As a follow-up to the CNN Anderson Cooper 360 collision industry investigation segment Feb. 11, Indianapolis Fox 59 News will be airing a local story on auto body repairs on Wednesday, March 11, on the 5:30 p.m. newscast.
Indiana Auto Body Association (IABA) Executive Director Tony Passwater and several IABA members spent two-and-a-half hours with a reporter on March 6, revealing some insurer practices that they feel may lead to unsafe repairs.
“We had three good examples showing the comparison between aftermarket parts that affect safety and probable airbag timing, a rear gate that needed to be replaced but State Farm refused and only paid to repair only, an examination of a reconditioned bumper compared to the OEM, the differences in spot welds and braced areas on an aftermarket Chevy Truck fender compared to OEM, an aftermarket wheel difference on a Dodge Truck, information on the Indiana parts bill, the regulations on why insurers should not be delaying claims because the consumer chooses their own facility, and additional steering issues and business intimidation and interference,” said Passwater. “We also have a customer speaking about her experience with SAFECO attempting to steer her to their facility.”
If the channel is unavailable in your area, IABA is making it accessible to view on Thursday, March 12 on its Facebook page.
