Reader’s Choice – Used Parts: Structurally Proper Repair?
“Is putting on a used part (e.g. quarter panel) considered a structurally proper repair when only the outer skin needs to be replaced?”
— Gary Atherton, general manager, Devoe Collision Center, Naples, Fla.
Reader’s Choice – Corrosion Protection
“When repairing a vehicle, what is the best corrosion protection method to use?”
— Craig Chaffee, owner, Chaffee’s Autobody, Franklin, Mass.
Industry Unity Finale: What Have We Learned?
As our Industry Unity series comes to a close, we look back at our examination of major industry issues and key in on what we’ve learned.
Talking to Body Shops that Have Made Waterborne Conversion
A check in with body shops on their progress in transitioning to waterborne paint reveals no major problems…as long as paint manufacturers’ guidelines are strictly adhered to.
Practice Makes Perfect in PDR
A steady flow of paintless dent repair work is crucial to keeping a PDR specialist’s skills sharp, and can serve as justification for a select few shops having a specialist in-house. For most shops, however, outsourcing is the way to go.
South Carolina Shop Accuses Allstate of Steering
When State Farm announced its switch to Select Service in 2006, Gus Mallios had a business decision to make. The new Select Service agreement asked that shops match rates and discounts equal to the lowest rates and/or highest discounts they were giving to other customers. Mallios, owner of the multi-location Summit Collision Centers in Columbia,
Liability Coverage
Lancer Insurance Company specializes in providing liability and collision coverages to entrepreneurial body and repair shop owners who rent vehicles to their customers. Rather than referring clients to third-party auto rental firms, Lancer policyholders keep the rental revenues in-house. Call (800) 782-8902, ext. 3027.
When Repair Is Not the Best Option
The insurance company says to repair the vehicle, but you want to serve the customer and make a profit to satisfy everyone. The answer is to visit www.damagedcars.com. We purchase damaged vehicles exactly as they are and offer generous incentives for vehicles referred by your body shop. Call (877) 877-7911 or e-mail [email protected].
GEICO No. 1 for Customer Loyalty on Brand Keys Index
For the second consecutive year, GEICO earned top honors among car insurance companies for its ability to create loyal customers in the 2008 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index. GEICO led auto insurers, ranking ahead of State Farm, Allstate, Nationwide and Progressive. The annual study examines consumer relationships with 382 brands in 57 categories to
CAWA Lobbies California Legislators on Business and Industry Issues
Members of the California Automotive Wholesalers’ Association (CAWA) met in Sacramento to actively lobby the California Legislature to ensure no laws are passed that harm a robust and competitive independent automotive aftermarket industry and to highlight important legislative and regulatory proposals impacting aftermarket businesses. CAWA members met at the state capitol on March 26 with