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.
Freeze Frame
Over the last 50 years or so, frame machines have evolved from basic garage-built machines to high-tech modern marvels.
Car-Part.com Says Service Keeps Improving
Car-Part.com, a management system and online service for auto parts recyclers, has announced several improvements to its services on the heels of the fifth anniversary of its acquisition of the Checkmate management system. Car-Part says it recently formed a Checkmate features group, built Checkmate add-on products that simplify recyclers’ workflow, enhanced interchange, grown Checkmate to
Insurance Groups to Continue Opposing Federal Regulation in ’09
The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) applauded three groups for their renewed commitment to oppose federal regulation of insurance and cited the meltdown of the U.S. financial sector as a reason to leave insurers under state regulation. The National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) has announced plans to hold a summit of state
Insurance Group Testifies Against Setting Labor Rates at Final Massachusetts Hearing
The special commission studying the logistics, benefits and cost of developing an auto body repair labor rate system in Massachusetts held its second and final public hearing Nov. 13. The American Insurance Association (AIA) testified at the hearing that setting labor rates would be “a major step backwards in the effort to reform the private
Shop Intern’s Skills to be Spotlighted in TV Documentary
An 18-year-old Pennsylvania shop intern is getting a double-dose of reality – valuable hands-on experience working in a restoration shop and a role as himself in an upcoming TV documentary on the National Geographic Channel. Steve Schwartz, a collision repair technology student at the Philadelphia-area Eastern Center for Arts and Technology, will be featured in
Hydrate Your Business
A recruiting and training plan now can stave off your thirst for employees later.
ASA Announces Renewing and New Associate Members
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) announced many associate members have renewed their memberships and several new companies have joined ASA as associate members. Associate members renewing their ASA membership during the third quarter of 2008 include: 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division, Access Fleet, Airtex Products, American Impact Media Corp., Atlas Copco Compressors Inc., Auto Profit Masters,
Wisconsin Shop Owner Wins $9.1 Million Lottery Jackpot with Friends
Most people say they would quit their jobs if they won the lottery, but Wisconsin Lottery winner and body shop owner Richard Duening is going to keep on fixing cars. Duening, who owns J Auto Body & Service in Sheboygan, Wis., and his two friends, Curtis Lienau and Barbara Knauf, won $9.1 million from the
Shops Claim Business Is Booming Despite Slow Economy
The economy is lagging, but some body shops are reporting booming business as vehicle owners choose to take care of their existing vehicles rather than shop for new ones. In Molalla, Ore., Price Auto Body owner Terry Price says that although the Ford dealership across the street from his shop has closed down, Price Auto Body