According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) collision repair sheet metal, including fenders, door skins, bumper covers, and the like, are irrelevant to vehicle safety. According to the IIHS, the crash performance of parts from non-OE suppliers would have no impact compared to cosmetic parts from original-equipment manufacturers in terms of their safety. […]
Poll Finds 79 Percent Of Internet Users Want To Process Insurance Claims Online
ebix.com Inc. (Nasdaq:EBIX) yesterday announced that a recent poll show 79 percent of Americans using the Internet want to process insurance claims online. The poll was conducted on the ebix.com website, an insurance industry portal. The company believes this is a major shift in attitude among consumers. It is important to note, however, that the […]
Aftermarket Parts Lawsuits Hit Canada
AXA Canada and ING Canada named in class action. IBC to look at insurance company practices. Insurance companies in Canada are starting to feel the impact of the U.S. aftermarket parts class action trial that ended October 8th in Illinois with a $1.18 billion award against State Farm. Some recent Canadian events: A class action […]
Automotive Recyclers Believe Media and Insurers Fail to Report the Full Parts Story
The Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) believes that following the verdict against State Farm, many in the media and insurance industry have misled the public about a potential monopoly for new OEM replacement parts absent the availability of aftermarket parts. How so? We have all forgotten about the value of recycled OEM replacement parts as a […]
Snap-on Incorporated Makes Announcement
Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE:SNA) announced yesterday that chairman, president and chief executive officer, Robert A. Cornog, underwent surgery this week and it was successful. He is expected to return to his full-time duties after a suitable recovery period. Donald S. Huml, senior vice president-finance and chief financial officer, temporarily will take on the oversight of day-to-day […]
Ford Purchases Hamilton, Ontario-Area Auto Recycler
John Norris from the Hamilton District Autobody and Repair Association (HARA) in Hamilton, Ontario reports that Ford of Canada has announced their entry into the Canadian auto recycling market with the purchase of Plazek Auto Recyclers of Caistor Centre, just outside of Hamilton. According to Norris, Plazek’s is a well known and respected auto recycler […]
New Law Gives California OSHA More Punch
The California Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) is preparing to carry out AB 1127, which was signed into law by Governor Davis on Oct. 6, 1999. Authored by Assembly member Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento), the bill makes statutory changes in the Cal/OSHA, effective Jan. 1, 2000. “AB 1127 will greatly […]
USAA Purchases Land in Phoenix for Western Operations Center
USAA Chairman and CEO Robert T. Herres announced yesterday that Phoenix is the site for the company’s new western operations center. The company has purchased approximately 575 acres, consisting of 481.5-acres of state-owned land put up for public auction by the Arizona State Land Department and 92 adjacent acres purchased in a private transaction. These […]
Insurers Win Right to Recommend Repair Shops in Ontario Court Case
Toronto to spend $50,000 on appeal The Hamilton, Ontario-based Collision Industry Action Group (CIAG) reports that insurers have won the right to recommend repair facilities. Insurance companies have the right to recommend their repair shops to an insured. However the insurance company does not require that the insured use the recommended shop. With these words, […]
DuPont Top Gun Contest Entry Form Available for Download
The 1999 – 2000 DuPont “Top Gun” Awards Contest are open through March 31, 2000. This contest recognizes the best use of DuPont finishes on a motorized passenger vehicle. The “Top Gun” is awarded to only 12 entrants. Grand Prize winning vehicles will be featured in the 2001 issue of the DuPont “Top Gun” calendar. […]