The Auto Body Association of Connecticut (ABAC) has informed body shop owners in its state of potential violations by Allstate appraisers.

First, ABAC claims Allstate is currently instructing its damage appraisers to disallow labor on any supplement involving "Labor Only Procedures."

ABAC also claims that Allstate is mandating visual inspections on all vehicles before any appraiser can authorize repairs to start. In addition, Allstate is no longer permitting appraisers to accept body shop photos. These appraisers have reportedly been instructed to disregard all documented procedures performed by a shop that didn't wait for a supplement inspection.

ABAC feels these mandates cause unnecessary delays and violate the following section of Connecticut law:

Appraiser Regulations § 38a790-8 states in relevant part that every appraiser must: (2) approach the appraisal of damaged property without prejudice against, or favoritism toward, any party involved in order to make fair and impartial appraisals; [and] (3) disregard any efforts on the part of others to influence his judgment in the interest of the parties involved.

"It is a direct violation of Connecticut law for any appraiser to follow the directives or mandates of an insurer such as Allstate," said William Romaniello, III, owner of All-Pro Collision Repair in Southington, Conn. "Sanctions for violating the law can include suspension, fines, being sued personally and loss of appraiser license.

"Remember, body shops repair vehicles for customers – not insurance companies. The body shop's obligation is to provide a safe repair in a timely fashion. If Allstate is refusing to pay rightful charges, you have the right to charge your customer the difference, or hold the vehicle until paid in full."

ABAC says Connecticut law allows repair facilities to charge for storage and/or bay tie-up caused by "any delay beyond our control." All charges must be conspicuously posted on the wall of a shop per DMV law.

ABAC is encouraging shops experiencing unnecessary delays or monies owed to have their customers contact the appraiser so that the appraiser can explain why these practices are occurring, noting that all appraisers are rated by their customer service. Customers should contact Allstate CEO Thomas Wilson at (847) 402-5000.

ABAC is also recommending that customers file written complaints with the Department of Insurance.

ABAC asks that repairers monitor and record instances in which they observe a Connecticut-licensed Allstate appraiser following the above stated mandates. They should notify ABAC by completing an Incident Report and faxing it to (860) 283-4154.  

ABAC Incident Report

ABAC