DOIs: The Fox Guarding the Henhouse?
For the most part, collision repairers believe state departments of insurance turn a deaf ear to their concerns. Here’s an in-depth look at the role they play in regulating the insurance industry.
A Lean Transformation
The New Year brought us another opportunity to transform an existing body shop from the traditional way to a better, process-centered way. So we ripped off the Band-Aid and got started.
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
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
Florida Insurance Department Seeks Allstate Suspension
Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty announced on Feb. 19 that the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has filed an administrative complaint on a non-emergency basis seeking to suspend the certificates of authority of the Allstate Companies to write new insurance policies in Florida. The complaint is based in part on Allstate’s failure to provide witnesses
“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?”
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.
Troubled Times
Insurer profits are at record highs, and body shop profits are at record lows. Steering is rampant and labor rates are being suppressed. And repairers are supposed to get along with insurers?
The Unofficial Collision Repair Dictionary: Part II
Class is back in session, students, as we take another look at terms used every day at our shops to figure out their true meanings.