Bill seeks to address prevailing rates, would require labor rate surveys to establish rates to be conducted by a third party, prohibit insurers from requiring least expensive parts and further restrict referrals. Legislation filed in Texas on February 4 seeks to address a panoply of common friction points between collision repair facilities and insurance companies […]
Interview: John Eck, General Motors
Eck discusses details of General Motors Collision Repair Network and how it is designed to improve the quality and safety of collision repairs. In August, General Motors officially announced that enrollment was open for its long anticipated collision repair network. While the vehicle manufacturer has had vehicle specific certification programs in the past, including for […]
Interview: Robert McKenzie, Refinish Distributors Alliance
In our video interview, McKenzie, executive director of the Refinish Distributors Alliance, details the challenges distributors face in a changing industry and how his organization works to help its members succeed. As the collision repair industry changes in response to both increasing vehicle technology, consolidation, and changing consumer preferences, the paint, body and equipment (PBE) […]
Hearing Scheduled for New Hampshire OEM Collision Repair Procedure Compensation Bill
Legislation would require insurer to pay for OEM procedures when followed by a repairer. New Hampshire House Bill 664 (HB 664), that was introduced on January 3, has been scheduled for a hearing next week. The legislation, that would add a new section to Chapter 407-D of New Hampshire’s insurance regulations on aftermarket parts, would […]
New York Bill Seeks to Establish Auto Glass Replacement Standards
Would require any business engaged in auto glass replacement to meet performance standards to assure safety. New legislation introduced in New York State seeks to establish minimum standards for auto glass replacement. New York Assembly Bill 1201, introduced last week by Assemblyman Clifford Crouch (R-Bainbridge), would establish extensive standards for auto glass replacement services in […]
Ray Fisher Outlines Road Ahead for Automotive Service Association
New executive director details association goals, customer focus and affiliate relationships. Ray Fisher, who was named the president and executive director of the Automotive Service Association (ASA) in December, held a press conference January 10 where he detailed his background and goals for the association. Fisher, who comes to the national organization from its state […]
Judge Approves $250 Million Settlement Agreement in State Farm Class Action
Approves September settlement in class action lawsuit against auto insurer. U.S. District Judge David Herndon gave final approval of the $250 million settlement between plaintiffs and State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company that was announced in September. The settlement in Hale et. al. v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company et. al. brings to a […]
ASA and Auto Alliance Partner to Promote OEM Collision Repair Procedure Legislation
Associations believe new laws necessary to protect consumers and assure collision repair facilities are fairly compensated. Seeks to keep effort separate from aftermarket parts legislation. In a press briefing yesterday, the Automotive Service Association and Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers outlined their plans to promote laws that would require OEM procedures be used in collision repairs […]
Interview with Gary Ledoux on YesterWreck
Collision industry veteran talks about his new book on the history of the collision repair industry in the U.S. Gary Ledoux, who retired last year after a long career with American Honda, announced the launch of his new book, YesterWreck: The History of the Collision Repair Industry in America earlier this year. The book’s 13 […]
Interview: Ramon Suarez, Audatex, Solera Company
In our video interview, Suarez, regional managing director for Audatex, explains how the recently announced AudaTarget predictive analytics system benefits, insurers, collision repair facilities and ultimately consumers. As the pace of change in vehicle technology accelerates, insurers and repairers have responded by updating their operations in response. Part of that response, requires facing the fact […]