New Jersey Automotive June 2019

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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ALLIANCE OF AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE PROVIDERS/NEW JERSEY (www.AASPNJ.org) AND THE AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY (www.ARANJ.org)

June 2019 $595

“Bogus”

and ? ” s u o i t i t c i “f State Farm and AASP/NJ’s

War of Words over Scanning

PLUS: NJ Represented at National AASP Board Meeting Mike Anderson Warns of Shop Computer Ransom Scheme

www.grecopublishing.com

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i4s SMART SPOT WELDER

106 STRAIGHTENING BENCH

TOUCH ELECTRONIC MEASURING SYSTEM

Offering OEM-specific equipment for:

Call us today to schedule your in-shop demo!

973-348-9490 WWW.ISATWELDING.COM

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We Appreciate Your Business!

Flemington Audi, the largest Audi wholesale parts dealer in NJ, thanks our customers for continued loyalty and business. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you over the years, and look forward to helping you save time and increase profits in the future with Audi Genuine Parts.

• Our expert parts staff is ready and able to give you premium customer service and help you meet the demands of your business.

• Our concierge support helps you get the parts you need when you need them to wow your customers.

• We offer daily deliveries throughout the tri-state area with our fleet of 22 delivery vans.

• As our customer, you have access to the Audi technical support hotline to help you speed up installation and get repairs out the door quicker.

Flemington Audi 213 Routes 202/31 South, Flemington, NJ 08822 Business Hours: M-F 7:30am – 5pm Sat 8am – 4pm

Parts Direct: 877.857.2787 Parts Fax: 908.782.1795 Email: rmuir@flemington.com www.njparts.com mikekaufmann d e a l e r g r o u p “It’s all in the name”

AUTO BODY DISTRIBUTING CO

Join our growing list of satisfied customers!

Orders accepted by phone, fax and email.

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Let talent shine.

BASF’s Vision+ Educational Expertise provides tailored solutions to customers from a wide variety of V+ University and V+ Technical University courses. Offered at over 24 locations across North America, BASF is constantly developing new content in OEM training, eLearning and more to keep our customers first-class.

BASF AUTOMOTIVE REFINISH COATINGS

™ basfrefinish.com

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P.O. Box 734 Neptune, NJ 07753 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Charles Bryant 732-922-8909 / setlit4u@msn.com 2017 - 2019 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@dandmautobody.com 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

VOLUME 49 NUMBER 6 | June 2019

CONTENTS

10 OUT OF BODY AND (MECHANICAL) EXPERIENCES

14 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

23 COLLISION CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE 49 NJA ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

18 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

SECRETARY Thomas Greco, Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. 973-667-6922 / thomas@grecopublishing.com BOARD John Craggan, Ultimate Collision Repair, Inc. 732-494-1900 / jcraggan@ultcollision.com 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 908-789-2020 / mikhail@goldcar.com 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 Dave Gruskos, Reliable Automotive Equipment 732-495-7900 / dave@rae1.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 CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lea Velocci / lea@grecopublishing.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Joel Gausten / joel@grecopublishing.com EDITORIAL/CREATIVE COORDINATOR Alana Bonillo / alana@grecopublishing.com OFFICE MANAGER Donna Greco / donna@grecopublishing.com DESIGN ASSISTANT Christopher Rizzi / chris@grecopublishing.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Charles Bryant • Mario DeFilippis • Jeff McDowell • Mitch Portnoi • Ron Ananian Keith Krehel • Jerry McNee • Bob Dirkes

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

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS 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 © 2019 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.

LOCAL NEWS

by Alana Bonillo

24 Take the Eco-Fuel Saver Challenge at Cars & Coffee This Summer!

28 Amato Agency Expands Nationally through Partnership NATIONAL NEWS

31 NJ Represented at National AASP Board Meeting

34 COVER STORYby Joel Gausten

“Bogus” and “Fictitious”?

State Farm and AASP/NJ’s War of Words over Scanning MARKETING FEATURE

by Michelle Nelson

42 Who Owns Your Website?

AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY 47 President’s Message by Rodney Krawczyk

Wharton Insurance Briefs by Mario DiFilippis 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 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

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The repair of luxury vehicles begins with GENUINE PARTS

Start your repair today at

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Our flagship dealerships are pleased to offer a wide selection of authentic genuine parts so you can repair your customer’s luxury car to the highest quality.

Not only do we sell WHOLESALE GENUINE PARTS across the tri-state area — we have a knowledgeable team of parts specialists that can find the component you need for a seamless vehicle repair.

AUDI QUEENS

LAND ROVER GLEN COVE

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70 Cedar Swamp Road Glen Cove, NY 11542 Wholesale Direct: 516.674.8599 landroverglencove.com

MERCEDES-BENZ OF CALDWELL

LAND ROVER HUNTINGTON

1230 Bloomfield Avenue Fairfield, NJ 07004 Wholesale Direct: 973.808.0204 mbofcaldwell.com

1249 E. Jericho Turnpike Huntington, NY 11743 Wholesale Direct: 631.264.0925 landroverhuntington.com

JAGUAR GLEN COVE

LAND ROVER SOUTHAMPTON

70 Cedar Swamp Rd., Suite A Glen Cove, NY 11542 Wholesale Direct: 516.674.8599 jaguarglencove.com

355 Hampton Road Southampton, NY 11968 Wholesale Direct: 631.287.5162 landroversouthampton.com

JAGUAR HUNTINGTON

LEXUS OF EDISON

1249 E. Jericho Turnpike Huntington, NY 11743 Wholesale Direct: 631.264.0925 jaguarhuntington.com

711 US Highway 1 Edison, NJ 08817 Wholesale Direct: 732.593.6860 lexusofedison.com

JAGUAR SOUTHAMPTON

LEXUS OF BRIDGEWATER

355 Hampton Road Southampton NY 11968 Wholesale Direct: 631.287.5162 jaguarsouthampton.com

1550 US-22 Bridgewater, NJ 08807 Wholesale Direct: 866.679.7054 lexusofbridgewater.com

MERCEDES-BENZ OF BROOKLYN 1800 Shore-Parkway Brooklyn, NY 11214 Wholesale Direct: 929.509.4749 mbofbrooklyn.com

WE WILL GO THE EXTRA MILE FOR YOU.

