Connecticut Right to Choose Shop Bill Approved by Senate
A Connecticut bill that would require disclosure to consumers that they have the right to choose the repair facility to complete repairs to their motor vehicles was approved by the state’s Senate last week. House Bill 5152 will now go to Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell for final approval. If passed, the bill would require
Progressive Changes Policy on Partial Paint/Full Clear
In response to industry feedback and in an effort to improve relationships with repairers, Progressive has decided to re-evaluate its position on partial paint/full clear. This came out of a meeting between members of the Automotive Service Association’s (ASA) Collision Division Operations Committee and Chris Andreoli, corporate PD process manager of Progressive Insurance, May 1
Insurer Says Communication with DRP Shops Improved Through Performance Claims Tools
One year after launching the Performance Claims tools for managing its auto claims processes, California Casualty Management Company (CCMC) says it has gained new efficiencies and better communication with its EARN DRP shops, as well as eliminated guesswork about the requirements of being in its preferred network. CCMC believes that through its adoption of open
VeriFacts Talks High Strength Steel, Repair Procedures at Annual Coaches Conference
VeriFacts Automotive recently held its annual Coaches Conference in Detroit which had the theme of “Unify, Educate and Calibrate.” "Our coaches come in contact with nearly 5,000 technicians each and every month, so it’s critically important that we keep on the cutting edge of OEM repair procedures,” said Mark Olson, VeriFacts COO. While in Detroit,
Ford Files Design Patent Infringement Complaint on Mustang
Ford Global Technologies recently filed a Section 337 complaint at the International Trade Commission (ITC) against manufacturers and U.S. distributors of automotive collision repair parts alleging infringement of design patents for certain exterior repair parts for the 2005 Ford Mustang. This follows a 2005 ITC complaint by Ford that alleged infringement of design patents for
Allstate Bid to Halt California Auto Rate Cut Denied
According to a report from NU Online News Service, a California court yesterday turned down a request by Allstate to stay a regulator’s demand that the firm cut its auto insurance rates by 15.9 percent. Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner called the ruling “a $250 million victory for consumers in California and for Allstate customers.” "I
Allstate, Florida Still Wrangling Over Documents
Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty is not backing down and continues to demand from Allstate all requested documents related to the company’s policies. The battle between the state and Allstate began several months ago when the insurer filed a rate request with the state for a rate increase for many of its property insurance customers
Minnesota Passes Estimating Systems Bill
The Minnesota House recently passed a bill that will require insurance companies to use the agreed upon estimating systems in their entirety when calculating collision damage. Senate File 3508 adds to a laundry list of prohibited insurer actions the following language: "unilaterally and arbitrarily disregard a repair operation or cost identified by an estimating system,
Anti-Steering Tactics Offered at IGA Conference
"’Maybe consumers don’t care where they go – they just want their cars fixed.’ Does anyone remember who said this?’ asked Corey Hemperley of Windshield Doctor in Pocatello, Idaho, at the “Steering—What You Can Do” session at the recent Independent Glass Association (IGA) Annual Conference in Las Vegas. Hemperley was quoting Sen. Don Benton, who
State Farm to Expand Electronic Parts Ordering Program
State Farm Claims Consultant George Avery announced last Friday that the insurance company has decided to expand its electronic parts ordering process that it had only previously been pilot testing. State Farm began the pilot test in certain markets in San Diego, Calif. and Indianapolis, Ind. in late 2007 but will now expand it over