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The article discusses how collision repair shops can avoid and resolve conflicts with automobile insurers in the U.S. It mentions the significance of discussing with a decision-maker at the insurer to explain why certain processes are necessary and why the shop should be paid for the service. It states that the move develops credibility for the shop owner and gains trust for future discussions and negotiations. It notes the importance of knowledge to explain necessary procedures and service charges.

The article focuses on the issue related to the lawsuit filed by a policyholder against the automobile insurance company due to claims of illegally setting lower payouts by using aftermarket parts and materials in the U.S. The case creates issues on the comparison between original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and aftermarket suppliers with regard to the quality and costs. It also prompted the court to emphasize elimination of using aftermarket parts in automobile repair.

Focuses on the issue of automobile collision repairers' lack of access to the automated estimate auditing systems used by the insurance industry in the United States. Impact that repairer knowledge of the audit would have on the repair process; Claimsflo Passport estimate audit application offered by ADP; Pathways Appraisal Quality Solution of CCC. INSETS: A System of Their Own;Others on the Playing Field.

Reports on the courts' ruling on the `Tammy Snider and Michael Avery vs. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co.' class-action lawsuit. Breach of contract with policyholders; Violation of Illinois consumer fraud law; Compensatory damages; Punitive and compensatory damages. INSETS: Courtroom highlights.;Class components..

The article reports that collision repairers are asked to contact their elected federal officials in the U.S. to encourage the passage of House Resolution 5840 which would establish an Office of Insurance Information within the Treasury Department. It aims to eliminate competitive disadvantages among insurance companies and to modernize domestic insurance regulation. It would also consolidated state regulators to appeal to foreign firms and create global competition among insurance carriers.

The article reports that the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) has criticized the automobile insurance industry in the U.S. for following questionable business practices. Some of the practices include derogatory statements made by employees of insurance companies to consumers, misleading service offerings in the name of consumer service and the manipulation of databases related to automobile repair.

The article reports on the examination by the Office of the Attorney General of Illinois regarding the legitimacy of the existence of an agreement between an insurer and a repairer in the automotive industry. The issue being examined by the office involves the relationship between the insurer and the repairer which affects the consumers by violating consumer protection statutes.

The article illustrates the problem about repair information availability of the different types of metals used in modern vehicles faced by the automobile collision insurance industry in the U.S. Repair technicians have expressed complaints that they cannot find information on the different kinds of metals used in the modern vehicles. Meanwhile, automobile manufacturers have said that the information is available and they regularly prompt shops to follow a repair method they have developed.

Presents the last article in the three-part series about the solutions in the battle against shoddy automobile collision repair work in the U.S. Consideration of policy shortcut repairs as a matter of contention between insurers, shops, and the post repair inspection industry; Importance of consumer education to let them know the value of repairing their vehicles correctly; Difficulty of getting insurers to foot the bill for educational programs.

Reports on the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina on automotive repair centers in the Gulf Coast. Hope of shop owners that their insurance companies will begin assessing the damage and get started on the rebuilding process; Benefit of repair centers from the disaster; Expectation that the clean-up and repair efforts will take years to overcome.

Reports on the planned phase-out of automotive body repair facilities owned by insurance companies in Texas proposed by legislative bills in the state. Provisions of the bills; Conflict of interest issues raised by the bills.

Focuses on Massachusetts Insurance Commissioner Linda Ruthardt's endorsement of the concept of a two-tiered automobile insurance policy. Need for state repairers to install generic crash parts on some vehicles; Higher premiums for original equipment manufacturer replacement parts. INSETS: Preliminary Parts Report;The Economics of Replacement Parts.

Discusses the impact of automobile insurers' direct repair programs on the United States automobile repair sector. Pros and cons; Supporters and critics of direct repair programs; Views of auto repair shop owners on the advantages and disadvantages of direct repair programs.

Focuses on strategies recommended for automobile repair services for more accurate detailing of collision damage for automobile insurance companies. Need to ask for physical damage quotations; Technique to overcome insurance personnel's resistance to quotation supplements; Importance of monitoring insurance receivables and payments.

The article reports on the concerns about the insurance policy provision that requires insureds to have their collision repairs done exclusively through the direct repair program in Hartford, Ohio. Vehicle Information Services chief counsel Erica Eversman claims that collision industry should be stepping-up with an ongoing series of intensified lobbying efforts. She suggests repairers to better explain the longstanding coverage disputes and payment reimbursement problems to their customers.

The article reports on the auto insurance rate case involving Allstate Insurance Co. which attracted widespread industry attention in California. The case revolves around the cost Allstate can charge motorists for automobile insurance policies. It involves the implementation of the provisions of Proposition 103, an insurance reform measure which prevents insurance companies from charging excessive rates for their policies.

The article reports that Massachusetts Division of Insurance is planning to implement a managed competition within the state's regulated automobile insurance market. Insurance commissioner Nonnie S. Burnes explains that managed competition would allow insurance companies to set rates within a new regulatory framework and will create positive impact on consumers. Moreover, Burnes will hold a hearing to discuss managed competition on September 20, 2007.