WHOLESALE PARTS HOTLINE

844-98-PARTS (844-987-2787) New Jersey Automotive | June 2019 | 9

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OUT OF BODY (AND MECHANICAL) EXPERIENCES

Year One A.D. As I write this, it is five days from the one-year anniversary of my sister Diane’s death. I am still grieving. I expect I will be grieving for the rest of my life. I still don’t have the strength to tell the whole story of what Diane went through. Nor do I have the space in my column. There’s just too much to remember. Too much pain to revisit.

But I feel it might help me deal, maybe just a little better, if I can put some of what happened down on paper. If you are looking for the usual laughs, skip this column. There is

nothing funny in this story.

Nothing is the same. Nothing will ever be the same.

“They see something.”

When I heard those words from Diane, I felt my stomach turn. She had been having pain in her back and her side. After numerous tests, she had an MRI and it showed a growth. She was her usual positive self, telling everyone she was sure it was nothing.

A short time later, we went to see a doctor at Sloan Kettering in New York.

“So, do I have cancer?”

by THOMAS GRECO, PUBLISHER

The doctor confirmed our worst fears. Diane was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. But he said it was “treatable.” Treatable?

Everything I ever heard about stage four cancer was that it was terminal.

LYNNES

AUTO GROUP WHOLESALE DEPARTMENT

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JAGUAR MORRIS COUNTY 275 Main Street, Madison, NJ 07940 Phone: 973-377-6443 Fax: 973-410-1503 jaguarparts@paulmiller.com www.jaguarmorriscounty.com

HOURS:

Monday-Friday: 8am to 5pm Saturday: 8am to 2pm Sunday: Closed Part of the Paul Miller Auto Group

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LAND ROVER PARSIPPANY 189 Route 46 East, Parsippany, NJ 07054

Phone: 973-575-7593 Fax: 973-575-5583

LrpParts@paulmiller.com www.paulmillerlandrover.com

HOURS:

Monday-Saturday: 8am to 5pm Sunday: Closed Part of the Paul Miller Auto Group

SERVICE, SELECTION AND VALUE SINCE 1953

Delivering to the New Jersey/New York area.

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Parts: 800-782-7597 E-mail: John@lynnes.com www.lynnesnissan.com Hours: M-F 7:30am - 6pm, Sat 7:30am - 2pm 5 Alva Street | Bloomfield, NJ 07003

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But he assured us it was treatable. Maybe I was delusional because for the first few weeks of treatment, Diane was feeling better and her bloodwork was improving. I soon found that “treatable” is often confused with “curable” in these situations. They are NOT the same.

“Am I going to die?”

The doctor never answered that question. But as I took her for treatments over the next few months, he didn’t have to. She was fading before my eyes. But she never let on. I never heard her say one word of self pity. I never saw her cry. I never heard her complain. While I cried myself to sleep at night just thinking of what she was going through alone at home, she was so fucking brave.

“Do you know something and you’re not telling me?”

Diane loved to swim. She loved her pool. But the pool needed a new liner and couldn’t be used. I asked a good friend of mine, the great Mauro Tucci of Nutley Pools, if he could put in a new pool as soon as possible so that at least Diane could do some swimming to take her mind off things. He had the pool up in two days. Diane thought I knew she was dying because I had gotten it done so quickly. Truthfully, I didn’t. At that point, despite what my eyes and heart were telling me, I believed there would be a miracle. Even if there wasn’t, I wanted her to at least be able to spend some time by the pool. She never got the chance. Diane entered Sloan Kettering a few days before

the pool could be used. She never returned home.

“Tom, when am I going to feel better?”

My sister and I spent hours and hours together over these few months. About a week or so before she passed away, it was hard to keep her awake. She just wanted to sit in the hospital chair and sleep. She wasn’t really speaking at this time, but one day she just opened her eyes and said those words to me. It broke my heart that I had no answer.

“Who cares?”

Those were the last words my sister ever said to me. It was near the end and we had just moved her back to New Jersey, to a hospice. It happened to be my wedding anniversary. She was hardly responding to anyone at this time, so I kept saying to her, “Di, it’s my anniversary.” I kept saying it to try and get a response. After about the tenth time, she just yelled, “Who cares?” That was Diane. I truly believe she knew that her last words would get a chuckle out of me. They still do.

She died three days later: May 28, 2018.

Nothing is the same.

Nothing will ever be the same.

NJA

WHY GENUINE PARTS? It’s the Right Thing to Do

You lose money when aftermarket parts don’t fit. Toyota Dealers are your best source for Genuine Toyota Parts. All it takes is one call.

