Confessions of a Hail Chaser
Hail chasers have evolved from an illegitimate group of ragtag hooligans to a new breed of professional PDR technicians. But there are some stories from the early years…
MARCH COVER STORY: Rally for Retail
Trying to change your posted door rate that insurers control might be as silly as wishing for wings to fly. Creating retail list prices, however, could establish a baseline for negotiation and show insurers just how much of a discount they’re getting.
New York Association Urges AG to Halt Insurer Suppression of Rates
Apparently opting to strike while the iron’s hot, Mike Orso, president of the New York State Auto Collision Technicians Association (NYSACTA), has written a letter to New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo urging him to act against insurers following the New York State Department of Insurance’s discovery that some insurers have violated state law when
‘Cash for Clunkers’ Could Be Resurrected This Spring
Although funding for the “Cash for Clunkers” program was removed from the Economic Stimulus bill passed by Congress last week, congressional supporters have vowed to include the provision in another piece of legislation, possibly an energy bill slated for debate this spring. The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) said it will continue to oppose the
‘Cash for Clunkers’ Could Be Resurrected this Spring
Although funding for the “Cash for Clunkers” program was removed from the Economic Stimulus bill passed by Congress last week, congressional supporters have vowed to include the provision in another piece of legislation, possibly an energy bill, slated for debate this spring. The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) said it will continue to oppose the
March Taylor Memorial Fund Grows with Fundraising Projects
The March Taylor Memorial Fund (MTMF) extended its thanks to the many companies and individuals who have donated to its collision industry scholarship fund. To date, more than $80,000 has been contributed to the MTMF, with many pledges and donations yet to be received, the foundation announced. Two recent fundraising events contributed in excess of
NABC Asks Industry to Support ‘Cash for Clunkers’
The “Cash for Clunkers” proposal – a plan for a national incentive program through the Department of Energy for voluntary retirement of vehicles that aren’t fuel-efficient – was removed from the Senate’s economic stimulus plan this week. Chuck Sulkala, executive director of the National Auto Body Council (NABC), believes that "Cash for Clunkers" is vital
Laser in on Measuring
Would you construct a new home on a foundation built on a fault line? What about a foundation made from recycled milk cartons or popsicle sticks? If you answered “no” to these questions (and hopefully you did), then ask yourself why a technician would repair a damaged vehicle without first knowing that the frame was structurally sound and in proper alignment?
Repairers Say Detroit Three’s Troubles Could Affect Parts Pricing, Availability
With record losses, restructuring in progress, government bailouts and hundreds of dealerships closing across the United States, the Detroit Three automakers – Ford, Chrysler and GM – are far from in the black these days, and it’s having a trickle-down effect on everyone connected to them, including collision repairers. Repairers Jeanne Silver and Neal Cummings
COVER STORY: The New DRP
Without significant changes to current direct-repair programs, all parties involved are stuck with a system that has become a fertile garden for corruption, abuse, extortion and inefficiency.
