SCRS Supports Disclosure by Insurers that Damage Assessment is Not Estimate - BodyShop Business

SCRS Supports Disclosure by Insurers that Damage Assessment is Not Estimate

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) says it supports any
effort that would require first- or third-party claimants to receive
written disclosure that any damage assessment provided by the insurer
is not a written estimate of repair costs, as California’s A.B. 1179
would require.

“We believe this is in the best interest of the consumer because
currently, the insurer damage assessments are based only on a ‘visual
inspection’ of the damage, and in many cases, a visual inspection alone
cannot identify the full extent of actual damage and cost of the
repair,” an SCRS release stated. “We contend that only the auto body
professional performing the repair is in a position to thoroughly
inspect, diagnose and identify the methodology and true cost of the
vehicle damage repair.”

A.B. 1179 would require insurers to
disclose in writing to claimants that any damage assessment made by the
insurer is not a written estimate of repair costs and that only
facilities licensed by the state Board of Autobody Repair can write an
estimate.

The California Autobody Association (CAA) and Collision Repair
Association of California (CRA) both support the bill, which is
opposed by several insurance groups.

“Studies show that nearly half of claimants will take the insurer’s
damage assessment as reflective of what it costs to repair a damaged
vehicle,” said CRA Executive Director Allen Wood. “Unfortunately, one
study revealed that the costs on the final invoices were an average 100
percent higher than the guesses by insurers. Too many claimants took
the insurer’s check that was based on an insurer’s visual inspection,
not one where experts removed parts of the vehicle to identify the full
extent of damage.”

A second hearing for A.B. 1179 is slated for next week. Click HERE for more information about the bill.

You May Also Like

Body Bangin’: The Disengagement Epidemic with Kevin Wolfe

Micki Woods interviews Leaders Way Owner Kevin Wolfe on why 73% of work professionals are disengaged today and what we can do about it.

Micki Woods, master marketer for collision repair shops and owner of Micki Woods Marketing, has released the latest episode of "Body Bangin'," the video podcast that is taking the industry by storm!

In this episode, Woods interviews Kevin Wolfe, owner of Leaders Way and former mechanical shop owner, on how he became the shop everyone wanted to work at. Wolfe also points out that 73% of work professionals today are disengaged — an all-time high — and discusses why that is and how we can fix that.

Body Bangin’: I Thought We Were Doing It Right with Josh Piccione

Micki Woods interviews Josh Piccione on repairing vehicles correctly — according to manufacturer guidelines.

Body Bangin’: Be a Star Not a Hamster with Robert Snook

Micki Woods interviews popular keynote speaker Robert Snook on how to differentiate and grow your business.

Body Bangin’: Know Me, Know My Car with Mike Anderson

Micki Woods interviews Mike Anderson on the importance of building an emotional connection with your customers.

Body Bangin’: Fighting for Consumer Safety with Burl Richards

Micki Woods interviews Burl Richards on his personal mission to fight for consumers’ rights and safety.

Other Posts

Body Bangin’: The Employer-Student Disconnect

Micki Woods interviews Raven Hartkopf, lead collision instructor at Collin College in Texas, on what students want from a shop employer.

Body Bangin’: Why Follow OEM Repair Procedures?

Micki Woods interviews Logan Payne of Payne & Sons Paint & Body Shop on the importance of following OEM repair procedures.

Body Bangin’: Getting Paid for Calibrations

Micki Woods interviews Andy Hipwell and James Rodis of OEM Calibration on how to get started doing ADAS calibrations.

Body Bangin’: What Are The Consolidators Up To With Laura Gay

Micki Woods interviews Laura Gay of Consolidation Coach on the current state of auto body shop consolidation.