For Toyota Genuine Parts please call one this authorized local Toyota Dealer: Glen Toyota 23-07 Maple Ave, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 Toll Free: 800-444-1959 Direct: 201-791-1133 Fax: 201-703-5652 parts@glentoyota.com www.glentoyota.com

ToyotaPartsAndService.com

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WayneHyundai.com Email: Blanterman@waynehyundai.com Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-7pm, Sat. 7:30am-4pm 12 | New Jersey Automotive | June 2019

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Call us for ALL of your Wholesale Parts and Accessory Needs!

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PerformanceLF.com

1-800-639-7278 906 Route 10, Randolph, NJ 07869 The parts and accessories you need…from the people you trust!

Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-6pm; Sat 7:30am-3:00pm Parts Direct: 1-800-639-7278 Fax: 862-221-9664 E-mail: Blanterman@performancelf.com New Jersey Automotive | June 2019 | 13

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Real-Life Horror Stories Not too long ago, I heard a story about a shop owner who had an accountant come in and do an extensive review of the business’ books. The accountant uncovered a disturbing trend at the facility. The shop had a Direct Repair agreement with an insurer that made up a good 40 percent of that shop’s overall work. That’s not terribly uncommon, but the problem was that the shop was losing money from that carrier. Concession after concession made the accountant see red. When presented with this information, the shop owner replied, “I can’t lose the work; that insurer is 40 percent of my business.”

I recently had a conversation with a shop owner who told me, “I can’t get the work out the door fast enough!”

Pressure from his three main DRPs keep his lot filled with work, but he is struggling. I told him he needs to get rid of

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

• Competitive prices • Fast, accurate deliveries • Genuine Subaru Parts that drive your business

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

one and ask the others to cut the volume of work to his door. There was complete and awkward silence. After about a minute, he said he wouldn’t give up a single repair. He is very fortunate to have more work than he can handle, but what’s worse in reality - no work or too much work? Having too much work is like running your car two quarts low or overfilled on oil. Even with a poor bottom line, he is still unwilling to let anything go.

There’s a lot wrong – and scary – with these stories, but let’s focus on the biggest and most obvious problem.

The bottom line is that every shop in this state – and across the country – should be reaching out continuously to insurance company managers and appraisers and saying, “Hey, this is the rate.” Show them your posted rates, then say, “I need to charge for what I do – my prevailing market rate.” Insurance personnel tell me time and time again that shops are not asking for more money.

If that’s true, then the few shops that are standing up for themselves really are “the only ones” asking for proper payment for the work they provide. That’s not enough. The industry as a whole needs to be smart enough to figure out where we’re losing money – and then be brave enough to draw a line in the sand. Getting more work through your door means absolutely nothing if you’re not making a profit. That’s worse than having no work at all.

Something’s got to give with how much we’re currently paid. If we look at our true costs of labor and our current expenses versus the money coming in, we’ll see that our technicians are getting paid more than what insurers are paying us. We need to start shifting things in our favor today. I haven’t spoken to a single shop owner, shop employee or insurance employee who says that shops are paid fairly!

Truth be told, an insurance company only looks at the subrogation claims they pay, so it has to start with the shops’ rate. It will take an insurance company weeks, months or years to make a decision. They are in business to make money, but guess what? So are we. Are you currently happy the way things are? If not, what are you doing to make a difference? We can never give up or stop asking. This is what they want, and they will ignore us if and when we stop. We need to set the prevailing competitive prices (PCP) or the outcome will be, “Yes, sir.

May I have another?”

NJA

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by JERRY MCNEE

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THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A BETTER WAY TO BUY THE WORLD’S BEST ENGINEERED PARTS. THEY’RE CALLED “ORIGINAL BMW PARTS” FOR GOOD REASON. FOR UNCOMPROMISING PRECISION AND INCOMPARABLE QUALITY, YOUR BMW CENTER IS YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR EVERYTHING BMW.

For Original BMW Parts, contact one of these authorized BMW centers: BMW of Springfield 391-399 Route 22 E. Springfield, NJ 07081 Toll Free: 800-648-0053 Fax: 973-467-2185 bmwofspringfieldnj.com

Paul Miller BMW 1515 Route 23 South Wayne, NJ 07470 PH: 973-696-6060 Fax: 973-696-8274 paulmillerbmw.com

BMW of Bridgewater 655 Route 202/206 Bridgewater, NJ 08807 PH: 908-287-1800 FAX:908-722-1729 bridgewaterbmw.com

Flemington BMW 216 Route 202/31 Flemington, NJ 08822 PH: 877-657-2787 Fax: 908-782-1795 njparts.com/bmw

Park Ave BMW 530 Huyler Street South Hackensack, NJ 07606 PH: 201-843-8112 FAX:201-291-2376 parkavebmw.com

Circle BMW 500 Route 36 Eatontown, NJ 07724 Parts Direct: 732-440-1235 Fax: 732-440-1239 wholesale@circlebmw.com circlebmw.com

Wide World BMW 125 East Route 59 Spring Valley, NY 10977 PH: 877-817-3895 Fax: 845-425-5080 wideworldofcarsbmw.com

BMW of Bloomfield 425 Bloomfield Avenue Bloomfield, NJ 07003 Parts Direct: 973-748-8373 psantos@dchusa.com

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

Industry at a Crossroads: Which Path Will You Take?

by CHARLES BRYANT

Let’s face it; automobiles are no longer what they used to be. Whoever thought that an automobile could drive itself while all its passengers took a nap? Whoever thought that an automobile could warn the driver that he or she is approaching another vehicle too fast – and that the vehicle would activate the brakes itself to avoid a collision if the driver fails to react?

It is amazing to learn about the many new functions that have been incorporated into these vehicles.

