Auto body, collision & insurance — frequently asked questions
Plain-English answers to the questions Rockaway and Morris County drivers ask us most — what to do after an accident, how the insurance side works, what the lifetime warranty actually covers, and how long a repair really takes.
Last updated May 27, 2026
Collision & Bodywork
- How does the collision repair process work?
Estimate, insurance approval, teardown, structural and body repair, paint, reassembly, QC, and delivery.
- How much does collision repair cost?
Minor cosmetic work can be a few hundred dollars; structural repairs run into the thousands. Free written estimate in-shop.
- What should I do after a car accident?
Get safe, call 911 if needed, document the scene, file a claim, then bring the vehicle to a licensed body shop of your choice.
- How long does collision repair take?
Light cosmetic work: a few days. Structural repairs with paint and parts: typically 1–3+ weeks.
- OEM vs aftermarket parts — which should I use?
OEM parts protect fit, finish, resale value, and ADAS calibration. 1st Effect Auto uses OEM by default.
Costs & Pricing
- How much does bumper repair cost?
Light scuffs run a few hundred; cracked or sensor-equipped bumpers cost more; full OEM replacement with ADAS recalibration is meaningfully higher.
- How much does dent repair cost?
A single PDR ding is cheapest; larger dents and conventional refinish repair cost more; multi-panel hail jobs sit higher still.
- How much does car scratch repair cost?
Clear-coat buff-outs are the lowest cost; single-panel refinish costs more; multi-panel keying costs more again.
Insurance
- Will my insurance cover the repair?
If you carry collision or the other driver is at fault, yes — we bill the carrier directly and you pay only your deductible.
- What does the lifetime warranty cover?
Workmanship — paint, bodywork, refinish — for as long as you own the vehicle.
- Can I choose my own body shop in NJ?
Yes. New Jersey law lets you pick any licensed shop. Your insurer cannot force you into a preferred network.
- Will insurance cover a rental car?
If you have rental reimbursement coverage or are a not-at-fault claimant, your carrier typically pays for a rental during repairs.
- What is a diminished value claim?
Compensation for the lost resale value of your vehicle after a properly repaired accident — typically against the at-fault driver's carrier.
- Do I have to pay my deductible?
Yes, if you're filing under your own collision coverage. If the other driver is at fault and accepts liability, no.
Question we didn't answer?
Call a real estimator — free, no appointment needed.