Progressive Receives U.S. Patent for Its Concierge Claims Service Method
Leading auto insurer Progressive has a long history of innovations. And, on January 29, 2008, it received U.S. Patent No. 7,324,951 for one of its methods of processing vehicle damage claims, which it calls its concierge level of claims service. This service helps to save drivers time and effort; Progressive takes responsibility for the entire
NABC Elects Officers, Plans 2008
The National Auto Body Council (NABC) board met on Jan. 15 in Palm Springs, Calif., to discuss the organization’s strategic plan and portfolio of projects, and elect executive officers. The 2008 executive officers are President Russell Thrall III, CollisionWeek/I-CAR Education Foundation; Vice President George Avery, State Farm Insurance Company; Secretary Janet Chaney, Cave Creek Business
Anti-Steering Legislation Advances in Washington State
The Washington House of Representatives approved Substitute House Bill 3053, which attempts to end insurer steering in auto glass repair claims. The bill is now in the Senate’s Financial Institutions & Insurance Committee. The bill would require an insurer to determine if the vehicle owner had chosen a repairer, and it would prohibit an insurer
Honda Develops Black Box for Cars
Following the lead of the airline industry, Honda has designed a device that records impacts and the events immediately before and after, much like an airplane’s black box. After a collision, the small recorder saves data captured 12 seconds preceding and following the incident. A windshield camera with a 135-degree view captures the collision, as
Oregon Repairers Join ‘Responsible Pushback’ Effort
More repairers have joined industry efforts to execute a “responsible pushback” against insurance companies, namely the Oregon Collision Repair Specialists (OCRS). Executive Director Edward Dahm said the newly formed statewide shop association will be offering support to those Oregon shops interested in fighting back against questionable insurer business practices. “Our state has a long history
Alabama House Introduces Anti-Steering Legislation
The Alabama House Banking and Insurance Committee is considering a bill that will outlaw insurer steering. Last month, Mac Gipson (R-Prattville) introduced House Bill 63, which “would expressly prohibit an insurer from requiring as a condition of payment of a claim that repairs be performed by a specific repair shop and would provide penalties for
“What Am I to Do?”
It’s a familiar plea to me now. Whether it comes by fax, e-mail, telephone or the good ol’ United States Postal Service, the message is basically the same: “I’m a small, independent shop and I’m at my wit’s end. There are two or three shops in my area that get all the work, and I can’t get on a direct-repair program to save my life. What am I supposed to do?”
Gary Collins, Collins Collision Center
Location: Philadelphia, Pa. Established: 2000 Gross Revenue: $1 million Square Footage: 15,000 No. of Employees: 11 Services: Full-service collision repair, mechanical repair and towing What’s it like being married to Joe Frazier’s daughter? The buildup to meeting him was kind of difficult, but once I met him I realized he was the sweetest guy in
Are Aftermarket Parts Good or Bad for the Collision Repair Industry?
Point Counterpoint with Ronald Baker, Jr., and Tim O’Day
Power Steering
Insurers steering vehicles to their preferred shops has gotten out of control. But there are some action steps shops can take to counter its effect.