Although they may be fascinating to the people driving – or being driven by – these cars, these new items present a different picture to the people repairing them. Technicians are now required to do research on each automobile before commencing the repair procedures. Many refer to this repair plan as a “blueprint.”

Normally, we think of a blueprint as an outline of how to build a house or a diagram of what the structure of a

18 | New Jersey Automotive | June 2019

house might look like. One for automotive repair actually does the same thing; it provides the technician with a blueprint of what is required to repair the damage.

When a technician tells someone that they have to create a “blueprint” in order to repair an automobile, it just doesn’t sound right. However, if a technician is not preparing one, they are definitely headed for trouble.

Current vehicles also have to be scanned prior to the repairs, and they have to be re-scanned after the repairs are completed to test for potential diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). These scanning procedures should not be considered an option but rather an essential task both during the pre-repair collision estimating phase and again after the repairs have been completed. To complicate things even more, once the scans are completed, many components of the vehicles have to be recalibrated in order for them to

function as they were designed to from the factory.

These complex automobiles have brought the collision industry to a crossroads. Many shop owners must now decide what path to take from here. The problem is that the insurance industry is acting like this is no big deal or they simply don’t understand how complicated these automobiles are and how difficult they are to repair. They certainly act like they are not responsible for the increased cost of equipment, training and required certifications.

Shop owners have to decide whether they are willing to make the investment in these requirements and then battle it out with insurance companies to get compensated or start looking for another line of work.

At the present time, insurance companies are all over the place on what they’re willing to pay for the scans, never mind the recalibrations continued on page 20

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

continued from page 18

that have to be performed after the scans are completed. Some insurers have actually refused to pay for scans altogether. Others have stated that they would only pay for the scan if it resulted in finding something that was directly related to the particular accident date and time. Others started out paying a reasonable amount for the scans and have since withdrawn their commitment to pay for them or lessened the amount in some cases to as little as .5 of the Labor Rate.

In the past, the disagreements between collision shops and insurance companies could usually get worked out, or the shops would just not perform the services that they were not paid for. However, if the shop fails to perform the scans or recalibrations on these automobiles, it could result in the death of the occupants in a future collision. The old-fashioned way of doing business between collision shops and insurance companies must come to an end. It’s going to be interesting to see if the collision industry will be strong enough to stand up and tell the insurance companies, “Enough is enough. We have to get paid properly in order to repair these complicated vehicles safely and properly, or we’re simply not going to perform those repairs.”

We will be watching.

If anyone would like to comment on anything mentioned in this message, I can be reached on the AASP/NJ Hotline at (732) 922-8909 or via email at setlit4u@msn.com.

NJA

NEW MEMBERS Benzel-Busch Motor Car Corp.

Englewood Collision Correctors Howell

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Diagnostically speaking, there is no substitute.

Porsche technology.

Porsche Genuine Service & Parts.

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 2019 Porsche Cars North America Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of traffic laws at all times.

22 | New Jersey Automotive | June 2019

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

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COLLISION CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

The Importance of the Bulletproof File

by DENNIS CATALDO, JR.

We all have heard it before, but it’s time to change.

Proper documentation during the repair process and maintaining an adequate job file are the keys to surviving in this industry.

During the 2019 NORTHEAST® Automotive Services Show, I sat in on Mark Olson’s presentation on the “bulletproof file,” and it really opened my eyes to what is needed in every job file and how to improve daily tasks and help negotiations with insurance companies. The first step is to update your current authorization forms and get it in writing that the owner of the vehicle (your customer) is allowing disassembly for a proper repair plan and access to the vehicle data stored in the computer modules during pre- and post-scanning (in addition to charges that can occur during a total loss).

Keeping a proper log of phone calls and owner/insurance interactions is also a good idea.

Document dates, times, names and subject matter spoken

WHY

about. I tend to always use email; this way, everything is date-stamped and kept indefinitely. Lately, issues with parts are becoming more and more common. I try to stay ahead of backorders and confirm delivery dates on parts in order to avoid delays during the repair process, specifically those that tend to occur Friday at 3pm. Always get the name of the person you spoke to, and start to hold vendors accountable for delays and unsatisfactory customer service.

Not only are photos more important than ever before, but it has never been easier to properly document the repair process. Having the ability to take clear pictures on your phone and upload them to the job file has greatly improved the repair process. Gone are the days of keeping four corner shots for your records; you should take a picture of everything. Get your techs involved in continued on page 49

?

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2329 RT 22 WEST, UNION, NJ 07083 New Jersey Automotive | June 2019 | 23

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LOCAL NEWS By Alana Bonillo

Take the Eco-Fuel Saver Challenge at Cars & Coffee This Summer!

Eco-Fuel Saver (EFS) may very well be the catalyst you are looking for to improve your vehicle’s performance.

Vehicle enthusiasts have the opportunity to give the fuel mileage enhancement product a trial via a dynamometer challenge sponsored by Petroleum Catalyst Technologies (Clarksburg). The challenge began in May and will continue over the summer at Cars & Coffee NJ, a monthly Sunday morning car show held at Moto Business Park in Millstone Township. The next scheduled event is June 30.

The product is designed to eliminate the need for expensive premium fuel. EFS is a catalyst added to regular fuel to create an end result that is better than premium, explains Tom Elder, owner of Petroleum Catalyst Technologies, which is exclusively distributing the product in the US. EFS converts regular gas, 87 octane and diesel into a “super fuel.” It can benefit standard cars and superhigh performance cars such as Lamborghinis.

“We thought the dyno challenge may be the way to show people that this product has a lot of merit.”

