Comparing Computerized Measuring Systems
Pilots flying in dense fog have to rely on their instruments to make safe landings. Can you do the equivalent of an instrument landing when repairing a vehicle? Only if you can determine the dimensional accuracy of a structural frame…by using a computerized measuring system
R. L. O’Connor & Associates Pledges Continued Support to AMI
The R. L. O’Connor & Associates, Inc. pledged an additional $25,000 to the Automotive Management Institute’s (AMI’s) resource development effort EXCEL. The commitment to AMI will be used to develop additional self-study programs and Webinars to make management education for the automotive service industry more accessible and affordable. Located in Federal Way, Wash., R. L.
GRC-Pirk Links Certification Service to BASF E-commerce
Government Regulatory Compliance (GRC-Pirk) announced that BASF’s www.bodyshopmall.com has added a portal to assist shops in qualifying for Certified Green Investment (CGI) registration. Mike Foldvary, BASF manager for Bodyshopmall marketing, said that as a result of adding the CGI opportunity, www.bodyshopmall.com customers will be able to identify themselves as providing “green” products and services.
GM Offering ‘Fast-Cash’ Fascia and Bumper Bar Rebate Program
General Motors Service and Parts Operations (GM SPO) is offering $20 Visa Gift Cards to collision shops who convert their aftermarket fascia and bumper bar estimate to a Genuine GM Parts Fascia or Bumper Bar. The program runs through Dec. 31, 2009. To request a rebate, visit www.gmpartsfastcash.com to review program instructions and complete
Hot Rods Make Cool Furniture in Body Shop’s Office
The office at Brasher’s Auto & Truck Collision Inc. could be mistaken for a showroom at first glance. Eye-catching custom desks made from the front ends of cars in the new office of the Wood Village, Ore., body shop speak to its reputation for quality craftsmanship, something its former office facility housed in a trailer
Press Release: Collision Centers of America Selects Mitchell’s ABS Enterprise for Shop Management
Mitchell International, a leading provider of information, workflow and performance management solutions to the collision claims and repair industries, today announced that Collision Centers of America (CCA) has signed a five-year contract to deploy Mitchell’s ABS Enterprise management system across all 16 of its repair centers throughout Chicago. CCA selected ABS Enterprise upon completion of
Going Head to Head
Collision repair consolidators seem focused on customer service as opposed to offering insurance companies even lower repair costs. They’re also concentrated on honing their operations to a razor sharp state of efficiency (which, incidentally, will lower repair costs).
Insurers Don’t Set Prices – Unless We Let Them
It’s time that we, as repairers, start holding insurers, information providers – and each other – accountable for the state of our industry.
Invoking The “Appraisal” Clause
Scenario: A first-party insured with collision coverage brings his damaged car to you for repairs. Your estimate comes to $3,501. The insurer has “appraised” (a.k.a “estimated”) the cost of repair at $2,255. Reinspections and supplementals have been exhausted, and there’s still a sizeable gap between the actual cost of repair and what the insurer is
The Evolution of DRPs
“To every thing – there is a season – and a time – for every purpose – under heaven.” Those lyrics have been repeating in my head since I began outlining this article examining direct-repair agreements. Why? Because to examine DRP agreements without examining their history and evolution would – in my opinion – be