Insurer Says Communication with DRP Shops Improved Through Performance Claims Tools
One year after launching the Performance Claims tools for managing its auto claims processes, California Casualty Management Company (CCMC) says it has gained new efficiencies and better communication with its EARN DRP shops, as well as eliminated guesswork about the requirements of being in its preferred network. CCMC believes that through its adoption of open
VeriFacts Offers Free OEM Wheel Repair Chart
As a service to the industry, VeriFacts Automotive is offering a free Wheel Repair Matrix that contains manufacturer recommendations for steel and aluminum wheel repair from 10 vehicle brands. The matrix covers procedures such as welding, straightening, sanding and re-machining. VeriFacts serves collision repair professionals with state-of-the-art information, coaching and other resources to help them
Lithia Body & Paint Converts to Waterborne
Lithia Body & Paint of Medford announced today that it has converted its shop from a solvent-based system to the Glasurit 90 Line waterborne refinish system by BASF – The Chemical Company. Two months prior, the shop was certified as being “Eco-Logical” by the Department of Environmental Quality’s Pollution Prevention Outreach team. Lithia‘s goal is
Ford Files Design Patent Infringement Complaint on Mustang
Ford Global Technologies recently filed a Section 337 complaint at the International Trade Commission (ITC) against manufacturers and U.S. distributors of automotive collision repair parts alleging infringement of design patents for certain exterior repair parts for the 2005 Ford Mustang. This follows a 2005 ITC complaint by Ford that alleged infringement of design patents for
Allstate, Florida Still Wrangling Over Documents
Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty is not backing down and continues to demand from Allstate all requested documents related to the company’s policies. The battle between the state and Allstate began several months ago when the insurer filed a rate request with the state for a rate increase for many of its property insurance customers
Allstate Bid to Halt California Auto Rate Cut Denied
According to a report from NU Online News Service, a California court yesterday turned down a request by Allstate to stay a regulator’s demand that the firm cut its auto insurance rates by 15.9 percent. Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner called the ruling “a $250 million victory for consumers in California and for Allstate customers.” "I
Minnesota Passes Estimating Systems Bill
The Minnesota House recently passed a bill that will require insurance companies to use the agreed upon estimating systems in their entirety when calculating collision damage. Senate File 3508 adds to a laundry list of prohibited insurer actions the following language: "unilaterally and arbitrarily disregard a repair operation or cost identified by an estimating system,
State Farm to Expand Electronic Parts Ordering Program
State Farm Claims Consultant George Avery announced last Friday that the insurance company has decided to expand its electronic parts ordering process that it had only previously been pilot testing. State Farm began the pilot test in certain markets in San Diego, Calif. and Indianapolis, Ind. in late 2007 but will now expand it over
Anti-Steering Tactics Offered at IGA Conference
"’Maybe consumers don’t care where they go – they just want their cars fixed.’ Does anyone remember who said this?’ asked Corey Hemperley of Windshield Doctor in Pocatello, Idaho, at the “Steering—What You Can Do” session at the recent Independent Glass Association (IGA) Annual Conference in Las Vegas. Hemperley was quoting Sen. Don Benton, who
IGA Speaker Smith Calls Steering ‘Deceptive Referral’
Automotive repair lobbyist Bob "Cowboy" Smith of Storm Appraisal and Management Services Inc. introduced attendees of the recent Independent Glass Association (IGA) Annual Conference to a new term: deceptive referrals. “Steering is a deceptive referral,” he said. “I don’t like to use [the word ‘steering’] because when you talk to legislators and you say the
Minnesota Passes Estimating Systems Bill
The Minnesota House recently passed a bill that will require insurance companies to use the agreed upon estimating systems in their entirety when calculating collision damage. Senate File 3508 adds to a laundry list of prohibited insurer actions the following language: "unilaterally and arbitrarily disregard a repair operation or cost identified by an estimating system,