Lobby to Win
Here’s some advice from a seasoned lobbyist on how to get your legislators’ attention and increase your chance of getting hard-hitting laws passed.
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.
Shame on the No-Shows
As publishers of this industry’s leading trade magazine, we’re often used as a sounding board for various opinions, thoughts and editorials on a variety of subjects by industry participants at every level. We’re always respectful to keep these commentaries in confidence when that is the intent of the sender, and we’re careful never to compromise
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
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
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
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
“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?”