Smart Politics: Money = Attention From Politicians
“Anybody can say, ‘I’d like this law to be changed or that law to be changed,’ ” says a Virginia shop owner. “But I don’t see any politicians knocking on my door. … They do it with big insurance companies, but not me.” Well, for lack of a better word: Duh! Of course politicians aren’t
North Carolina Body Shops Rate Insurers
North Carolina insurance companies that pay for OEM parts and avoid high-pressure tactics faired far better in the 2004 Body Shop Survey of Insurers than those using steering tactics and strong-armed adjusters.
It’s Show Time!
Place Your Bets on NACE 2004.
Apathy
A massive segment of repairers – wallowing in yesteryear’s thinking and uninterested in learning anything new – are driving themselves out of business. Do you fit this description?
A Bay at the Beach: Rick’s Auto Collision
This thriving oceanside shop prospers in a DRP-free state where shop owner and teacher Rick Starbard is making waves in his industry.
Fight Steering With Steering
It’s legal for insurers to tell consumers about preferred shop programs. Problem is, if you’re not one of the shops on these programs, you likely won’t get the work. Fight back by developing other sources of referrals that steer consumers to you. While insurers are permitted to make consumers aware of the "programs it has
Making Things Happen on the Hill
While his breakfast may be unconventional, Bob Redding’s typical day usually follows a standard pattern – and it’s a busy one. When Congress is in session, you’ll likely find Redding – the Automotive Service Assocation’s Washington, D.C. representative for the past 10 years – at a hearing on the latest industry issue, catching up on
Glass Work: Profitability
Because of the complications involved – hiring, organizing production, insurer involvement and discounts, etc. – most shops opt to outsource glass work. But is this willingness to give it away a detriment to profitability and to achieving a competitive edge?
The Federal Government in Your Shop
Most average-sized shops find it difficult to follow the barrage of constantly changing regulations issued by government agencies. But there is hope. Implementation of a Compliance Management Program helps management transform data into useful information, integrate business processes and achieve consistent compliance.
In Better Hands…Without Allstate
Our 18-year relationship with Allstate as a PRO shop ended after their demands became unrealistic. Could we survive, considering Allstate was 30 percent of our business? You bet.