6.22.26 – The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) took its mission to advocate for consumer safety and proper repairs to the state house in Trenton last week.
Members of the AASP/NJ Board sat down with New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (NJDOBI) Acting Commissioner Susan Ochs and her team to have constructive dialogue about the growing concerns affecting Garden State consumers following automobile accidents.
“They were very interested in what we had to say,” relays AASP/NJ President Ken Miller. “It was a really great opportunity to talk about the increasing number of issues involving insurers and the reimbursement of policyholders for repairs necessary to restore damaged vehicles to their pre-accident condition. As vehicle technology continues to evolve, consumers deserve assurance that repairs are based on safety and proper repair procedures as required by the manufacturer – not solely on cost considerations.”
Miller was joined by AASP/NJ Legislative Committee Chairman Dean Massimini, Sr., AASP/NJ Collision Chairman Jerry McNee and Board member Dennis Cataldo, Jr.
“We are so grateful for the time that Acting Commissioner Ochs gave to us,” states Massimini. “We had a fruitful discussion about the many issues currently plaguing the auto body industry. They were extremely welcoming and appeared to be very receptive to our concerns. It was great to have a seat at the table and be heard.”
Discussion included the role consumer complaints play toward educating NJDOBI and the need to increase this form of communication. Conversation also centered on proposed legislation in the state Assembly and Senate that would mandate the inclusion of the Appraisal Clause in all automobile insurance policies.
“We were very pleased to have the opportunity to bring these issues to their attention,” adds Massimini. “They really seemed open to ongoing communications and we look forward to continuing to work with the NJDOBI team.”
Be sure to look for the full coverage of AASP/NJ’s meeting with NJDOBI in the July issue of New Jersey Automotive, available at grecopublishing.com.
AASP/NJ encourages New Jersey collision repair professionals to attend the general membership meeting “New Rules, New Tools: a Shop Owner’s Playbook” on Wednesday, June 24 at the Holiday Inn in Clark, NJ. The informative event will address DOBI-related inquiries along with business strategies and resources. Visit aaspnj.org/events to sign up and for more information.
