Proposed regulations seek to improve the accuracy and transparency of collision repair labor rate surveys, clarify anti-steering requirements for insurers. In early March, the California Department of Insurance published proposed regulations to change the requirements for labor rate surveys conduct across collision repair facilities as well as amendments to anti-steering regulations. The California Autobody Association […]
Wesco Acquires St. Anthony Group
The Wesco Group Inc. announced the acquisition of St. Anthony’s Supply’s warehouse and six jobber stores, located throughout the state of Idaho and Utah. According to Roger Howe of the Wesco Group, “This will strengthen our commitment to these two markets and bring substantial synergies allowing Wesco to better serve our customers in both markets. […]
Driven Brands Acquires 65-Location Oil Change Chain
Driven Brands, a portfolio company of Roark Capital and parent of CARSTAR, announced that its affiliate has acquired Louisiana-based Take 5 Oil Change from Trivest Partners, L.P. Founded in 1984, Take 5 Oil Change operates 65 quick oil change facilities across nine states throughout the Southeast. Trivest acquired Take 5 from the company’s founder in […]
GEICO Sponsors Safety Training for Collision Repair Schools
S/P2 announced that GEICO has sponsored three modules in the S/P2 Collision program for career technical schools and students across North America. “GEICO sets the bar. They truly walk-the-walk when it comes to safety and pollution prevention,” said S/P2 President, Kyle Holt. “We’re proud to work with GEICO and all the companies that sponsor S/P2 […]
SCA Appraisal Appoints Two Field Operation Directors
SCA Appraisal Company announced that Rob Huebner and Mark Bewley have joined the Field Operations division, responsible for ensuring insurance customer expectations are met by the field network. Huebner will direct the Ohio Valley region and Bewley the Southwest region to bring total Field Operations team to eight under leadership of David Oyler, Vice President […]
Moody’s Sees Short Term Gain, Long Term Challenge for Auto Insurers from Self-Driving Cars
A new report from Moody’s Investors Service says that accident avoidance features in vehicles, such as automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure prevention will lead to lower accident frequency in the next five-to-ten years, a benefit for auto insurers. Longer term, however, self-driving cars could translate into significantly lower premiums and profits for […]
Guidewire Acquires EagleEye Analytics
Guidewire Software, Inc. (NYSE: GWRE), a provider of software products to Property/Casualty insurers, announced that it has agreed to acquire EagleEye Analytics, a provider of predictive analytics products specifically designed for Property/Casualty insurers. The transaction is expected to close shortly. With this acquisition, Guidewire will enable its customers to apply predictive analytics to make better […]
PA Senate Approves Amended Photo Appraisal Bill
Legislation amended to require physical inspections when disputes arise. The Pennsylvania approved an amended version of House Bill 1638 (HB1638) on March 23 by a vote of 47-1. HB1638 proposes to amend the 1972 Motor Vehicle Physical Damage Appraiser Act to eliminate the requirement for physical inspections and remove restriction upon the use of photographs […]
Auto Care Association and CARE Oppose Rhode Island Telematics Bill
While the Auto Care Association and the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE) are applauding the Rhode Island House Legislature for considering legislation (HB 7711) that would require vehicle manufacturers to provide car owners with the ability to control where information transmitted by vehicle telematics systems is sent, they believe a collaborative approach would be […]
I-CAR Class Added to ASA Training Event in Pennsylvania
The Automotive Service Association (ASA), with the support of ASA Pennsylvania, has put together a robust training program, taking place in Philadelphia at the DoubleTree Airport Hotel April 8 – 9. The event will bring a full day management session dedicated to shop owners and managers on Friday and service repair training to the technicians […]