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Treasury Blueprint for Regulatory Reform May Mean
Less Regulation
Along with creating a consumer protection division,
Treasury favors a move toward the hotly debated concept of
"principles-based" regulation.
Over 70 Attend Northeast Leadership and Resolution
Forum
Northeast meeting draws association leaders from
across U.S. to share regulatory and legislative issues. Presentations
made by leaders from as far away as Illinois, Oklahoma, and Oregon in
addition to Northeast.
Treasury Dept Report Calls for Federal Insurance
Regulation
New report calls for the immediate establishment of
Insurance Oversight Office within the Department of Treasury.
CIC Closer to Defining Best Practices in Estimating
Committee plans to share finished product with state regulators.
New Legislation May Declare CAPA Parts the Only OEM Alternative
Bill sets standard for like kind and quality that only
CAPA certified can meet.
Two States Introduce Bills Requiring Complete Use of Estimating System
Both bills are virtually identical to a new Rhode Island
law successfully passed last year.
Saving the Environment Can Save Your Shop Money
Start implementing best practices to reduce costs, save
the environment and protect employees with this new free tool.
NHTSA Publishes Amended Rules for Vehicle Black Box Requirements
Agency responds to concerns about owner control of data,
consumer disclosure, and reusability of EDRs following a crash.
Consumer Survey of Progressive Claims Finds Faster and Cheaper
Not Better
Noted research firm finds that Progressive
Concierge system has second-highest repair failure rate in the
industry.
Former DRP Rep Sentenced in Connection with Shop Extortion
Chicago-area insurance rep admitted taking monthly
payments from shops seeking to maintain good standing in DRP
program.
Missouri, Kansas Repairers Get a Jump on New Legislation
Steering, underwritten estimates, and database abuse all
on the table for 2008.
Audatex Reports Down-Trend in Total Loss Frequency
New analysis refutes long standing belief that
total-losses are still on the rise.
Key Industry Assumptions and Your Company's Future
Ten of the most common key assumptions about trends
in this industry that must be considered when making decisions that
affect your company's future.
Skilled Technicians Number One Consumer Consideration in Shop
Selection
Consumer survey finds that the second most important
factor is a shop license.
CCC Announces New Flexible Parts Refinish Calcs at CIC
Also at CIC, State Farm hints that parts procurement
program program may lead to towing and rental deals.
Rhode Island Mandates Complete Use of Estimating Guides
A new law took effect Tuesday that says insurers must use
estimating systems "in their entirety."
Rhode Island Sees Labor Increases Following New Survey Regulations
Results of first state-mandated labor rate survey are in.
Some insurers raised rates significantly, others ignoring the new law.
Southern California
DRP Manager Accused of Taking Bribes
Attorney involved with the incident believes it is
not an isolated case.
EPA Completes Draft of Proposed Paint Regulation
Long awaited rule adds new requirements for spray booths,
spray guns, ongoing training and annual reporting for every repair
facility in the country.
State Farm to Test Electronic Parts Ordering through Select Service
State Farm on Friday released initial details of long
rumored test of parts ordering program.
Message at I-CAR Event Clear: Need for Training Greater than Ever
While student units declined and the non-profit industry
training organization reports a financial loss, incoming chair stresses
that changing technology means the need for training remains.
CIC Looks at Cost of Supplements, Ethical Issues at
Orlando Meeting
Committees detail cost of processing supplements, update
on estimating database issues, assist with ethics survey and learn how
to motivate the next generation of employees.
Allstate Loses Court Appeal to Strike State Insurer-Owned Shop Ban
Judges affirm earlier decision that Texas law banning
insurer-owned shops should stand.
Finding, Hiring and Developing the Right Shop Manager
Some planning and forethought can help avoid the very
high cost of hiring the wrong person while retaining the right one.
MQVP Parts Certification Program Packs It In
MQVP filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on July 18 and will
liquidate its assets.
Insurers Launch Campaign to Kill Fair Conduct Law
Just months after the legislation was signed, insurers
appeal to public opinion to scrap the law.
CIC Orlando Plans a Look at Improving Relations
Unfair claims practices, insurance relations, vehicle
repairability and retaining employees all featured at upcoming CIC.
A System Proposal to Produce the One Price Estimate
One price estimates could end much wasteful debate over
estimating details such as paint caps, blend times, and the Gap.
Can CIC Really Improve Insurer-Repairer Relations?
Michael Condon, a 33 year insurance industry veteran,
identifies some common ground between insurers and repairers that may
lead to better relations.
