Class Action Re-Action: Snider vs. State Farm Verdict
The Snider vs. State Farm verdict got the attention of repairers, insurers, consumers … and many, many lawyers — who didn’t waste any time filing copycat lawsuits. But with the spotlight now on insurance companies, should shops also be concerned?
Diminished Coverage for Diminished Value
Recently, the Insurance Services Office concluded that diminished value (DV) isn’t covered in the language of Personal Auto Policies. This may soon lead to head-to-head battles between insurers and consumers, since both sides interpret DV differently. But what effect will the exclusion –– and the head butting –– have on the collision industry?
Auto Repair at Autobahn Speeds
Germans are known for their engineering prowess, which is reflected in the vehicles they produce — Mercedes, Porsche, BMW, Volkswagen — and the speed limits they post. And though Germans’ love for their automobiles has lessened and insurers love of meddling has grown, collision repairers are still finding business profitable.
Guilty! State Farm to Pay $1.19 Billion
When the jury for the aftermarket parts trial against State Farm awarded the plaintiffs $456 million and the judge ruled the insurance giant committed fraud and awarded the plaintiffs an additional $730 million, some people cheered, some people jeered and others shed tears. But how will all this ultimately affect consumers — and repairers?
Salvaging the Salvage-Parts Market
Collision repairers agree: Used parts are a viable alternative to new OE crash parts. They also agree that the lack of compensation they’re given for making used parts usable isn’t doable. Their solution? Insurers need to scrap their current way of thinking and recognize what repairers have to do to save them money.
In September’s article, "Repairing the Crash-Parts Market" (pg. 44), we took a closer look at the manufacturing of aftermarket crash parts, the problems repairers have with their use and the solutions raised by industry leaders. This month, we’ll examine the salvage-parts market in much the same way.
Acquiring an Estimating System
Whether you’re going to purchase the preferred system of an insurer or the system you prefer, your new estimating system won’t do you a darn bit of good unless you know what you’re getting — and how to use it.
In Court with State Farm
The trial against State Farm for its usage of aftermarket crash parts is underway. Since you can’t be there in the courtroom, we’re doing the next best thing: bringing the courtroom to you.
Court is Now in Session: State Farm Aftermarket trial in Illinois
r what verdict the jury turns in, their decision is bound to somehow — whether negatively or positively — affect the collision repair industry.
I’m Just A Bill: Why Not Get Involved?
On Capitol Hill, a lot of bills await their fate. And many of them — if enacted into law — will affect the profitability of your business. Why, then, aren’t more collision repairers actively involved in legislative activity?
The “Big 3” Interview
Reps from Ford, GM and DaimlerChrysler speak candidly about their plans, their problems and their predictions for the collision repair industry.