Are Insurers Infringing Upon Consumers’ Rights in the Repair Process?
Some insurers have begun asserting that they have an “interest” in the repair. Others are “electing to repair” policyholders’ vehicles without their consent. A look at two court cases might shed some light on whether they’re in the right.
An Analysis of Progressive Insurance vs. North State Custom
What North State Custom’s successful defense against a lawsuit brought by Progressive means for the collision repair industry.
The Fickle Pickle
I would like to start off this month with a quirky and unsettling statement: “Customers are fickle.” There. I said it. To some, that may seem obvious. Others probably haven’t thought much about it. For those of you who know what I’m getting at, you’re on your way to overcoming the problem. For the rest
Repairing Vinyl Wraps
Vinyl wraps are becoming more and more popular as consumers are choosing to customize their vehicles before purchasing…which means you’ll be seeing more of these cars in your shops. Here’s more on the trend and what you need to know about handling repairs.
Diary of a Bad Collision Repair
Bad collision repairs are allowed to take place, pure and simple. Greed and not caring allow them to take place. And I’ve seen my fair share.
Wawanesa Insurance Found Liable for Bad Faith
A San Diego County Superior Court jury found on April 22 that Wawanesa General Insurance Company breached its contract by attempting to repair a severely damaged vehicle that should have been totaled. The plaintiff, Marcus Benning, was awarded $24,000 in property damage. Before the accident, Benning’s vehicle was worth $37,000. Approximately $30,000 was spent on
Legal to Waive a Customer’s Insurance Deductible for Auto Body Repair?
Insurers will say that collision repairers waiving a consumer’s deductible equals insurance fraud. But unless your state law requires a shop to collect an insured’s deductible, you have no obligation to do so. After all, the contract for repair is with the consumer, not the insurer, so arrangements you make with the consumer are per your contract only.
AkzoNobel Honors Most Influential Women in Collision Repair Industry
Six industry leaders were honored at the 11th annual Most Influential Women in the Collision Repair Industry awards program held at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta on April 14. Janet Chaney, Stevensville, Mt.; Erica Eversman, Bath, Ohio; Kimberly Hicks, Highland Park, Mich.; Beth Ann Meckel, Glen Burnie, Md.; Linda Sommerhauser, Kansas City, Mo.;
‘Collision Collusion’ Book by Danny Wyatt Now Available
Danny Wyatt’s controversial new book, "Collision Collusion: Auto Insurers – Modern Day Gangsters in Collision Claim Payments," is now available for purchase via his website, www.collisioncollusions.com. “My hope is that consumers will gain a better understanding of collision claim practices that auto insurers and auto body shops don’t want them to know about,” said Wyatt,
Appraiser Targets Insurers, DRP Shops in Book on Consumer Fraud
In his 25-plus years of experience in the collision repair industry, including seven as a licensed motor vehicle damage appraiser, Dan Wyatt has seen it all. Most of what he has seen has led him to the conclusion that insurance companies, adjusters and DRP body shops have colluded together in a massive scheme to defraud