Judge Rules Claims Against Progressive will Stand
in $40 Mil Steering
Suit
Judge disagrees with Progressive argument that NY law
protects them from steering related law suits.
Rhode Island Sends Crash Parts Disclosure Bill
to Governor
Bill moves to the Governor just 10 days after Senate
approval.
California Senate Committee OKs New BAR Chief
BAR chief scrutinized for allowing Progressive to operate
Concierge without repairer license.
Rhode Island Senate Approves OEM Crash Parts
Bill
Bill requires consumer notice that insurers must pay
for OEM parts if the vehicle owner selects them.
Federal Right to Repair Act Reintroduced in US House
Harshly critical Georgia congressman says bill is
about parts design information, not service information.
Both Sides Call for Grassroots Action on Wisconsin Anti-Steering
Bills
Called "professional suppression" by insurer
alliance, two measures cover multiple aspects of insurer steering issue.
Compliance with New OSHA Cr(VI) Regulations Deadline
May 30
The process of compliance with new OSHA Hexavalent
Chromium regulations does not have to be difficult, but needs to be
done.
American Family Taking Steps to Improve Relationship with Shops
Top ten auto insurer drops third party auditor
Solera, begins research to accept estimates from any system.
One Hundred-Thirteen Industry Women Speak with One Voice
The solutions offered at the recent women's
industry conference offer benefits for all employees, not just
women.
National Five Star Shop Rating System Proposed in Canada
Could Canada have the right idea for a national
standard? Latest proposal provides consumers with readily understandable
rating system.
Oregon Senate Approves Anti-Steering Measure
Bill requires insurers to acknowledge in writing that
they, rather than consumer, chose the shop.
Shop Insurer Relations - Fact or Friction?
Much of the day to day friction between insurers and
repairers should not need endless legislation, lawsuits, meetings and
conference calls to resolve. SCRS Executive Director Dan Risley says
"enough is enough."
CIC Continues Focus on Estimating Practices, Database Issues
Collision Industry Conference participants call for
change in the direction the industry is taking.
Mitchell Report Shows Declining Effective Materials Rates
Repairers suggest data points toward impact of "paint
caps". Telephone interview with SCRS's Dan Risley and online shop rates
calculator.
Senate Commerce Committee Considers Federal Regulation of Insurers
Mississippi AG testifies that states are unable to
properly regulate insurers and the insurers are "running wild."
Top Ten Ways to Grow Your PBE Business
Forget about "In Search of Excellence" because all
the business excellence in the world will do you no good if your
customer fails, and firing a low performing customer can be a good
business move.
Antitrust Commission Sees Little Need to Continue Insurance
Exemption
While not ruling on any particular exemption, the 540 page report
looks very unfavorably on all antitrust exemptions, and offers
arguments why they should all be repealed.
MABA Files Legislation to Enforce 1963 Consent Decree in
Massachusetts
State level legislation to codify Consent Decree is
unique approach to enforce compliance with insurance industry agreement.
Analysts Speculate on Paint Co.
Consolidation Following Akzo's Organon Sale
Analysts speculate that Valspar, Sherwin-Williams and
ICI are all candidate targets for a possible Akzo-Nobel acquisition.
R.I. Insurers Asking for Too Much on Labor Rate Survey
Regulators invalidate surveys conducted by insurers
asking for information beyond scope of mandated survey form.
New Missouri Bill Targets Steering, Labor Rates and Third Party
Estimates
AASP, SCRS and ASA join to support bill sharing
aspects of recent legislation in Connecticut.
US Senate Committee Hears Testimony on McCarran Repeal
Familiar characters appear for the 110th Congress'
first hearing on antitrust repeal.
NY Shop Files $40 Mil Suit against Progressive for
Illegal Steering
New suit details multi-year scheme motivated by
'money and greed' to knowingly mislead its insureds.
CIC Participants Grapple with 'Action vs.
Discussion' while Planning 2007
It's an issue that has dogged the
Collision Industry Conference (CIC) for years if not decades: Does the
conference actually accomplish anything - or is it merely a place where
industry issues get discussed?
South Dakota Debates Property Casualty
Consumer Protection Bill
Most disagreement surrounds
provision to require OEM crash parts on later model vehicles.
House Rep Calls for Federal Oversight of
Property Casualty, Anti-Trust Repeal in New Congress
Suspected insurance industry
collusion signals abuse of anti-trust exemption.
