So We Have an Initiative – Now What? 

by Ken Miller, AASP/NJ President

An initiative without action is just a statement. 

You may have heard that AASP/NJ recently launched the “Collision Repair Consumer Protection Initiative (CRCPI).” (Read more about it on page 28). In just a few weeks, the initiative has sparked conversations with shop owners, customers, legislators and even other state organizations eager to start similar programs. The response so far has been encouraging, and I believe we’re off to a strong start. 

But what comes next? 

The ultimate goal of the CRCPI is to expose insurers’ unjust reimbursement practices and improper business tactics, as these harm New Jersey policyholders. By bringing these issues to light, we aim to create meaningful change that ensures collision-damaged vehicles are repaired completely, safely and properly for all NJ drivers. 

How You Can Help 

For Auto Body Shops: 

Educate yourself: Understand the laws governing your business and the regulations insurers must follow. This will help you identify when insurers are acting improperly and negatively affecting your customers.

Educate your customers: Make your customers aware of the challenges you face with insurer reimbursements and how these practices can affect the quality of repairs. Direct them to resources where they can learn when insurers are violating regulations, such as the Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act and the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance’s (NJ DOBI) FAQ pages for consumers or attorneys. 

Join the movement: Support the AASP/NJ CRCPI initiative. Work alongside other shops – whether independent or insurer-referred – to demand fairness from insurance companies. 

Engage with legislators: Reach out to local representatives to advocate for legislative changes that will protect your business and your customers. 

For Consumers:

File a DOBI complaint: If you experience unfair treatment or an insurer violates the terms of your contract, file a complaint with NJ DOBI. Consumers are the ones in contract with the insurance company, so your complaints carry weight. 

Support the CRCPI initiative: Contact your representatives to express concerns about unfair insurance practices. The more voices that speak up, the more likely lawmakers will take action. 

The real work begins now. 

We’re at a pivotal moment, but the hard work is just starting – and we need your help. 

If one of your customers experiences unfair treatment from an insurer or encounters a violation of the Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act, provide them with a copy of the initiative. Encourage them to file a complaint with NJ’s DOBI and to contact their local legislator to inform them of the insurer’s actions. 

If your customer is unsure how to proceed, have them call the AASP/NJ hotline. We’re here to assist them every step of the way. 

Want more? Check out the October 2024 issue of New Jersey Automotive!