Don’t Be a Jackass
Writer John Shortell’s opinion on the industry’s left-wing, defeatist attitude and the insurance industry
If It’s Broke, Fix It: Allstate, Sterling, and Your Shop
“We finally parted ways,” says a Louisiana shop owner who – during the past few months – has voiced his concerns to me about Allstate acquiring Sterling and his own business’s shaky relationship as an Allstate PRO shop. “But we’re still repairing cars with Allstate drive-in estimates – and making more money because they’re at a higher labor rate. Go figure!”
Is Your Shop Sick? The Preventative Approach
If you want your shop to have a long (and profitable) life, it needs to periodically see a shop doc.
What Happened to Freedom of Choice?
Customers are being bullied and manipulated into taking their vehicles to insurers’ preferred shops. I know this because my customers are telling me.
Legislative Lowdown:
Florida – Senate Bill 2692, which prohibits insurers from owning or acquiring interests in motor vehicle repair shops, has been filed in the Florida Senate and referred to the committees on Banking and Insurance; Transportation; Judiciary. If S.B. 2692 passes, it’ll become effective July 1. S.B. 2692 provides civil penalty for specified violations; prohibits insurers
You Get What You Tolerate
“Shop owner Jeff Delana asks, “How do I get the insurer to pay for the complete repair of the vehicle without non-stop faxing and adjusters coming and going for ridiculous and obvious damage approvals?”
Parts, Policies and Patsies
Shop manager Bradley Wooten asks why American Family Insurance is getting by using strictly used or A/M parts.
Shop Manager, Show Me the Money
eff Rice, body shop manager, Pace Collision Center, Huntington, Indiana, says, “I always see what you’re supposed to pay techs, but what should managers make?
San Diego Lawyer Writes Auto Body Repair Law Dictionary
San Diego lawyer Bruce Cornblum has written the Auto Body Repair Law Dictionary to help collision repairers understand the relationship between the shop, the insurer and the customer.
Shattered Market: The Body Shop Glass Business
NAGS list price discounts are increasing, labor payments aredecreasing and deals made behind our backs are eroding profitability. Still, you might want to consider performing your own glass installations since, ultimately, you’re the one shouldering the liability.