Collision Repair Technology Students Help
Paint Bodine Challenge Bobsleds
NASCAR drivers to race bobsleds
painted by collision repair students to support Olympic teams.
Top Ten Stories of 2006
Easier said than done, we
selected 10 stories that we feel have the widest impact on the
industry. See if you agree.
Insights into the Collision Repair Market:
Multiple Location Operators
A look at the relative size and
performance of shops that are part of multiple location operations
versus the general population, both dealer and independent, with a
closer look at the top ten multi-location operators.
State Farm Answers
Specific Questions on New Select Service Agreement
Our readers have specific questions about
certain terms of the new Select Service agreement such as: What
constitutes a valid repair delay? What are the cycle time targets?
And over a dozen others. We submitted these questions to State Farm,
and here are their answers.
Study Suggests Ways to Improve DRPs for
Shops, Insurers, Consumers
CIC presenter Beryl Carlew detailed a list
of more than two dozen problems shop owners currently see with DRPs-
and their possible solutions.
Small State Wins Big Insurance Law Changes
Rhode Island law now requires and describes
how insurers are to conduct labor rate surveys. First state-designed
surveys in the mail to shops now.
Repair Associations Weigh in on CA's Proposed
Labor Rate Survey Regs
Soon California will likely begin regulating
exactly how insurers conduct labor rate surveys to ensure fairness. CAA,
ASA say the devil is in the details.
Commission Hearing Considers Repeal of
McCarran-Ferguson
Special government commission held a hearing
Wednesday to evaluate possible repeal of insurance industry's exemption
from anti-trust law.
Legislative Efforts Focus of Inaugural SCRS
Affiliate Conference
Affiliates all over the country support
bills on consumer choice, DRP programs and steering.
Legal Battle Over Insurer-Owned Shops Continues
in Texas
New court filing by ASA and Consumer Choice
coalition, uses Sterling's own record to argue against Allstate's appeal
of insurer-owned shop law.
Smash Repairers Get A+ for Anti-Steering
Education
Australia's smash repairers did a bang up
job of communicating their issues to the government. Many lawmakers now
feel Code of Conduct bill doesn't do enough to curb steering.
California Regulations to Mandate Waterborne
Paint
With other regulating bodies watching, will
California's efforts soon have national implications?
CIC Reviews Nearing Deadline for New Hexavalent
Chromium Reg, State Farm DRP Revisions
Collision Industry Conference attendees
learn that nearly every shop will be affected by new hexavalent chromium
regs. State Farm explains modifications to new DRP program.
Glass Industry Lawsuit Illustrates Court
Interpretation of Steering
U.S. District Court issues decision on
claims of misleading and intimidating steering tactics that bear a
striking resemblance to similar claims in the collision repair industry.
Judge rules word tracks are OK.
Four Consumer Groups and Cosponsor withdraw
Right to Repair Support
Previous supporters, high profile consumer
advocate groups are now turning to oppose the bill it in its current form.
Collision Industry Conference Makes Its Way to
San Jose
Estimating system issues, simplifying DRP
program administration and coming regulations from OSHA and the EPA all
featured at upcoming CIC.
Repair Industry Looks to OSHA for Guidance with
New Hexavalent Chromium Regs
With a Fall deadline to be in compliance,
industries are scrambling to determine how the rules will affect them-
and what it will cost the independent business owners that must comply.
Customer Satisfaction or Customer Loyalty?
Loyal customers will return
to your shop no matter what influences attempt to turn them away and
they will go out of their way to recommend your shop to others.
Nine Pages to Transform the Collision
Repair Industry:
State Farm's New Agreement
From his point of view,
Scott Biggs sees State Farm's new DRP contact possibly giving some
long overdue clarity to this industry, depending on how the industry
interprets it.
California Senate Committee Passes Bill to
Resolve Labor Rate Disputes
Bill proposes a five-day settlement process
when consumers dispute the labor rate an insurer will pay for work at a
non-DRP shop.
CIC Efforts to Help Repairers Get Paid
for "Missing Time"
Document produced by repairers, insurers and
information providers working together acknowledges missing time in
estimating systems.
AutoBody America Sale Highlights
Challenges for Regional Operators, Benefits of Proper Divestiture
Strategy
Well planned ownership change minimizes
disruptions for employees and customers. CEO of ABA discusses their
experience. Matt Ohrnstein offers owners some advice before selling
a shop.
VA Autobody Political Action Committee Makes Itself Heard
In just three years, the Virginia Autobody
Legislative Committee has done some good work. Is your state
association ready to form a PAC?
