Consumer Help - Where To Find It

If any insurance company is trying to require you to use a particular shop or select from a list against your will, if you are having a problem with an insurance claim, or if you're having a problem with a repair shop regarding collision repairs, you do have rights and there is assistance available to you. First, you should attempt to resolve the problem directly with the insurance company or the repair shop. In the case of an insurance company directing, encouraging, or "steering" you to a particular repair shop, or requiring that you choose from a list, simply remind the insurance company that section N.J.A.C. 11:3-10.3e of the New Jersey Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations prohibits this. For a more detailed explanation of steering and some of the items in the Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) page. Then, if you feel your insurance company is not cooperating, is not handling your claim correctly, or is refusing to pay for damages you are entitled to be compensated for, you may contact the Department of Insurance in Trenton at (609)292-5316. Their authority is limited and you may also wish to seek other assistance. The Goldcar Collision Repair Network Certified Member shop in your area can also assist you in stopping any steering imposed by an insurance company. See our Shop Locator for the shops serving your area.

If your repair shop did not complete repairs to your satisfaction and has refused to correct any problems, most Goldcar Collision Repair Network Certified Member shops will assist you in restoring your car to pre-accident condition and will assist you with professional damage evaluations and opinions. See our Shop Locator for the shops serving your area. You may also call the Goldcar Network at 1-888-GOLD-2000 and follow verbal instructions to leave a message for the network manager, or E-Mail a message to us.

If you're not sure what rights you have, who to call, or what to do, you may call Bryant Associates at (732)775-3303. Bryant Associates is an automotive insurance claim consulting firm that works for the consumer and is an affiliate member of the Goldcar Collision Repair Network. Bryant Associates will assist consumers when they are not being treated fairly by an insurance company on a property damage claim settlement, or when they are experiencing any difficulties or problems which are governed by the New Jersey Unfair Claims Practices Act. Bryant Associates can assist with problems such as:

When a consumer is not familiar with the rules and regulations governing the claims settlement process, it is in their best interest to have professional assistance. Any consumer can call Bryant Associates to explain their problem and receive an opinion or evaluation of their problem at no charge. For an explanation of the charges which apply after the initial opinion or evaluation, contact Bryant Associates at (732)775-3303.