The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) announced that the Houston Auto Body Association (HABA) is the latest regional association to become an SCRS affiliate.
In keeping with its name, HABA draws from a membership base spread throughout the greater Houston area. Formed in September 2009, HABA has already established a foundation built upon a strong code of ethics emphasizing professionalism, integrity and consumer advocacy, SCRS says.
One of the driving forces behind the formation of HABA was a lack of consistent repair standards in the field, the association’s leadership says.
“Many of us felt we weren’t getting fair and appropriate compensation for our work,” said HABA President James Brown. “Procedures varied from insurer to insurer and from locality to locality. It caused confusion. Requirements for quality repairs were prone to misinterpretation by insurers. Bringing together a group of like-minded shop owners to discuss the issues and strategize together seemed like a good way to start improving the way business was being done.”
HABA has instituted minimum requirements for membership. Criteria include: proof of liability insurance, proof of technical certification for technicians, the use of a computerized estimating system, a lifetime warranty against defects and an approved spraybooth meeting current federal and local requirements.
“HABA deserves a lot of credit for what they have already accomplished in a short period of time,” said SCRS Chairman Barry Dorn. “They’re an energetic group that deserves a lot of credit for their desire to raise the bar of the industry and hold their members accountable to a higher standard, and we look forward to assisting them in moving forward and working together on issues that impact our collective membership.”
HABA says it pursued affiliation with SCRS because the two groups held similar interests.
“SCRS has advocated again and again for the rights of repairers,” Brown said. “They have the expertise and information to help others do the same with a broad, national perspective that will be invaluable to our local industry.”
More information:
• Houston Auto Body Association
• Society of Collision Repair Specialists
