Fewer claims lead to reduction in insurance rates
Written by Autobody News staffDue to a reduction in severity of claims, the Automobile Club of Southern California (Auto Club) has said it is reducing its rates. Insurer USAA made a similar announcement that applies to all 50 states.
Concerns about shop certification raised at CIC
Written by John YoswickAutomaker efforts to limit repairs of some of their vehicles to shops that participate in the OEM's shop certification program drew some fire from attendees at the Collision Industry Conference (CIC).
Committee issues recommendations to improve BAR credibility
Written by Karyn HendricksThe Joint Sunset Review Committee and the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) has issued recommendations to the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). These recommendations are similar to those submitted to the Sunset Review Committee by the DCA Director Charlene Zettel in early June, with one notable exception and two additional recommendations (see June ABN).
In May Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano signed into law House Bill 2468. HB 2468 includes anti-steering provisions that protect consumer choice and place limitations on the claims adjuster making repair decisions, thereby protecting the competitive market. The bill has mandatory reporting requirements with stiff penalties for violations of the bill.
Garamendi announces downward trend in WC rates
Written by Autobody News staffInsurance Commissioner John Garamendi has announced that received workers' compensation rate filings illustrate a downward trend, but still fall short of his pure premium rate advisory of -20.9 percent issued on May 28, 2004.
NACE 2004 expands educational conference
Written by Autobody News staffWhen the The International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) 2004 Educational Conference opens on November 3 in Las Vegas, it will have two new tracks - Sales & Marketing and Estimating, as well as an increased number of focused sessions for dealers, jobbers and claims professionals. New 45-minute "crash course" sessions in several of these tracks should prove popular with many attendees who don't want to commit several hours to a topic.
TX AG gets refunds for customers who overpaid insurers
Written by Autobody News staffThe auto body shop in Fort Worth, Texas took in the repair just like any other day. The customer signed the repair order for a damaged 1997 GMC pickup truck, got in the rental car, then drove that rental car off to rob the Frost Bank! Not quite the usual scenario.
SF - shops should set the bar for performace measurements
Written by John YoswickThe nation's largest auto insurer has no plans to join the other insurers setting performance benchmarks for shops participating in its direct repair program - but it may do more to help those 20,000 shops understand how their performance stacks up.
