Your Insurance Company Has A Plan For Your Claim. So Should You.
In New Jersey, YOU choose the repair shop — not your insurer. We handle the claim, the adjuster, and the paperwork so you don't have to.
You Pick The Shop.
NJ law protects your right to choose your own repair facility. "Preferred shop" means preferred by the insurance company — because it saves THEM money, not you. The choice is yours, and it's the law.
You Don't Accept The First Estimate.
The first insurance estimate is written off photos or a 10-minute look. Hidden damage behind panels gets found during teardown — and we file supplements to cover every bit of it.
You Don't Pay Out Of Pocket To Wait.
With a Direction of Pay, the insurance company pays us directly. You cover your deductible — that's it. No floating thousands and waiting for reimbursement checks in the mail.
What We Handle For You
You make two decisions: bring the car to us, and pick it up when it's done. Everything between is our job.
The Claims Process Step By Step
Call us first — before or right after you call your insurer.
We'll tell you exactly what to say and what not to agree to on that first call. Two minutes with us can save you weeks of claim problems.
Get the car to J&R.
Drivable? Come by. Not drivable? We arrange the tow straight to our shop — not to the insurer's preferred lot.
We document everything.
Full photo documentation before anyone touches the car. Every panel, every angle, every piece of pre-existing damage noted.
Adjuster inspection at our shop.
We're standing next to them pointing out what the photos miss. The adjuster doesn't inspect alone — we advocate for your repair.
Repair with supplements as needed.
If teardown reveals more damage, we stop, document, file, and get approval before continuing. No surprise bills, no unauthorized work.
Delivery and final walkthrough.
You inspect the work with us before you sign anything. We go over every repair line, every panel, every paint match.
What The Insurance Company Won't Tell You
Straight answers to the questions adjusters hope you won't ask.
Do I have to use their preferred shop?
No. New Jersey law gives you the right to choose your own repair facility — period. When the insurer pushes their 'preferred' shop, they're steering you toward a shop that agreed to their pricing and parts rules. That saves the insurance company money. It doesn't get your car fixed better. If you're getting pressured, say: 'I've already chosen my shop. Please send the adjuster to J&R Auto Body at 9 N. Munn Avenue in Newark.' That ends the discussion.
Will my rates go up if I use my own shop?
No. Your insurance rates are based on your driving record, claim history, and the type and cost of the claim — not which repair facility you choose. The shop name doesn't appear in your rate calculation. Using J&R has zero effect on your premium.
What if their estimate is lower than yours?
That's what supplements are for — and this happens on most collision jobs. The initial insurance estimate is usually written from photos or a brief walkaround, and it misses hidden damage behind panels, brackets, and mounting points. Once we do the teardown and find the additional damage, we stop work, document everything, and file a supplement directly with your adjuster. We don't proceed until the supplement is approved. This is standard procedure on collision work, not a sign something went wrong.
What is a Direction of Pay?
A Direction of Pay is a simple form that authorizes your insurance company to pay the repair shop directly instead of sending you a check and making you pay the shop yourself. You sign it, we handle the rest. It means you're not floating thousands of dollars on a credit card waiting for a reimbursement check. You pay your deductible — that's it.
What if they want to total my car?
If the repair cost approaches a certain percentage of your car's market value, the insurer may declare it a total loss. This is a negotiation, not a final sentence. We'll walk you through the total loss valuation, help you understand how they calculated the number, and advise on whether a challenge makes sense. You don't have to accept the first offer — and we'll tell you honestly whether fighting it is worth it.
Aftermarket parts or OEM?
OEM parts come from your car's manufacturer — same specs, same fit, same crash performance. Aftermarket parts are third-party copies that can vary in fit, finish, and structural performance. Your policy language determines what you're entitled to. Some policies specify OEM; others allow aftermarket. We'll read your policy with you and tell you what it actually says — not what the adjuster wants you to believe it says. If OEM is available and warranted, we push for it.
Forms & Documents
Print these, or just come in — we'll walk you through both in five minutes.
Drivers Who Handed Us The Headache
Real experiences from Essex County drivers who let us handle their claims.
"J&R dealt with my adjuster from start to finish. I didn't make a single phone call to my insurance company after I dropped the car off."
— Google Review
"My insurer tried to send me to their shop. I brought it to J&R instead. They filed three supplements, got every one approved, and my car looks perfect."
— Google Review
"Had a claim open within an hour of calling. They explained the Direction of Pay, handled the rental timing, and texted me updates every step."
— Google Review
Don't Sign Anything. Don't Agree To A Shop. Call Us First.
Don't sign anything, don't agree to a shop, don't give a recorded statement yet. Call us first — two minutes on the phone with us can save you weeks of claim problems.