The dynamometer or “dyno” challenge will test the vehicle two times – first using premium fuel and then again with regular (87 octane) fuel with the addition of Eco-Fuel Saver HO (high output) to measure the difference in vehicle performance. The dynamometer allows a car to be driven in a stationery position to measure the amount of horsepower and torque that is put out to the rear wheels of the vehicle. A four-wheel drive portable dynamometer will be used for the challenge at the Cars & Coffee event site.

Elder says attendees can expect to hear the roars of the engine as vehicles will run from 0 to 150 miles per hour on the dynamometer. Some top-of-the-line vehicles are already signed up to take the challenge. This list includes a Mercedes-AMG GT R along with new Ferrari and Corvette models.

Upon the first testing, three dyno pulls will be taken to get an accurate reading of the vehicle’s horsepower and torque while using premium fuel. The vehicle owner will be sent home with the results along with a 12-pack of EcoFuel Saver HO (for high output engines) to use as per the instructions given. They will then return to the next Cars & Coffee event a month or so later for another dyno run, where three more dyno pulls will be taken to show equal – if not improved – performance using regular fuel with the addition of Eco-Fuel Saver HO. The dyno challenge will cost participants $300.

“The catalyst can take any grade of regular fuel and turn it into a super fuel,” Elder says.

More information on the product is available at PetroleumCatalystTech.com.

NJA

24 | New Jersey Automotive | June 2019

Cliff Eng takes the EFS Dyno Challenge with this 2012 Shelby GT 500.

Victor Alicchio's 1967 Chevrolet C10 Custom Pickup took the Eco Fuel Saver Dyno Challenge at Cars & Coffee last month.

Cars & Coffee participants gather to watch the EFS Dyno Challenge in action.

NJA0619.qxp_NEW JERSEY AUTOMOTIVE 5/24/19 4:49 PM Page 25

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MEMBER New Jersey Automotive | June 2019 | 25

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Audi dealers strive to make you an Au

Installing Audi Genuine Parts from an Audi dealer is priceless to your reputation and your custom Flemington Audi 213 Route 202/31 Flemington, NJ 08822 Toll Free: 877.657.2787 Fax: 908.782.1795 email: rmuir@flemington.com www.NJPARTS.com

26 | New Jersey Automotive | June 2019

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

DCH Millburn Audi 2211 Millburn Ave Maplewood, NJ 07040 Toll Free: 800.553.9250 Direct: 973.762.0262 Fax: 973.762.2381 www.millburnaudi.com

Audi Brooklyn 211 63rd Street Brooklyn, NY 11220 Phone: 718.492.6400 Fax: 718.492.8899 rmerchant@audibrooklyn.com www.audibrooklyn.com

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NJA0619.qxp_NEW JERSEY AUTOMOTIVE 5/24/19 4:49 PM Page 27

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Bell Audi 782 Route 1 Edison, NJ 08817 732.396.9360 Fax: 732.396.9090 www.bellaudi.com

Audi Eatontown 95 Route 36 Eatontown, NJ 07740 732.389.1000 Fax: 732.483.8455 www.eatontownaudi.com

Town Motors Audi 400 South Dean Street Englewood, NJ 07631 201.227.6506/6536 Fax: 201.541.0314 www.townmotors.com

Jack Daniels Audi of Upper Saddle River

243 Route 17 Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 201.252.1500 Fax: 201.254.1552 email: jmarcella@jackdanielsmotors.com www.jackdanielsmotors.com

Cherry Hill Audi 2261 Marlton Pike West Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 Wholesale: 856.665.5660 Fax: 856.773.4077 email: parts@cherryhillimports.com www.cherryhillaudi.com

Audi Bridgewater 701 Route 202-206 N Bridgewater, NJ 08807 929.600.9156 Fax: 908.595.0237 email: parts@audibridgewater.com www.audibridgewater.com

New Jersey Automotive | June 2019 | 27

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LOCAL NEWS By Alana Bonillo

Amato Agency Expands Nationally through Partnership

The Amato Agency is looking to “bring the world to you” through their new partnership with World Insurance Associates.

With 25 years of success already behind them, the New Jersey-based Amato insurance agency, which specializes in association business (including AASP/NJ) and is also recognized as one of the largest writers of specialized garage insurance in the state, felt like they needed to better position themselves in the marketplace. President Joe Amato, Sr. felt the best way to do this was to partner with a national organization, so he hired a search team to find other agencies interested in new partnerships.

“I wasn’t going to go out there and say, ‘Here I am; come get me.’ I wanted to find the right one.”

After a thorough search, it came down to nine well-known national organizations that were ranked among the top 100 in the US. After interviewing all the candidates, Amato decided on World Insurance Associates. World is licensed in all 50 states, with a multitude of offices including its corporate office in Tinton Falls, and is one of the 15 fastest growing companies in New Jersey. Not only did the agency have the national insurance footprint Amato sought, but the two agencies knew each other and had worked together in the past.

“I respect and trust them, and we speak the same New Jersey language.”

The partnership went into effect last November, and the resulting benefits have been endless.

“We now represent every major insurance company, so there is no question about being competitive. We can tailor our policies for insurance using a mixture of all the best

28 | New Jersey Automotive | June 2019

companies, making sure we have the right rate and coverage.

It’s really a win-win.”

By being part of a larger entity, The Amato Agency is now able to utilize World Insurance Associates’ resources and departments for everyday operations work – giving time back to the team to do what they do best: Sell and service insurance.

