Watch Josh Kraftmann’s full commercial craft talk, then keep Auto Craftman & Collision in your phone. You’ll be glad you did the day you need them.
A trusted name with a new steward
Auto Craftman & Collision has served Ocean County for about four decades. Founder Dan Hawtin built a body shop that locals relied on for straight answers and solid work. Today, Josh Kraftmann is carrying that legacy forward—keeping Dan involved as an advisor and retaining the original team in the shop and office. Same standards, same crew; new energy at the helm.
Josh is all-in on the craft. At 25, he’s a hands-on car enthusiast who started by buying and rebuilding salvage vehicles. He’s also studying finance (with a math minor), which shows up in the way he explains estimates, parts choices, and insurance tactics to customers.
Independent of insurer programs – by design
Some collision centers sign “direct repair” agreements with carriers. Auto Craftman doesn’t. That independence lets the shop:
- Follow OEM repair procedures instead of shortcuts.
- Specify new, model-correct parts when safety or function demands it.
- Push back when a carrier suggests a fix that won’t restore the vehicle properly.
Josh was candid about the tradeoff: standing firm can take longer. But his stance is simple – your safety is the priority, not cycle time.
What “fighting for the customer” looks like
Two real examples from the talk:
1) Shattered windshield on a new truck
Glass shards migrated into the HVAC ducts, dash insulation, and even ventilated seat channels. A quick cleanup would leave hidden fragments that could blow out later. Josh documented the pathways, escalated the claim, coordinated with the dealer to protect the factory warranty, and pursued new HVAC components, seats, and interior trim. The process was lengthy and, in the end, the truck was totaled—the right answer given the extent of contamination.
2) Tailgate mismatch on a late-model SUV
A carrier insisted on a used tailgate from a different trim level with a non-replaceable, molded wiring harness. Auto Craftman tore down, photographed, and proved the mismatch so the customer received the correct new part. It’s tedious work, but it prevents electrical headaches and water leaks down the road.
Why structural damage can’t be treated like “old-school” repairs
Modern vehicles are unibody: the body and frame are one structure with zones of different tensile-strength steel designed to absorb impact around the passenger compartment. A hit to the front can transfer stress to the rear. You can’t judge crashworthiness by a quick visual. Auto Craftman’s approach:
- Inspect beyond the obvious damage.
- Use OEM sectioning, welding, and replacement procedures.
- Decline shortcuts that compromise crash performance.
Josh put it plainly: many post-accident cars are not safe until they’ve been inspected and repaired by the book.
Clear estimates, full story
If you’ve ever seen two estimates that are miles apart—$1,700 vs. $8,000—this is why. One might list visible parts only; the other includes hidden damage, calibrations, structural checks, and OEM-required steps. Auto Craftman aims to show the full repair plan up front, then update as the vehicle is disassembled and scanned. It can be unsettling to see a bigger number initially, but it prevents the “surprise later” that stalls repairs.
Services and guarantees
- Collision repair (cosmetic and structural)
- OEM-procedure restorations and calibrations
- Glass replacement the right way (not just “vacuum and go”)
- Insurance claim documentation and carrier coordination
- Towing and estimates
- Lifetime workmanship warranty for as long as you own the vehicle
(Some mechanical operations are coordinated with dealer partners to protect factory warranties.)
What to do after a crash: Josh’s practical advice
- Choose the shop you trust. In New Jersey, you pick the repairer.
- Document everything. Photos of damage, parts, warning lights, and any unsafe conditions.
- Ask for OEM procedures. Your estimate should reference the manufacturer’s repair instructions.
- Be cautious with “used” or “off-trim” components. If the part isn’t identical in function and fit, it can create safety and electrical issues.
- Expect some back-and-forth. Quality repairs often require additional approvals; a good shop will do the paperwork and keep you informed.
Why OCBA members trust Auto Craftman & Collision
Josh credits OCBA for connecting him with the shop’s roots and the wider business community. In turn, members appreciate a collision center that explains the process, stands up to carriers when needed, and returns vehicles truly road-ready.
If you’re an OCBA member with company vehicles, ask Josh about documentation standards that protect your fleet and drivers.
Need help now? Call 732-270-8099, visit autocraftmancollision.com, or stop by for an estimate
Auto Craftman & Collision
150 Lake Ave Island Heights, NJ 08732