State Farm Says Four Criteria Drive New
Shop Agreement
Collision Industry Conference touches on new
Select Service agreement, insurer parts procurement, and task force
progress with information providers.
AASP New Jersey Shares Licensing Success Story
at NE Leadership Meeting
Suffern, New York is the annual gathering
place for collision repair association leaders from up and down the
eastern seaboard.
Australia Sees Introduction of First
Anti-Steering Bill
Bill also includes a ban on insurer
ownership of shops, and stiff monetary fines for insurers caught
steering.
Texas Judge Finds Insurer-Owned Shop Law
Constitutional
Nearly a year and a half after final arguments,
the judge has issued his decision. Allstate testimony raises issues
of unfair competition and conflict of interest.
California Bill Calls for State to Take Over
Labor Rate Surveys
With ongoing disputes over survey
methodology, and insurers accused of capping rates without conducting
surveys, this bill calls for the state to now determine what is 'fair
and reasonable.'
California Assembly Hearing Weighs Value of
Certified Parts
With a bill pending to relax parts disclosure
requirements, a small army of industry stakeholders appeared in Sacramento
this week to paint their part of the aftermarket crash parts picture.
Combating Fraud, Cost-shifting
Returns to CIC Agenda
Anti-Fraud Committee reinstated following
planning session, and a new task force is being considered to address
"insurer control" of the industry.
New California Bill Seeks Repeal of Non-OEM
Parts Consumer Disclosure
CAPA supported legislation sets up licensing
for parts certifiers and requires shops to report defective parts to
the state on a daily basis.
FTC would Oversee Formation of NASTF Governing
Board
Rather than force service information sharing,
legislation may simply authorize FTC to oversee continued voluntary
sharing.
2005: The Year in Review
It may seem like 2005 was a fairly quiet year in
the collision repair industry, but a quick glance back would show that
it was anything but.
NASTF Begins Transition Toward Formal Independent
Structure
Structure of group leadership to be a primary issue-
it was this that stumbled this past Summer's Right to Repair talks.
Parliamentary Committee Recommends Insurer
Drop Web-Based Repair
In Australia, the findings of a government inquiry
into web-based repair are that the system is unsafe and should be scrapped.
Insurer refuses, denies problems.
Independent Assessment of Australian Web-Based
Repair System Finds Many Flaws
One problem identified in the report involves estimates
being prepared by non-repairers.
Louisiana Law Requiring
Destruction of Flood Cars In Effect
With the Governor's signature, new law takes effect
immediately as Act 42.
CA Dept. of Ins Questioned on Weak Investigation
of Shop-Insurer Complaints
With literally hundreds of shop complaints about
insurer conduct, the Senate Banking, Finance and Insurance committee
asked the DOI why nothing has been done.
NCOIL Committee Adopts Crash Parts Resolution
Consumer friendly resolution officially ends more
than ten years of NCOIL debate in the pursuit of crash parts model legislation.
Flood Vehicle Title Problem Taken Up in Louisiana
and Washington, D.C.
Louisiana legislators are pushing a fast-moving bill
that would require flood cars to be parted out and crushed. Hearing
held by U.S. Senate to discuss title washing.
CIC Examines Rise in Percentage of Total Loss
Vehicles
The percentage of vehicles being declared a “total
loss” is indeed increasing – but the causes of this trend aren’t what
always first come to mind for most in the industry.
Draft Report Grades California BAR Performance
Enforcement Monitor releases first performance review
of authority criticized for treating repairers unfairly and not understanding
the collision industry.
U.S. House Right to Repair Hearing Shows Continued
Industry Division
Subcommittee seeks to understand reasons for failure
of summer negotiations to reach voluntary service information agreement.
ASA and NADA Push for National Restrictions
on Sale of
Auto Paint
Two major associations join to ask EPA to implement
tight controls on who may legally purchase automotive refinish paint.
Increasing Total Losses, New EPA Regs on Tap
for
CIC Las Vegas
Collision Industry Conference to examine
dramatic increase in total-loss vehicles, wide sweeping effects of
coming EPA regs, and lessons to be learned from repairers in other
countries.
Farmers to Buy Airbags Direct from Dealer
Under New Pilot
Shops will be required to order and receive
their airbags from a dealership over 1,000 miles away. Dealer told
if he didn’t participate, someone else would.
Avery vs. State Farm to Seek U.S. Supreme
Court Review
Move follows the Illinois Court's recent
refusal to grant a new trial.
