pandemic wanes, causing lost revenue, decreased market share, reputational damage and other financial harm. Losses at idle properties could be preventable and should be addressed.

Specifically, authorities should be contacted to explain that security and maintenance personnel should be considered “essential.” There should be regular daily round checks inside and outside facilities. Fire protection should remain in place (with maintenance staff checking that sprinkler valve locks are open), and equipment and stock should be elevated to lower any potential flood damage. This would also be a good time to perform overdue maintenance.

Most of us tend to focus on the most sensational risk – in this case, a terrible one that’s commanding attention around the world. It’s also important to remember that other serious risks haven’t gone away and could affect your firms’ resilience.

Companies that stay vigilant are more likely to be the winners that get back to business at the earliest opportunity.

We hope you’ve remained safe and healthy during this pandemic, and we hope to be seeing you again soon.

Mario DeFilippis, AAI Vice President (732) 686-7020 (office) (908) 513-8588 (cell) mdefilippis@whartoninsurance.com

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44 | New Jersey Automotive | July 2020

KEEP IT GENUINE

INSIST ON GENUINE GM PARTS

Using Genuine GM Parts for collision repairs is better for your customers, and better for your business. Contact the following dealers for all your Genuine GM Parts needs: MAXON BUICK GMC 2301 Route 22 West Union, NJ 07083 Phone: 800-964-7281 Fax: 908-851-5631 maxonwholesaleparts@gmail.com

www.maxonbuickgmc.com

FLEMINGTON CHEVROLET BUICK GMC CADILLAC 211 Highway 202 Flemington, NJ 08822 Phone: 877-657-2787 Fax: 908-782-1795 www.njparts.com

FRED BEANS PARTS 131 Doyle Street Doylestown, PA 18901 Phone: 877-942-3267 orders@fredbeans.com www.fbparts.com

BAY RIDGE CHEVROLET OF BROOKLYN 1575 86th Street Brooklyn, NY 11228 Phone: 833-244-3475 Fax: 718-392-6570 www.bayridgechevy.com

NU CAR CHEVROLET 172 North Dupont Highway New Castle, DE 19720 Phone: 800-633-6606 Fax: 800-346-5285 parts@nucar.com www.nucar.com

New Jersey Automotive | July 2020 | 45

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX 1-800-NEW-PARTS................................18-19

Our wholesale parts team is here to make sure you find the exact Genuine Subaru Parts you need for every repair.

3469 Route 46 Parsippany, NJ 07054 Phone: 973-658-5714 Fax: 973-402-9591 mdaltilio@paulmiller.com www.paulmillersubaru.com/parts

Acme Nissan..........................................15

Maxon Buick-GMC ................................21

Accudraft................................................IBC

Maxon Hyundai ......................................23

Albert Kemperle......................................32

Maxon Mazda ........................................23

Amato Agency........................................33

Mazda Group..........................................14

Audi Group ............................................24-25

MGM Auto Body Supplies........................22

BMW Group ..........................................4

MINI Group ............................................46

BMW of Springfield ................................17

Mopar Group..........................................34

Classic Audi............................................37

NUCAR ..................................................12-13

Collision Equipment Consulting, Inc.........20

Paul Miller Subaru ..................................46

Collision Supplies of New England ..........11

Performance Ford Lincoln ......................11

Empire Auto Parts ..................................42

Porsche Group ......................................40

Fenix ......................................................26

PPG........................................................3

Flemington Audi ....................................5

Reliable Automotive Equipment ..............OBC

Flemington Group ..................................29

Sherwin-Williams ..................................44

GM Group ..............................................45

Sherwin-Williams/Matrix ........................28

Hyundai Group ......................................38

Subaru Group ........................................41

Innovative Solutions & Technology /

Town Motors ..........................................35

Pro Spot ................................................IFC

USI of North America ..............................27

Jaguar Land Rover Parsippany ..............10

Valtek ....................................................43

Klean Frame ..........................................42

VW Group ..............................................40

Kollective Auto Group..............................8-9

Wheel Collision Center............................43

LOCAL NEWS

“If you suspect that your supply line is compromised, you are getting parts that are of suspect quality and something doesn’t feel right, flag that shipment,” added Forsythe. “Note how it arrived [and] its label[s], and contact the [Intellectual Property Rights] Center.”

“This webinar was another example of how AASP/NJ has tried to keep our members up to date during the COVID-19 pandemic,” commented AASP/NJ Executive Director Charles Bryant. “There was a great deal of information discussed, and hopefully those who participated came away with some knowledge that will help them in their day-to-day business.”

More information on A2C2 can be found at a2c2.com.

For more information on AASP/NJ and upcoming events, visit aaspnj.org.

Continued from page 22

MAINTAIN AN INFINITE INVENTORY OF ORIGINAL MINI PARTS.

At your local MINI dealer, we believe that using Original MINI collision replacement parts will speed your repairs and increase your profitability.

Original MINI parts assure an absolute perfect fit and function.

For Original MINI parts, contact any of these authorized MINI dealers.

MINI of Mt. Laurel 1311 Rt. 73 Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 856-778-3000 Fax: 856-813-4622 MINIOFMTLAUREL.COM FACEBOOK.COM/MINIOFMTLAUREL

MINI of Manhattan 793 11th Avenue at 55th Street New York, NY 10019 212-246-7375 Fax: 212-315-9560 MININYC.COM FACEBOOK.COM/MINIOFMANHATTAN

© 2020 MINI USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC. The MINI name, model names and logo are registered trademarks.

46 | New Jersey Automotive | July 2020

Lynnes Nissan East ................................10

“There is a lot you can hide behind when you sell online,” cautioned Bohi.

A2C2 has prosecuted multiple cases of counterfeit products that were traced back to online points of sale.

Although it’s believed that just about any part can fall victim to counterfeiting, some of the examples shown during the webinar included brake pads, oil filters, keys, wheel covers and airbags.

Additionally, a video was shown about a case led by attorney Todd Tracy, known for his work in the litigation against John Eagle Collision Center, that involved Sarah Loughran, a young woman who died after a counterfeit airbag installed in her Kia failed to deploy.

“We are here to educate you on red flags,” noted Lancaster. “If you see something and aren’t sure about it, contact us and let us know.”

NJA

New Jersey Automotive | July 2020 | 47

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