That Awful “F” Word Again?!

Insurance is at the forefront of Collision Repair Industry news this month.

Allstate has redesigned its direct repair program and is currently notifying its participating collision repair facilities of its tightening structure. (See page 3 for details.) INSIGHT will be interested in hearing from Allstate DRP shops about their experiences with the new program.

Progressive announced its new brand of auto insurance for the company’s many independent agents in late September. (See page 4.) The innovative insurer’s new Drive brand will have its own website and logo.

Insurers and law enforcement agents have made headlines in Massachusetts and in California, cracking down on auto insurance fraud. (See page 16.)

The details in both cases are horrible. In Massachusetts, a grandmother died last year in what authorities said was a staged car crash. In California, body shop employees have allegedly been videotaped showing undercover agents how to deliberately damage vehicles to get phony claims paid by insurers.

Both stories give our Collision Repair Industry a big black eye. The reputation of all honest repair facilities is tarnished by the actions of dishonest shops.

As my grandfather used to say, though, “Maybe it’s the kick in the pants we needed to get out and do something about it.”

We have made great strides over the past few years on both the national and local levels to improve the image of the industry, spearheaded by the vision and energy of the National Auto Body Council (NABC).

Headlines about fraud should make activists of all industry participants. If you are not already an active member of local and national associations - sign up today. If you are a body shop owner make sure you make it very clear to your employees that fraud will never be tolerated at your facility.

Okay, I am nagging, but it is for your own good!