Amato stressed that they are still indeed The Amato Agency, with the same locations and contact information as before. It is still the same people answering the phones directly. His son, Joe Amato, Jr., serves as principal, and Joe Sr. remains on as a consultant working to make sure the transition continues seamlessly.

The senior Amato’s affiliation with AASP/NJ is still strong, as he continues to represent the association and remains on the Board of Directors.

With the additional resources, Amato says the Agency can expand their offerings to AASP/NJ members with even better products. Members already receive dividends.

(Recently, they received eight percent on workers’ compensation insurance.) Now, Amato is working with Executive Director Charles Bryant on a marketing program to help bring new members into the association.

With more than 50 years in this business behind him, Amato is proud and excited about the direction his agency is taking through this partnership with World Insurance Associates.

“It’s just made such a difference. Six months in, and it’s worked out exactly as we hoped. The Agency is thriving, and a tremendous opportunity exists for all of us.”

NJA

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NJ Represented at National AASP Board Meeting Last month, AASP/NJ Executive Director Charles Bryant and Treasurer Tom Elder represented the association at the most recent AASP National meeting at Autoshop Solutions in Apex, NC. The semi-annual gathering allowed various AASP/NJ Executive Director AASP state affiliates to share updates Charles Bryant during the recent AASP National Board and ideas on their various activities and meeting in Apex, NC. initiatives on behalf of the industry.

Bryant noted the ongoing success of the association’s Labor Pool, which places available technicians and employees with member shops looking to fill positions. He also discussed the AASP/NJ Legal Fund, which provides financial assistance to members who are pursuing or defending themselves against lawsuits. Driven by industry donations, the Legal Fund is available to members who meet extensive eligibility criteria. Funds are then given to the member’s legal counsel after the attorney(s) provide AASP/NJ with documentation on the case. Bryant stated that the majority of cases to have utilized the Legal Fund are based around issues involving the Labor Rate.

In other news, AASP/NJ is currently taking a wait-and-see approach to legislation, largely opting to monitor activities in the State House instead of initiating its own bills.

“We’re watching what other states are doing, but we’ve had a bad history with sponsoring legislation that really didn’t go anywhere,” Bryant said.

The association is also working to address various member complaints in regard to State Farm’s refusal to provide proper payment for pre- and post-repair scanning.

“The members are calling like crazy. We’re gathering reports on what is being said and written and determining how to move forward with this.”

Information on the State Farm scanning issue is available in this month’s cover story. For information on upcoming AASP/NJ events, visit aaspnj.org.

NJA

NATIONAL NEWS

Mike Anderson Warns of Shop Computer Ransom Scheme Mike Anderson of Collision Advice (collisionadvice.com) is cautioning the collision repair industry to protect itself from a dangerous new ransom scheme that is specifically targeting body shops.

In the past two months, Anderson has received reports from facilities across the country that their IT systems were hijacked and held hostage for ransom. In these cases, the shops’ systems were frozen to the point where even a computer mouse was unusable. These shops were then contacted by the assailants and told to pay large amounts of money in bitcoin to free the systems. According to Anderson, the ransom amounts ranged from $5,000 to $100,000. In most cases, the shops paid the ransom in order to get their computers back up and running.

“The way these people get into the computers to hold these shops hostage is through an open port. It’s really important that you have your IT person or company make sure you don’t have any open ports. You have to make sure you have everything locked down.”

Additionally, Anderson urges readers to contact their business insurer to learn more about special cyber liability/social engineering coverage for events of this nature. Shops that would like more information on the attacks and ways to better shield themselves are encouraged to contact Collision Advice at (703) 898-0715.

NJA New Jersey Automotive | June 2019 | 31

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RAE is North America’s premier supplier of OE certified repair equipment.

Our OE approved systems and products are the “preferred choice” for use in collision repair because the system or products have already been prescreened by the car manufacturer.

PHONE: 732-495-7900 FAX: 732-495-7904 E-MAIL: bill@rae1.com www.raeservice.com VISIT US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ReliableAutomotiveEquipment

32 | New Jersey Automotive | June 2019

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We are part of the BMW NA delivery program that delivers to us three additional times per day We have a highly-trained and experienced team of BMW parts advisors Our team of advisors can be counted on to be knowledgeable when you need technical support We update our inventory daily to ensure we stock the most current items to meet your demands All original BMW parts carry a 2-year limited warranty

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New Jersey Automotive | June 2019 | 33

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COVER STORY

“Bogus”

and ? ” s u o i t i t c “ fi State FandarmASP/NJ’s A

War of Words over Scanning

34 | New Jersey Automotive | June 2019

Performing pre- and post-repair scans on any vehicle equipped to receive them is an absolute necessity in today’s industry, but receiving proper compensation from insurers for these procedures has been a major issue for many shops nationwide.

This is the problem at the heart of an ongoing conflict between AASP/NJ and the nation’s largest auto insurer, State Farm. Earlier this spring, AASP/NJ Executive Director Charles Bryant received a call to the association’s Hot Line from a member who had received a refusal from State Farm to pay his requested scanning charges (amounting in several hundred dollars) for a high-line vehicle. Bryant advised this member to send a complaint to the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance. In the meantime, he began receiving reports from other shops that had even more distressing news: State Farm had made its line in the sand even deeper and was now only paying $25, which is .5 of the current Labor Rate and 90 percent less than the $250 it had been routinely issuing for scans. This led Bryant to reach out to the original shop he had advised to contact the Department to see if the inquiry had gone anywhere. What happened next was akin to taking a baseball bat to a hornet’s nest.