The article offers news briefs related to collision repair industry. Insurance Auto Auctions Inc., provider of automotive and specialty salvage services, has announced the purchase of the Permian Basin Salvage Pool in Odessa, Texas. The conference organizers of the International Bodyshop Industry Symposium to be held on May 30 to June 1, 2007 at Hotel Martinez in Cannes, France said that it has sold out its 320 delegate spots by the end of February.

The article reports that the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has turned aside a challenge from the state's largest automobile insurer that clears the path for high-risk insurance changes. This decision has overturned a lower court's ruling in favor of Commerce Insurance Co., and permit Commissioner Julianne Bowler to establish an assigned risk pool for assigning high-risk drivers to insurance companies. The ruling would also replace the controversial Commonwealth Auto Reinsurers program.

The article reports on the effects of the automobile insurance industry settlement on the practice of insurance companies using consumer credit information to set insurance rates in the U.S. Both Allstate Insurance Co. and Progressive Insurance have settled class action lawsuits involving the use of credit histories. The lawsuits came when insurance premiums have risen steeply in line with the higher cost of vehicle repairs. With this, consumers prefer not to have insurance.

The article offers information on the U.S. Senate Bill 3707 or the Passenger Vehicle Loss Disclosure Act requiring insurance companies to make total loss data available to the public. The bill states that the Secretary of Transportation shall require all insurers to disclose publicly in an electronically manner, the information for every passenger motor vehicle that has been declared a total loss by an insurer. It also states that insurers must disclose the reasons for total-loss determination.

The article reports on the complaint of collision repair shops against the insurance firm State Farm's new repair program in the U.S. Repair shops argue that State Farm was using the program to guide customers or to limit work to shops. With this regard, the insurance company set up several meetings which were designed to provide repairers with a chance to understand each of the provisions in the new agreement.

Reports that Illinois Supreme Court justices have declared that using aftermarket parts did not breach the insurer's contract with its policyholders in Avery v. State Farm Insurance Cos. Expectation for insurance company vehicle damage estimates to call for more widespread use of aftermarket parts for collision repairs following the court decision; Claim of the court that the plaintiffs' class action status had been improperly certified; Concern within the collision repair industry that the increased use of non-original equipment manufacturers parts will lengthen the repair process and create other business-oriented issues.

Focuses on the decision of State Farm to remove some U.S. shops from its "Service First" direct repair program. State Farm's aim to streamline the estimating and repair process for its customers; Company's all-electronic method of transmitting estimates, approvals and payments; State Farm's auditing of the process by randomly examining the quality of a shop's repairs and by reviewing the overall competitiveness of each shop's estimates.

Reports on the complaints filed by Thomas Colo, owner of Advanced Auto Body, to the Massachusetts Auto Damage Appraisers Licensing Board (ADALB) stating that consumers have been defrauded by low-ball tactics in Athol, Massachusetts. Claim by Colo that ADALB has not followed up on any of his complaints; Effects when a consumer receives a low-ball estimate; Comment from a spokesman for the Massachusetts Division of Insurance that only policyholders and not appraisers nor shop owners may file complaints.

The article reports that finance companies are also interested in cases related to repairing claims of wrecked vehicles, which was thought to be the concern solely of insurance companies. These underwriters want to know what they will have to charge in premiums, so they need to know where repair expenses are going. The Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters society presented a seminar on the topic "What does it cost to fix a collision-damaged car and why?," last October at its annual meeting in Los Angeles, California. While the aim of the session was to educate underwriters on what's happening in collision repair, the studies presented at the seminar can show shop owners and managers the trends they face.

Points out that rekeying estimates that automotive body repair shops could be receiving electronically from insurers is costing the industry an estimated $17 million or more each year, according to a Collision Industry Conference (CIC) committee. Survey of shop owners by CIC's Information Technology Committee; Finding that on average, shops have to rekey data from printed insurer estimates into their own estimating systems for about 28 percent of their jobs. INSET: CIC NEWS AND DISCUSSION.

Reports on Missouri lieutenant governor Joe Maxwell's experiences while dealing with an automobile insurance company. Damages to the car of Maxwell after an accident with another driver; Insurance company's decision to send a check to pay for Maxwell's car; Right of Maxwell to choice a repair shop.

Reports that the CBS Evening News has helped fan the flames of controversy regarding insurer-owned shops by broadcasting a story suggesting a link between substandard and fraudulent repair work and insurer shops. 'Eye on America' segment which profiled California motorist Jim Assay whose vehicle was damaged in a rear-end collision on California's I-16; Highlights of the report; Debate about insurer ownership of shops; Reactions to the report.

Reports on the proposed bill that would protect Michigan automobile repair shops against insurers who comply their policyholders to their preferred collision repair facilities or from being forced to use non-original equipment manufacturer (OEM) crash parts in vehicle repairs. Keystone Automotive Industries' signature campaign to oppose the proposed bill; requirement for full and prompt payment by an insurance company for work completed.

Focuses on the CBS News report 'Can You Trust Your Auto Insurer?' in California. Story of a customer who received a double whammy; Accusation faced by the Roseville Collision Center; Recommendation given by her insurance company on the repair shop.

