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Western News
Local news stories affecting the auto body industry in California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Hawaii, Alaska and Wyoming
California Denied EPA Waiver
Two recent political decisions – new energy legislation signed by President George Bush and the EPA’s denial of California’s tailpipe emissions waiver request – sent environmentalists on a roller coaster ride that ran smack into a wall like a crash test dummy with no seatbelts.
Steering Is Still The Main Issue
The California Autobody Association (CAA) recently surveyed its members and steering was ranked as the number one issue facing shops. The CAA has always ranked it as one of the problems facing the industry. A few years ago we pushed for legislation and were able to get SB 551 passed, which became a model for other states to use in their fight for an effective steering law. But even with steering legislation in place, members have seen steering escalate.
California Auto Insurance Bills to Become Law
During the regular 2007 legislative session, a number of property/casualty insurance-related bills were considered and approved by lawmakers. Following are enacted 2007 bills (with brief summaries) that will become law January 1, 2008:
Small Businesses May Qualify for Business Interruption Coverage
Southern California small business owners – including many autobody repair shops and related autobody businesses – were reminded by California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner to carefully review their insurance policies for business interruption coverage as recovery efforts get underway.
Corona Couple Turns Hobby Into Profitable Business
Alchemy Auto Painting & Collision Repair Inc., owned by Scott and Shelley Beetler of Corona, California, has opened its first location – one of the most advanced collision repair and auto painting facilities in the Inland Empire.
Tucson Single Mom gets Recycled Ride
This time of year lots of folks go out of their way to do nice things for others. And, here in Tucson, a national program called Recycled Rides sure put a smile on the face of a single mother and her children.
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Martin Auto Color Acquires Nevada T&H Store
Glenn Martin is pleased to announce the acquisition of T&H Auto Paints, Inc. of Carson City Nevada as the newest member of the Martin Auto Color family of stores.
Allstate Defends $300M Margin and Threatens to Downgrade Service in California
The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (FTCR) announced that in a CA Department of Insurance hearing this month, consumer advocates argued that drivers with Allstate insurance policies deserve an 18.8% rate (averaging of $150 per car) under new rules that limit excessive profits by the industry.
CRA Spreads Message of Action at NACE
The Collision Repair Association of California (CRA) wrapped up its first appearance at NACE with accolades from shop owners and suppliers who praised the group for its effective, no-nonsense approach to advocating for a fair repair marketplace.
Caliber Collision Opens Ontario Location
Caliber Collision Centers, an Irvine, California-based operator of collision repair facilities in California and Texas, plans to open a new 18,000 square foot facility located in Ontario, California.