California Dept of Ins Hearings to Consider
Labor Rate Survey Law Changes
Newly proposed regulations seek to provide a
more transparent survey process to eliminate labor rate disputes
with shops.
Timelines for Solutions to Estimate Rekeying
Laid Out at CIC
Information providers share expected timetable
for the launch of their solution to eliminate estimate rekeying.
Attorneys Request Retrial of Avery v. State
Farm, Allege Campaign Contributions Influenced Judge
Attorneys allege that State Farm may have
‘bought’ the court’s decision through large campaign contributions
to an Illinois Supreme Court Justice.
Estimate Rekeying and Shop Efficiency on CIC
Agenda for San Francisco
Information Providers to provide timetable for
launch of estimate rekeying solutions and a look at improving quality to
reduce costs at Sep 14-15 meeting.
Illinois Supreme Court Delivers Major Win
for Insurance Cos
The scope of the August 18 decision sets
precedents that could favor insurance companies’ collision repair
practices well beyond the relatively simple matter of non-OEM
parts. A two part review of the 82 page decision.
DownUnder Update: Repairer Battle Against
NRMA Insurance not Completely Uphill
Repairers united in revolt against online
bidding system force insurer to tow work over 600 miles in search
of a shop willing to repair cars for them.
Database Providers Take Center Stage at CIC, Scottsdale
Information Providers announce coming solution
to estimate rekeying at Collision Industry Conference, taskforce
reports progress with ADP and Mitchell.
CIC to Address Steering, Data Provider Issues in Arizona
Collision Industry Conference coincides with I-CAR’s Annual
Meeting, offering attendees two great reasons to make the trip to
Scottsdale.
Repairers March Against Insurer in Downtown Sydney
IAG representative has harsh words for repairers after a
demonstration outside insurer's offices to protest the online
bidding program launched this week.
CA Senate Committee Postpones Decision on Bill to Allow Concierge
Programs
Senate hearing investigates legal liability in the Concierge
repair process, and which party must answer to the Bureau of
Automotive Repair.
 Repairer
Revolt! Front Page News Down Under
Insurer threatens never to send work to
shops again.
Waves of repairers refusing to sign new DRP contract from the
nation's largest insurer is making headlines in mainstream
newspapers.
Adhesive Bonding: Who Will
Get Stuck?
An Illinois shop
owner asks who will take responsibility when insurers
specify the use of adhesive bonding procedures when
replacing welded in place panels.
California Amends
Bill to Allow Concierge
Service
CAA is calling for repairers to oppose the bill
threatening to reverse a 2004 law prohibiting insurers from
assuming the role of ‘customer’ in a repair shop.
 Automotive
Lift Institute Offers Guidelines for
Hydraulic Lift Safety
Working under and
around hydraulic lifts is a danger that auto body
technicians are exposed to every day.
FIX Auto Conference
Highlights Success though Innovation
More than 150 FIX members gathered in New York
State to focus on business improvement and review the
network's accomplishments.
California Senate Passes Bill to Create
Steering-Friendly Insurance Policies
Legislation averts insurer repairer disputes by
allowing insurers to write auto policy stipulating insurer's right
to select shop.
 Plastic
Bumper Repairs Made Easy -
A Practical Guide By Bob Zweng
Although generally regarded as tough to repair, carmakers
are increasing their use of thermo polyolefin (TPO) and polypropylene
(PP) plastics on new cars. I-CAR trained and ASE Master Certified Bob
Zweng, Senior Technical Service Rep for LORD, covers the steps.
M2 Collision Care – Under New Names and New
Ownership
All but one of the former M2 locations sold to
new owners, and most are now repairing cars once again under new
names.
 Minnesota
Tech School Offers Virtual Paint Training at Two Shops
Painting a virtual car with
virtual paint, high tech training allows painters to learn without
touching a real car.
Northeast Leaders Meeting Details
Legislation throughout Region
Association leaders shared
detailed information on their efforts to pass both Federal and
State Legislation covering topics such as Right-to-Repair, insurer
steering and non-OEM parts.
NY Senate Sees Introduction of
Insurer-Owned
Shop Bill
The bill prohibits
insurer-owned shops after September 2008 and requires a consumer
choice disclosure until that time.
Minnesota Anti-Steering Bill Passes House
Committee
The bill requires a consumer
choice disclosure and prevents insurers from making
recommendations once the consumer has selected a shop.