Reports on the state of Minnesota's filing of unfair trade and claim settlement charges against State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. and State Farm Fire & Casualty Co. in connection with the insurers' handling of automobile insurance claims. Results of a market conduct examination by the state Department of Commerce; State Farm's response to the charges.

Reports that the problems between appraisers, insurance companies and automobile repair companies in Connecticut is heating up. Automobile body association's allegation of widespread unfair, illegal insurance practices; Reactions from insurers.

Reports on the National Association of Independent Insurers' (NAII) move to challenge the decision of the 23rd Judicial District Court of Louisiana on Billy Campbell et al. vs. Markel American Insurance Co., a diminished value (DV) class action lawsuit that favored the plaintiffs. Contents of the brief filed by the organization; Details of a separate DV case in which the NAII also filed a friend of court brief.

Reports that Nationwide Insurance Co. and Farmers Insurance Group Inc. are set to return to the practice of specifying non-original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts in automobile repair estimates. Conditions under which Farmers Insurance Group's will authorize the use of non-OEM collision repair parts; Plan by Nationwide to also resume writing for non-OEM bumper covers and lighting components in Iowa.

Reports on the concerns voiced by some independent auto repairers in the United States about State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co.'s Select Service program, an enhanced version of its Service First program. Repairers' fear of losing business because consolidators can participate in the program; Differences between the programs.

Highlights the 2000 Collision Industry Conference in the United States. Comparison of non-original equipment manufacturer (OEM) sheet metal parts and OEM sheet metal parts; Philosophy of automobile insurers; California shops' participation in Immediate Repair Program.

Reports that automotive shop owners, insurers and state representatives in Rhode Island, working collectively as the Rhode Island Auto Body Commission, ended their negotiations that may have the potential of changing the way collision repair transactions are handled in the state. Issues relating to labor rates; Debate on direct repair programs.

Reports on the Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commission's prohibition of insurance companies from using non-original equipment manufacturer (OEM) car parts as of June 2000. Provisions of the state's OEM car parts law.

Reports on developments related to the automobile parts industry in the United States as of April 2000. Decline in aftermarket parts distributor Keystone Automotive Industries Inc.'s sales following a Madison County, Illinois-based court's ruling against automobile insurance companies' use of non-original equipment manufacturer parts.

Focuses on the changes in automobile insurance policies made by insurance companies in the United States following the court judgment in the trial of State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. Emphasis on specifying the use of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) car parts; Financial loss sustained by Farm Mutual for not specifying OEM parts.

Reports on a class action lawsuit filed in Illinois against automobile insurance companies in the state. Allegations that the insurers specified the use of substandard non-original equipment manufacturer (OEM) car parts; Coverup of the non-OEM parts by funding the Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) to endorse the products.

Focuses on a lawsuit filed against State Farm Automobile Insurance Co. for permanent injuries sustained by Jean Robert Bien Aime and his family due to a faulty automobile insurance coverage. Use of non-original equipment manufacturer (OEM) car parts which caused an accident involving the Bien Aime family; Details of the claims made in the lawsuit.

Reports on developments in the automobile industry of the United States as of December 1999. Includes California House and Senate's approval of a bill that allows a third party to sue an insurer for unfair payment of their claim; Personnel changes in Valspar; Dan-Am Co.'s opening of its headquarters in Spring Valley, Minnesota.

Focuses on accusations against insurance companies in the United States that they are paying less than the market value for automobile insurance. Challenges on the validity of the computer program insurers use to determine a vehicle's pre-accident value; Cases illustrating the validity of the accusations according to insurance analysts. INSETS: Insurers under fire;System under fire.

The article offers the author's insights on the importance of customer satisfaction in automobile insurance industry. He states that customer satisfaction index (CSI) can rise or fall before the service of the business. He discusses the 2010 study by CSI firm which shows that the first interaction with the customer is more vital than car repair process. Furthermore, he offers several tips on how to keep customers and how to manage proper customer services.

The article presents the author's insights on the use and definition of the term partnerships, particularly in the automobile insurance company. The author says that partnerships is an agreement between two parties to advance their mutual interests. He cites the incident in which his friend, a shop owner, had a lady customer who was betrayed by her insurance company. He adds that a great partnership is not based on both parties' commitment to their concerns but to the needs of vehicle owners.

The article discusses how to improve and sustain a business in the automotive industry in the U.S. It states that most small business owners run their business to create jobs, which is why they are not properly managing and improving their business. It mentions the importance of overseeing daily business operations, proper planning, implementation, and execution. Moreover, poor fundamental business processes can be successful but they lead to inconsistencies and failures under pressure.

The article discusses the trends on state and federal regulations related to the collision repair business which will be introduced as legislation in the U.S. It mentions the difference between legislation and regulation relative to implementation in the collision repair industry. It notes the significance of legislation in establishing a government agency and administration by using enabling legislation which will establish the agency's mission and lays out the scope of power.

The article presents a satirical cartoon related to the association between collision repair shops and automobile insurers in the U.S.