Body shops’ fight against insurer price control got national exposure in USA Today when the newspaper reported on the issue in its Dec. 6, 2011 edition.
The article exposed both sides of the issue: collision repairers saying insurers are controlling prices by steering customers to preferred shops, and insurers saying they’re simply figuring out who can do the best work for the lowest cost to save consumers money.
Tom O’Mara of O’Mara Auto Body in Martensdale, Iowa, was quoted in the article, as was one of his disgruntled customers who had to fight her insurance company for proper reimbursement.
The article also discussed past, current and future legislation aimed at getting a more equitable labor rate, citing examples in Iowa and Massachusetts.
More information:
Read the full story in USA Today
Iowa Insurance Division Responds to Repairers’ Request for Review of Labor Rates