Montana Passes All or
Nothing DRP Bill to Stop Steering
Awaiting the Governor's
signature is a bill that supporters hope will put an end to steering in
the state.
M2 Collision Care
Centers Shuts Down
Acquisition by Caliber dead;
employees and owners of vehicles in for repairs left hanging.
California Bill
Could Force DRP Pricing in Non-DRP Shops
If passed, an insurer could
legally limit its cost to what a DRP shop would charge, regardless of
where the vehicle gets repaired.
OR Senate Committee Passes Amended DRP Disclosure Bill
An amended version of the bill requiring shops to
disclose their DRP relationships to consumers now moves to the full
Senate.
California Bill to Declare Certified Aftermarket Crash Parts Equivalent
to OEM
Amendment plainly states that certified crash parts ARE of
like kind and quality to OEM.
Nevada Bill would Cut Off Access to Black Boxes without Court Order
Insurers are looking to change a
bill that would require them to get a court order to obtain black box
data without the owner's permission.
Bookkeeper’s Thievery Prompts System of Checks and Balances at N.Y. Shop
As a result of being ripped off
by a former bookkeeper, a Troy, NY shop owner has instituted a series of
checks and balances to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Oregon Lawmakers Hear Testimony on Disclosure of DRP Shop Concessions
Lawmakers said they like the
concept of consumers being made aware of DRP agreements between shops
and insurers.
Insurers Call
New Illinois Anti-Steering Bill 'Anti-Consumer'
A new Illinois anti-steering bill has been
introduced this month which is drawing harsh criticism from insurance
companies. The state has also introduced a new twist on insurer-owned
shop disclosure.
Missouri
Airbag Bill
Raises Some Concern Among Repairers
A small amendment to this well-meaning
bill could make a big difference to repairers.
Virginia
Repairers Win Legal Exception to Sales Tax on Paint
When signed by the
Governor, Virginia will no longer be one of the handful of
states where repairers must pay sales tax on
paint.
AASP, ASA, SCRS Join
Forces to Address Estimating Database Issues
In a rare show of unity, the thee biggest
national associations are looking to bring resolutions to the database
issues that effect nearly every repairer in the nation.
Maximizing the Capabilities of
Multiple
Shop Networks
Rollie Benjamin,
CEO of ABRA Auto Body, and Vincent Romans, CEO of The
Romans Group, suggest that insurers can meet their auto
physical damage objectives by more fully utilizing the
growing capabilities of corporate-owned and managed
network multi-shop operations.
Oregon Introduces Bill
Requiring Disclosure of DRP Concessions
The bill would require shops to disclose
to consumers the fact that they promise cost concessions in exchange
for referrals.
Two States Introduce Insurer-Owned Shop Bills
Even with Allstate's challenge to the
legality of the Texas insurer-owned shop bill still being decided in
the court system, two states have already introduced insurer-owned
shop bills of their own for 2005.
SCRS, ASA Seek
Clarification on OEM Parts Restrictions
In a real test of the effectiveness of the
Service Information Agreement, the two largest national collision
repair associations sought to drive home the seriousness of this issue
to the OEMs.
 Shop
Tour: Sterling Autobody
CollisionWeek takes a video
tour of a Sterling shop to see what they do, how they do
it, and the technology they use. We go inside one of
Sterling's newest greenfield facilities guided by
Sterling's Managing Director, Bill Daly.
Eight Shops Sue Country
Mutual Insurance for Steering
The shops involved each bring specific
instances of steering to the case, as well as a lawyer who is no
stranger to suing insurance companies.
ADP Drop in Refinish
Times to be Reversed with Nov Update
While not explaining why the times were
lowered to begin with, ADP has made it clear that the changes will be
reversed in November.
Update:
ADP
Support has provided an online list of vehicles affected
by the Oct CD
Australia's Largest
Insurer Offers Discount for Waiving Choice of Repair Shop
Starting next month, if customers want to
choose who repairs their car, they will have to pay extra for that
privilege.
FTC
Gives Thumbs Down to Right to Repair Act
The unambiguously negative comments made
by the FTC may turn out to be a giant nail in the coffin for the Motor
Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act.
Congressman Towns
Confirms Support of Right to Repair
Despite his written statement indicating
that he no longer believed legislation was necessary, Towns is
confirming he will again co-sponsor the Right to Repair Act.
Right to Repair Loses
Support of Leading Dem Cosponsor
In written statements the Congressman
appears to have backed away from the bill after three years of staunch
support.
