SCRS Responds to USA Today Article on Insurer Involvement in Setting Rates
A letter from SCRS counters points raised in the initial article and provides information supporting the assertion that the property and casualty insurance industry’s direct influence over collision repair market pricing has impacted both consumers and the small businesses that make up the collision repair industry.
NTSB Calls for Nationwide Ban on Cell Phone Use While Driving
“More than 3,000 people lost their lives last year in distraction-related accidents,” said Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman. “It’s time for all of us to stand up for safety by turning off electronic devices when driving.”
NHTSA Adds New Measure of Fatalities Related to Distracted Driving, Measures Attitudes on In-Car Distractions
New data released by NHTSA using its refined methodology show an estimated 3,092 fatalities in distraction-affected crashes in 2010.
NHTSA Reports Lowest Level of Annual Traffic Fatalities in More than Six Decades
In 2010, highway deaths fell to their lowest level since 1949.
ASA Acquires Management of SDRM
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) announced that it will now manage the Secure Data Release Model (SDRM). The SDRM is a secure method to support immobilizer reset and key code distribution through traditional aftermarket support channels. It helps ensure that only registered security professionals can gain access to vehicle key codes. Previously managed by the
Iowa Insurance Division Responds to Repairers’ Request for Review of Labor Rates
Iowa Insurance Division (IID) concludes that there has been no violation of the law by insurers.
New Study Finds Weighty Hybrids Offer More Crash Protection Than Non-Hybrid Counterparts
Passengers in hybrid-powered cars are about 25 percent less likely to be injured in a crash than those in their conventional-powered counterparts, according to research released today. According to new research by the Highway Loss Data Institute, the additional weight of the hybrid engine adds an extra layer of safety over similar, non-hybrid cars. Cars
Mitchell Industry Trends Report Analyzes Japanese Tsunami’s Effect on Parts Prices
This edition features the article, “Did the Tsunami in Japan Devastate Asian Parts Prices?” written by Mitchell’s Vice President of Industry Relations Greg Horn. In the article, Horn leverages the Mitchell Collision Parts Price Index (MCPPI), a metric similar to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), to identify trends in parts prices vs. inflation and assess the impact of the tsunami on parts selection behavior.
SCRS Guide on EstimateScrubber.com Adds Two New Complimentary Offers for End-Users
The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and technology partner VehicleOwnersGuide.com announced two newly added benefits for repairers using the free online resource www.estimatescrubber.com, which is powered by the SCRS Guide to Complete Repair Planning. Repair Facilities using the service will now benefit from the inclusion of a free PMCLogic Paint and Materials Estimate Invoice
NADA Reports Drop in Dealership Body Shops
NADA Industry Analysis estimates that 33 percent, or roughly 6,100, of new-vehicle dealerships had body shops in 2010, down from 2009.