Senator Blumenthal has repeatedly called on the U.S. DOJ to enforce the 1963 insurance industry antitrust consent decree to protect consumers and competition. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut joined members of the Auto Body Association of Connecticut yesterday to warn the public of the potential consequences of the proposed termination of a 1963 consent […]
New Hampshire Governor Vetoes OEM Collision Repair Procedure Bill
Governor Sununu expressed concern over impact on insurance prices, ability of smaller repair facilities to compete in message outlining reasons for veto. On August 15, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu vetoed legislation that would have required insurance companies to pay claims based upon OEM collision repair procedures citing the legislation’s potential to increase the cost […]
Interview: Ken Park, Volvo Cars USA
Park details the Volvo Certified Collision Facility program requirements, Volvo Accident Advisor and other enhancements to the program designed to benefit vehicle owners needing collision repair. Over the last few months, Volvo Cars USA, has announced several initiatives to support vehicle owners and its collision repair certification program including structural parts restrictions, an Accident Advisor […]
1963 Insurance Anti-Trust Consent Decree Nominated for Termination
For decades collision repair facility operators who oppose insurance company direct repair programs and labor rate setting have sought to have an over 55 year old consent decree applied to today’s industry. The 1963 consent decree reached between the U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) and three insurance industry trade associations has been nominated to be officially […]
Federal Appeals Court Rules Against ABPA in Ford Collision Repair Part Design Patent Suit
Upholds lower court finding that Ford’s design patents for the F-150 are valid and enforceable. The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on July 23 published its public opinion rejecting arguments by the Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA) that design patents covering a hood and headlamp for the Ford F-150 are invalid. […]
Vermont Supreme Court Awards Over $40,000 to Collision Repair Shop in Short Pay Case
Justices reverse Superior Court ruling in favor of Nationwide Insurance in assignment of benefits lawsuit involving over 70 claims. The Vermont Supreme Court on June 28 reversed a lower court ruling that had overturned a jury award of over $40,000 to a Vermont collision repair facility that had sued Nationwide Insurance for underpayments on claims. […]
California Passes Bill Clarifying Insured Ability to Select Collision Repair Shops, Allows Insurers to Require Safety System Repairs as Condition of Payment
California passes legislation amending regulations governing the payment of automobile collision repairs. Measure now goes to Governor. The California Assembly has passed legislation to amend Section 560 of the Insurance Code that details insurance company responsibilities for the payment of claims for collision coverage. The amended version of Assembly Bill 1538 (AB 1538) was passed […]
Rhode Island Passes Legislation Clarifying Need for Physical Inspections on Collision Repair Claims Exceeding $2500
Rhode Island amends its unfair claims practice regulations. Jina Petrarca from Auto Body Association of Rhode Island details legislation in interview. The Rhode Island legislature passed House and Senate companion bills that amend and expand the definitions of unfair claims practices committed by insurers with regard to physical inspection, performance of appraisals, retail valuation and […]
NSF Discontinues Collision Repair Parts and Business Certification Programs
NSF International announced it will discontinue its automotive certification programs in September. NSF International yesterday announced it will discontinue its Automotive Parts Certification program and affiliated automotive certification and registration programs, effective September 30, 2019. Certified parts manufactured on or before that date will be considered “NSF certified” for the lifetime of the part. A […]
New Hampshire Legislature Passes OEM Collision Repair Procedures Bill
Legislation includes both collision repair and auto glass. Does not require use of OEM parts included in recommendations. The New Hampshire House of Representatives on Thursday concurred with Senate amendments to a bill prohibiting insurance companies from knowingly fail to pay a claims based upon OEM collision repair procedures. The bill keeps New Hampshire’s existing […]