Where are
the Time-Savings?
In comparing the steps required to paint a
repaired panel vs. a new one, the author searches for the
reason some insurers feel that partial paint times are
adequate for repaired panels.
Politics and Legislation
from a Repair Industry Point of View
Survey shows that repairers believe in the
effectiveness of legislation, but on the political side, may need more
information about their elected representatives.
Busting Bottlenecks to
Increase Shop Production
Shop production can be increased
substantially without increasing the size of the shop by using a
methodical approach to identify and eliminate the bottlenecks that
reduce its efficiency.
New Era Dawns for CA BAR
Following Governor's Signature on Sunset Review Bill
Following a wave of industry criticism,
BAR practices will undergo evaluation to ensure fairness and
consistency. Law looks into creating a definition of the term fraud,
as well as the development of formal repair standards.
State Farm Says Shops
Should Set Their Own Bar for Performance Measurements
The nation's largest auto insurer has no
plans to begin setting performance benchmarks for its DRP shops, as
other insurers have - but it may do more to help its 20,000 DRP
members understand how their performance stacks up.
Australian Feds Threaten
Regulation if Insurers Don't Stop 'Bullying' Repairers
Officials are calling for an inquiry in
order to establish a nationwide insurer-repairer code of conduct to
protect family owned collision repair businesses.
Shop Ordered to Reimburse
Nationwide $150,000 in Steering Lawsuit Defeat
According to the judge, both parties in
the case wanted to teach each other a lesson. In the end, the Judge
offered the entire collision repair industry some sage advice.
Anti-Steering Bills Around
the Country Having Mixed Success
No single state
seems to have the definitive answer to the difficult issue
of steering but with continued legislative efforts some
states are at least moving in the right direction.
Standards for
Remanufactured Wheels- Balancing Safety and Economy
The standards used by some suppliers of
remanufactured alloy wheels have come under scrutiny by the repair
industry. Ford recently jumped into the fray and released its
recommendations, and Keystone explains its remanufacturing process.
Australian
Repairers Defeated in Unfair Trade Practices Suit Against NRMA
Insurance
The landmark case filed by repairers
alleging a pattern of underhanded steering practices by Australia's
largest insurer ended with stunned silence in the courtroom.
Vehicle
Technology, Repairability and Insurer Parts Procurement Detailed at
IBIS 2004
The International Bodyshop Industry
Symposium drew more than 200 attendees from around the world to
Montreux, Switzerland to learn about global trends facing the
collision repair industry.
Industry Gets
an Inside Look at Vehicle Crash Testing
 Collision
Industry Conference (CIC) participants were given a tour of the IIHS
research facility in Virginia which included a live a crash test.
CA
Emissions Proposals Could Have Far Reaching Effects
While aluminum's usage in auto construction has been
limited to high-end, low production vehicles, air
pollution proposals in California could drive increased
aluminum usage. At the same time, new scientific
discoveries in aluminum production could now push its use
into mass production models.
Greater than the Estimate:
Greater Responsibility, Greater Success
by John Kotsopoulos
Some points to consider- and questions to ask, when
considering an estimating system for your shop.
Employees File Class Action
Suit Against Sterling for Failing to Pay Overtime
The case takes aim at Sterling's pay plan which
characterizes technicians as commissioned employees-
exempt from overtime.
Panelists Say
Washington Repairers Support Ban
on Insurer-Owned Shops
A panel discussion about insurer-owned
shops held at the Northwest Automotive Industry Tradeshow centered on
the need for legislation in Washington.
ASA Realigns Staff, Bill
Haas Adds Collision Division Responsibilities of Mike
Noirot
Bill Haas, currently vice president of service repair
markets, will take over the responsibilities of the lead
staff role for ASA's Collision Division, replacing Michael
Noirot who is leaving the association.
Insurer-Owned Shop Legislation
The subject
of insurer-owned collision repair facilities has been debated at the state level
in legislatures
across the country.
Insurer-Owned Shop
Legislation Dead in Florida
Missouri Introduces
Insurer-Owned Shop Bill and Anti-Steering Bill
Maryland
Introduces Insurer-Owned Shop Bill
This bill includes a unique consumer disclosure requirement.
Arizona
Introduces Insurer-Owned Shop Bill
Michigan
Senate Passes Anti-Steering Bill
After nearly a year and a half, both the
House and Senate have now approved an anti-steering bill, but only
after heavily amending it.
