SCRS Members Identify Disturbing Trends Regarding Insurer Abuse
The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) has been monitoring for some time the actions of a number of insurance companies and how their processes and procedures have affected collision repairers and, ultimately, their customers. During this review, SCRS determined that it was in its membership’s best interest to offer its position on questionable business
MABA Legislation Recommended by Financial Services Committee
The Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on Financial Services recently gave a favorable recommendation to several bills that the Massachusetts Auto Body Association (MABA) had filed for the current legislative session. In addition, the Committee favorably recommended a key labor rate bill drafted by the AASP-MA/RI chapter, with assistance from the Central Mass Auto Rebuilders Association
Total Losses Trending Downward, Says Mitchell Report
The first quarter 2008 edition of Mitchell International’s Industry Trends Report (ITR) might raise a few collision repairers’ eyebrows in that it offers evidence of total loss insurance claim estimates trending downward. Many in the collision repair industry cite total losses as the main reason why there are too few repairs to be had these
Consumer Group Supports Design Patent Repair Clause
Keeping prices fair and the automotive collision parts marketplace free by adding a “repair clause” to U.S. design patent law is critical to preserving consumer choice, according to testimony from the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) and fellow advocates for consumer rights before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. The
MABA Legislation Recommended by Financial Services Committee
The Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on Financial Services recently gave a favorable recommendation to several bills that the Massachusetts Auto Body Association (MABA) had filed for the current legislative session. In addition, the Committee favorably recommended a key labor rate bill drafted by the AASP-MA/RI chapter, with assistance from the Central Mass Auto Rebuilders Association
Shops Squeezed by Rising Costs and Low Pay, Eversman Says in Podcast
Body shops aren’t being paid enough by insurers to cover their soaring costs, industry expert Erica L. Eversman, J.D., says in a hard-hitting new podcast sponsored by Scene Genesis. State regulators are becoming more concerned that low payments under direct-repair programs practically force some shops to make unsafe repairs, said Eversman, general counsel of the
Connecticut Senate Committee Recommends Passing Anti-Steering Legislation
The Connecticut Senate’s Joint Committee on Transportation recommended last month passage of a bill that would strengthen Connecticut’s existing steering law. Senate Bill 288 states, “No insurance company doing business in this state, or agent or adjuster for such company shall recommend, request or require any insured to use a specific person for the provision
GMAC Launches Free Post-Repair Inspection Service
Body shops across the country are on a mission to educate consumers about the collision repair process, including the steps to take to ensure they receive a quality repair. Perhaps it’s no surprise, then, that GMAC Insurance has launched SmartInspect, a post-repair inspection service designed to promote consumer confidence by ensuring the quality and value
Kansas House Debates Anti-Steering Legislation
The Kansas House of Representatives is considering an anti-steering bill that would require insurers to notify claimants that they have the right to choose a repairer of their choice. Bob Smith, president of Storm Appraisal & Management Service, has lobbied for the bill. House Bill 2653 bill states that once a vehicle owner has chosen
Progressive Receives Patent for Concierge Claims Service
Progressive received a U.S. patent in January for its concierge level of claims service. Progressive says its service, in which it takes responsibility for the entire vehicle claims/repair process following a crash, helps to save drivers time and effort. Conceived in 2000 and rolled out beginning in 2003, Progressive’s concierge level of claims service is