The results are in for the fifth annual Georgia Collision
Industry Association (GCIA) labor rate survey, and the largest percentage increased
reported over 2010 was in paint and materials and mechanical at 3.28 and 2.07 percent,
respectively.

The average hourly rates for the following categories
were recorded:

• Sheet metal: $42.39 (0.64% increase over 2010)

• Refinish: $42.32 (0.47%)

• Mechanical: $79.64 (2.07%)

• Frame: $64.80 (0.70%)

• Paint and materials: $28.99 (3.28%)

The overall year-to-year increase was 1.43 percent, combining rates for sheet metal, refinish, mechanical, frame, and
paint and materials.

Approximately 230 shops participated in the survey.

"No other industry association in the U.S. has
collected this amount of accurate data on collision materials and labor
rates," said GCIA Executive Director Howard Batchelor. "The results
clearly indicate the actual prevailing rate in the Atlanta marketplace."

The GCIA sent the results of this survey to more than 100
claims managers in the metro Atlanta area and asked them to thoroughly review
the results and begin reimbursing at the prevailing rate shown in the survey.
The results were also sent to the Georgia Insurance Commission and Office of
the Attorney General. 

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More information:

View the entire results of the GCIA labor rate survey