AASP-Illinois Responds to CNN Report

Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Illinois Responds to CNN Report

President-Elect Mike Mattson calls report "very true and ethical reporting," but takes exception to the notion that it's just State Farm or Progressive pushing these practices.

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Illinois’ (AASPI) President-Elect Mike Mattson stated that the Feb. 11, 2015 CNN story investigating a possible auto insurance scheme “was very true and ethical reporting, but it’s not just State Farm or Progressive but 99 percent of the insurance industry pushing these practices.”

Mattson, who has owned a body shop for 36 years, noted that he has “seen the insurance industry take more and more control over my business and the industry.”

Mattson stated, “It’s our choice to accept or not accept the lower standards and repair practices insurance companies require of us, but we have failed to educate our customers that they have a choice. The customer pays the premiums and has a choice to renew with their insurance coverage. And no insurance carrier wants to lose a customer – just look how much they spend in advertising to acquire that customer.”

AASPI states that consolidators seem to have “jumped on the bandwagon” of lowering the standards as well in order to compete with shops that continue to accept poor repair methods and practices. These shops, AASPI states, are cheating the customer and themselves as well.

“I keep hearing how the big players will put me out of business,” Mattson said. “I do not believe that to be true. I have always survived and profited on good, ethical business practices. Today is a good time to be in the collision repair business if you’re prepared, and being prepared means education in every aspect of every detail to complete a safe and profitable repair.”

You May Also Like

ASE Practice Tests Available Online

ASE is encouraging those pursuing certification to take the official practice tests as part of their test preparation process.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) reminds those preparing for ASE certification or recertification to consider taking the official practice tests as part of their test preparation process.

“Figuring out how to best study for an exam can be a challenge," said Matt Shepanek, vice president, credential testing programs for ASE. "Those preparing for ASE certification can get a good idea of what to expect by adding the official ASE practice tests to their study plans. ASE practice tests are delivered exclusively online and can help automotive professionals prepare by allowing them to try out questions of similar content and format to those used on the real ASE tests.”

Corby’s Collision Center: Since 1942

Bentley (Bud) and Evelyn Corby started Corby’s in a little gas station in Honeoye Falls, N.Y.

CIF Announces Enterprise as Repeat Annual Donor

Enterprise has donated for the fourth consecutive time at the Urgent Care (second highest) tier.

NABC Donates Recycled Ride to Central Georgia Mom

The NAB), GEICO and Five Star Collision Center-Wimbish recently donated a refurbished vehicle to a deserving mother of four.

NABC Donates Recycled Rides at NORTHEAST Show

The NABC, GEICO, Mountain View Auto and Collision Center of New Jersey donated two refurbished vehicles at the recent NORTHEAST Show.

Other Posts

Crash Champions Expands in Idaho

Crash Champions has announced the acquisition of Addison Collision Repair in Twin Falls, Idaho.

Auto Care Association Welcomes GAO Report on Vehicle Repair Restrictions

The Auto Care Association is renewing its call for Congress to advance federal Right to Repair legislation that protects independent business owners and consumers.

ProColor Collision Welcomes First Shop in Montana

ProColor Collision Gallatin Valley is operated by Robert Rinta and Simon Gratch, who both served honorably in the Montana National Guard.

Association News

The latest association news appearing on bodyshopbusiness.com.