Paint Company
Lawsuit Settlement Receives Preliminary Court Approval
On Monday the court granted the preliminary approval and a date was
set for a final hearing in September.
BASF and
DuPont Reach Settlement Agreement in Anti-Trust Civil Suit
The two manufacturers have agreed to pay a total of $48 million
dollars, in addition to other concessions, to end the litigation
surrounding allegations of price fixing.
Collision
Industry Conference Report - Spring 2004
Part 1 The first day of the two-day meeting held in Nashville, TN
presented a debate over refinish labor calculations, also
a lively panel discussion looking at estimating issues between
repairers and insurers, OEM repair procedures, and more.
Part 2 The second day of the
meeting
brought a legislative update, several more committee presentations,
and an interview with Missouri's Lt. Governor who had himself nearly
become a victim of steering.
National
Industry Issues Forum Brings Repairer Concerns to Forefront
The repairers presented concerns ranging from insurers' misuse of
estimating databases to the need for safety information from OEMs, and
concerns over "insurer intrusion into shop management."
Labor Rates, Legislation at Northeast Leadership Meeting
In several Northeast states, repairer associations are taking their
battle over depressed labor rates out of the legislature and into the
court room, and more often than not, they say they are winning.
Effective DRP
Programs:
What Insurers are Looking For
by Vincent Romans
A well presented overview of the items insurers look for
when choosing preferred providers to fill their DRP
programs.
CIC Planning
Meeting Examines Industry Issues for 2004
The meeting seeks to identify the issues that will be the focus of CIC
committees for the upcoming year.
BAR Blasted
by Industry in Sunset Review Hearing
The BAR's first sunset review draws both praise and criticism of the
regulator's performance. Industry members would like to see changes in
how the BAR operates.
Caliber Lawsuit Drawing Praise and Criticism from Opposing Sides
The suit is surrounded by a cloud of politics, unresolved industry
issues, and regulatory gray areas.
$50 Million Lawsuit Filed Against Caliber Collision by California
Attorney General
Caliber's president suggests the company has become the target of a
vindictive state agency seeking to justify their existence.
California Autobody Association Will Pursue Auto Body
Reform in 2004
The CAA will pursue a broad-based reform agenda covering issues
including licensing, insurer relationships, labor rates, repair
standards and naturally, insurance-owned repair facilities.
Michigan Senate Introduces Insurer Owned Shop Bill
This bill stands a very good chance of passing in the Senate committee
it has been assigned to.
BAR Report to Legislators Highly Critical of Non-OEM Parts
Certification Programs
After a two year study, the California Bureau of Automotive Repair did
not have many compliments for the non-OEM parts certification programs
in their report to the state's legislators.
Allstate Names New Head of
Sterling
Allstate has named George Ruebenson the new CEO of Sterling. Ruebenson
is Senior Vice-President of Claims for Allstate's Property Casualty
business.
CA
Anti-Steering Bill Headed for Governor's Desk
The Senate has
approved the Assembly's amendments sending the bill to the
Governor for his signature.
Sterling Autobody CEO Resigns
Two senior officers
have left Allstate-owned Sterling Autobody, most notably its CEO and
founder.
L.A. Times
Acknowledges Shortcomings of BAR Study
The paper acknowledges that the BAR investigation was not conducted in
a way that allows the results to be projected upon the industry as a
whole.
Allstate,
Sterling File Suit To Declare Texas Insurer-Owned Shop Law
Unconstitutional
The insurer claims the new Texas law, that took effect on September 1,
violates the constitution and is a detriment to Sterling Autobody as
well as Texas consumers.
California BAR Issues Auto Body Fraud Report
After its two year pilot program, the Bureau of Automotive Repair has
issued its findings to the state's legislature, reporting problems
with not only repairers, but the insurance industry as well.
California
Assembly Passes Anti-Steering Bill
After four more revisions, the bill has passed the Assembly with no
votes against it. Will it be effective in fighting illegal steering in
California?
California BAR
Serves Complaints on Five
Caliber Collision Centers
The battle between
Caliber Collision Centers and the California Bureau of
Automotive Repair continues with the BAR seeking to revoke
the licenses of five more Caliber facilities.
Bill Banning New
Insurer-Owned Repair Facilities
Signed by Texas Governor
The law takes
effect this fall, and rather than setting up a divestiture
period, this bill offers a slightly different solution to
the insurer-owned shop concern.
|
Texas Senator
Appears at NACE to Rally Support Against Insurer-Owned
Shops
Spraybake
Rescued from Receivership