“The Department answered the shop’s complaint by saying it conducted an investigation and that State Farm stated that the fair and reasonable market-driven cost of the pre- and post-repair scans is $250. That’s the way the insurer answered the state agency. This was still less than what the shop had been asking for, but it made it clear that State Farm would at least pay $250 for the scanning that was needed to complete a safe and proper repair.”

Armed with this information, Bryant issued a notice to AASP/NJ members (see opposite page) advising them of State Farm’s stated position on the $250 rate. Not surprisingly, it didn’t take long before the insurer caught wind of this communication. Almost immediately, Bryant began getting calls from shops throughout the state letting him know that State Farm appraisers were telling them that his letter was “bogus.” In one instance, a shop called him while the State Farm representative was still at the facility.

Naturally, Bryant insisted on having a word with this individual over the phone. continued on page 39

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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.

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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

© 2019 MINI USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC. The MINI name, model names and logo are registered trademarks.

New Jersey Automotive | June 2019 | 37

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COVER STORY

continued from page 34

“I told him, ‘I don’t appreciate you saying that I’m putting out a ‘bogus’ letter. You’re at least the third person who’s said the same word, so obviously you’re being told to say that.

There is nothing ‘bogus’ about it; the only thing ‘bogus’ is what you’re doing to consumers!’ He replied, ‘You won’t hear it from me again.’”

That should have been the end of it, but things are rarely that simple when it comes to insurers, shops and money. Bryant then began getting calls from AASP/NJ members stating that State Farm appraisers were now calling his letter “fictitious.” The word is different, but the intent to deprive repair facilities of appropriate payment remains the same. New Jersey Automotive’s request to State Farm for clarification on its scanning rate in New Jersey and how that figure was determined was not responded to at press time.

Perhaps the most distressing element of State Farm’s attempts to attack the legitimacy of AASP/NJ’s notice to its members is that it ultimately has nothing to do with the association – the letter was merely an attempt to inform repair professionals of the result of an investigation by the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance. To further solidify this fact, Bryant has again confirmed with the Department that it indeed conducted this investigation and that State Farm absolutely cited $250 as its fair and reasonable rate for scanning procedures.

In addition to utilizing AASP/NJ’s notice, shops are encouraged to give State Farm personnel the Department of Banking and Insurance tracking number 345001 to verify the validity of the complaint. AASP/NJ members are also encouraged to contact Bryant on the association Hot Line at (732) 9228909 if they encounter this or any other payment issues with State Farm.

NJA

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40 | New Jersey Automotive | June 2019

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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

New Jersey Automotive | June 2019 | 41

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MARKETING FEATURE By Michelle Nelson, president of B2B Automotive

Who Owns Your Website?

I know many of you have attended my seminars or webinars and have heard the terms “domain name” and “web hosting.” First things first, a domain name is your online address for your website, and web hosting refers to the parking space rented for those website files. Your domain is an investment in your company’s branding, and you should own it; without it, someone else has control over your website.

Who Is Listed as the Owner on Your Domain Name?

The legal owner of a domain name is the person and/or organization listed as the domain’s registrant or owner contact. Domains typically have four contacts: Registrant/owner, admin, technical

42 | New Jersey Automotive | June 2019

and billing. These can be the same person or different people. You can check the contacts listed using a WHOIS lookup. (Note that for some registries, the owners will not be displayed if you have a WHOIS privacy service in place.)

What Happens if You Don’t Own Your Domain Name?

No need to worry! A company like B2B Automotive can help you get the ownership rights transferred over to you. The transfer can take up to 14 days from start to finish.

If you wish to make the request on your own, the following are the Cliffs Notes steps: (Remember that these are all time-sensitive details and must be done quickly, or you will have to start over.)

Michelle Nelson brings more than 25 years of experience in marketing and a family tradition in the auto body industry to B2B Automotive customers. She started working in her greatgrandfather’s tow truck/auto body shop at the age of seven. Her greatgrandfather, Harley Graves, opened his business in 1932 and put his customers first. Combining her two loves led Nelson to form B2B Automotive. Nelson and her team have helped auto body and mechanical shops across the country change gears in their marketing needs. For more information, contact her at michelle@btobautomotive.com or (415) 787-AUTO.

You will want the current owners to update the current contact information to reflect yours.

Initiate a transfer of the ownership over to you.

The current owner will need to unlock the domain and provide you an EPP transfer code.

Once you receive that code, you will need to open an account with a registrar (if you do not already have one in your name) and fill in that information to transfer the domain to your account.

Keep checking your emails until the transfer has been approved and finalized.

Digital assets and property are something we need to get used to in this increasingly technological world.

We need to think of them as being as important as the physical items in our business (or our financial assets) and ensure that things are maintained and kept up to date.

NJA

NJA0619.qxp_NEW JERSEY AUTOMOTIVE 5/24/19 4:52 PM Page 43

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 | June 2019 | 43

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Superior service starts with superior parts.

Rely on what Mazda drivers already know-Genuine Mazda parts extend a car's life.

Designed specifically for Mazda vehicles Get the right part the first time We're an accurate, trusted resource as close as your phone Give us the opportunity to serve you

Contact these Mazda dealers for all your parts needs: Maxon Mazda 2329 Route 22 West Union, NJ 07083 Phone: 800-964-7281 Fax: 908-851-5631

Nu Car Mazda 172 North Dupont Highway New Castle, DE 19720 Phone: 800-346-5283 Fax: 302-322-7135

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Mazda of Lodi 130 Route 46 East Lodi, NJ 07644 Phone: 866-716-0511 Fax: 973-594-4933 www.mazdaoflodi.com

Wayne Mazda 1244 Route 23 North Wayne, NJ 07470 Phone: 973-646-0333 Fax: 973-694-1700 www.waynemazdafactoryparts.com

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Unsurpassed Quality. Genuine Hyundai Parts.

