AASP/NJ Offers Ways to Save on Protecting the Shop

by Joshua Bauchner and Jacqueline Greenberg-Vogt, Mandelbaum Barrett PC

AASP/NJ is always looking to partner with businesses that will bring benefits to its members.

One of their longest and strongest alliances is with World Insurance Associates, which offers savings for healthcare coverage and workers’ compensation to members in good standing. Thanks to this partnership, collision repair and mechanical shops – big or small – have the opportunity to elevate the work environment for their employees with the ability to cost effectively offer health care benefits, an offering that is most often out of reach for many small businesses. 

Now, thanks to a partnership between World Insurance Associates and SPARK Underwriters, AASP/NJ members in good standing also have access to this tailored solution:  commercial property, commercial auto, garage liability, umbrella, cyber risk, employment practices liability (EPL) and garagekeepers which make up the major commercial business exposures for vehicle repair operations. 

What really makes this package unique is that it’s been created by those who are in the automotive industry. 

“It’s written by people who can work in the shop,” comments David Willett of SPARK Underwriters. “We have ASE master technicians, TIA certified tire instructors, I-CAR Platinum technicians and people who have served on committees with OEs and suppliers and educators in the industry on our team. We’re in the industry. We insure vehicle repair businesses. Our policies are very focused on the exposures of automotive businesses. Coverages are proprietary, and our claims practices are handled by those who know the inside of a repair shop. That gives businesses great comfort at the time of a loss.” 

As Joe Amato, Sr. of World Insurance Associates has put it: “It’s mechanics and body shop people insuring mechanics and body shop people.” 

Willett says the SPARK Underwriters team has a strong belief in training and fixing cars right and commends the shops who are members of AASP/NJ as “they are prime examples of those who are staying up on what is current and relevant” to the industry by being a part of the association. “

Working with people who understand the business is a key benefit. “We have built proprietary coverages that are unique to this industry. We have claims people and underwriters who have worked in shops. We’re not trying to move someone by price, but people that have come with us have been very pleased with our pricing, because we are less concerned about where the industry is; we believe we know where it should be.” 

If not already on board with AASP/NJ’s array of benefits, members should take a look at page 11 to see all the available benefits to make sure they get the most out of their membership. Not a member of AASP/NJ? Visit aaspnj.org to join today! 

Want more? Check out the November 2025 issue of New Jersey Automotive!