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

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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

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ARANJ Officers

President Rodney Krawczyk Ace Auto Wreckers (732) 254-9816 aceautonj@comcast.net

1st Vice President Ian Szoboszlay Ocean County Auto (732) 349-0332 ian@cosmosautoparts.com 2nd Vice President Darryl Carmen Lentini Auto Salvage (908) 782-6838 darryl@las-parts.com 3rd 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 (609) 561-2266 elandmauto@aol.com

Ed Silipena American II Autos (609) 965-6700 esilipena@yahoo.com

Norm Vachon Port Murray Auto (908) 689-3152 portmurrayauto@yahoo.com Dylan Rinkens East Brunswick Auto (732) 254-6501 ebautonj@comcast.net

ARANJ

The Automotive Recyclers Association of New Jersey

President’s Message The Balance of Time

Until recently, I really never understood the value of TIME. As a business owner, you are already wearing many hats and are constantly busy. It seems the day flies by; before you know it, the day is over. Then, you go home and wind up doing some more paperwork while eating or cooking dinner. Layer that with wanting to advance the image and viability of your industry by getting involved in your state and national associations...WOW! Where do you find the time?

Well, I am reading a book by Jocko Willink, an ex-Navy Seal, called Extreme Ownership. It is a self-help and business book rolled up into one. I am using this to actually slow down and solve one problem at a time, which is hard to do in today’s world of multitasking. I now use my Google calendar to schedule my day and try to plan most of the very important things to do during the day. I am still not perfect in getting the complete value of time, but I will not let a tough day make me quit. Just solve one problem at a time; before you know it, you are winning.

I hope this helps you with some things that you have been procrastinating getting done, because I know I am the self-anointed king of procrastination.

Rodney Krawczyk, ARANJ President (732) 254-9816 ext. 100 aceautonj@comcast.net

Wharton Insurance Briefs

The weather can create many changes – some good and some not so good. When a hurricane or nor’easter hits the East Coast, there can be devastating damage. When losses like this occur, every insurance company is affected by the resulting claims. When insurance companies experience a high volume of claims, several things may happen. A company may no longer want to write business in a particular state, or they may change their guidelines to only write insurance for those customers who are more than a certain distance from the ocean, bay or inlet.

Most insurance companies participate in a reinsurance program/treaty.

These treaties are set up to spread the risk of loss. For example, “Insurance Company A” writes a $1 million limit for insurance on a building. They may only retain the first $300,000 and cede off the remaining $700,000 to three or four other insurance companies. So, when there is a large claim, there could be four or five other companies participating in the loss. This could be the reason why an insurance company has decided to no longer write in a state, change their guidelines to be more than a certain distance from the ocean, bay or inlet and may increase rates due to the exposure.

If this has happened to you or if you have any questions or concerns regarding coverage, rates or claims, please feel free to call me.

Mario DeFilippis, AAI Vice President 800-221-0003 (ext. 1320) 908-513-8588 (cell) mdefilippis@whartoninsurance.com

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COLLISION CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE continued from page 23 taking photos on what they are working on for proof that specific repairs were completed, and then charge for your labor accordingly.

Most importantly, print out and keep your OEM repair procedures.

Vehicle models – and, more specifically, the materials used to manufacture them – are constantly changing. You should be repairing the correct way – no exceptions.

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

Finally, utilize AASP/NJ and the benefits it affords its members. We have been working hard organizing training seminars and workshops. We need your support at these events to continue to grow and change our industry for the better. With over 300 members in our association, all of our events should be standing-room only.

NJA

For Genuine Subaru Body Parts, contact these Authorized Subaru Dealers.

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

Liberty Subaru 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

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

1-800-NEW-PARTS ................................12-13 Accudraft ................................................19 Acme Nissan ..........................................4 Amato Agency ........................................29 Audi Group ..............................................26-27 BASF ......................................................6 BMW Group ............................................15 BMW of Springfield..................................33 Bram Auto Group ....................................IBC Classic Audi ............................................45 Empire Auto Parts ....................................39 Flemington Audi ......................................5 Flemington Group ....................................48 Fred Beans..............................................35 Fred Beans Parts ....................................21 Glen Toyota..............................................OBC GM Group................................................43 Hyundai Group ........................................46 Innovative Solutions & Technology / Pro Spot ..................................................IFC Jaguar Morris County ..............................10 Kemperle ................................................38 Klean Frame ............................................20 Land Rover Parsippany ............................10 Lynnes Nissan East..................................10 Maxon Buick-GMC ..................................25 Maxon Hyundai........................................25 Maxon Mazda..........................................23 Mazda Group ..........................................44 MINI Group ..............................................37 Mopar Group ..........................................50 NUCAR ....................................................16-17 Paul Miller Subaru ..................................14 Performance Ford Lincoln ........................11 Porsche Group ........................................22 PPG ........................................................3 Reliable Automotive Equipment ................32 Sherwin-Williams ....................................38 Subaru Group ..........................................49 Town Motors............................................40 Toyota Group ..........................................11 Tri-State Luxury Collection........................8-9 Valtek......................................................20 VW Group................................................41 Westbury Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram SRT 30 Wheel Collision Center ............................39 New Jersey Automotive | June 2019 | 49

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