Last week, the National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) revealed that they will consider an altered rendition of the affectionately dubbed “Anti-Steering Bill” this summer. The bill, which outlines the “Dos and Don’ts” of repair shop recommendations for insurance companies everywhere, would prevent an insurance company from telling its customers where to have particular repairs…
DetailsAs non-OEM replacement parts continue to work their way into the automotive industry, CAPA is doing its part to create and publicize standards that will protect the aftermarket industry as a whole. By partnering with the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), CAPA is conducting a variety of tests on non-OEM bumpers and bumper covers.…
DetailsAs Ford reported its crash test results of non-OEM bumper covers, the industry became a whirlwind of reports, opinions, and accusations. This isn’t surprising to those understanding the current dynamic between aftermarket companies and automakers. But, Ford has immense clout, and therefore, has incredible reach. ConsumerReports.org and USAToday both shared the information readily,…
DetailsWith calls for better coordination between repair shops and insurers for estimation systems, it would seem that huge changes are on the horizon for the collision repair industry. Because estimates are a significant part of the process for insurance companies, it only makes sense that shops and insurers come together to clean up some…
DetailsIt should come as no surprise that Ford’s findings in its tests of non-OEM bumpers and covers were not favorable. While the company has earned immense respect in the industry during its long tenure, any positive findings would have been shocking. After all, aftermarket, non-OEM auto parts provide direct competition to Ford’s OEM sales efforts.…
DetailsIn the constant “push and pull” between repair shops and insurance companies, it seems that State Farm has elected to take a more “proactive” approach to the subject. By giving various collision shops a three-digit rating, the insurance agency can now provide customers, as well as its own representatives, with a better idea of the…
DetailsThere is little doubt that repair concerns draw serious attention from several perspectives. On one hand, consumers are always concerned with the quality of a repair, as a poorly facilitated project can lead to safety concerns or another repair bill somewhere in the near future. On the other hand, insurers take great care to ensure…
DetailsThe certification of aftermarket auto parts has continued to be a hot-button topic in the industry. As consumers and manufacturers alike look to find the best “middle ground” for distributing quality parts without burdening the supply chain with extensive bureaucracy, the tracing of ISO certification has helped to clear the air a bit. We have…
DetailsSafety is everything in the automotive world. Since the first vehicles began cresting the absurd speed of 50 mph, safety concerns escalated. We went from simply putting around town at the speed of a fast bicycle to blasting across multiple states on 70 mph freeways. Inevitably, crash tests were improved, safety features became imperative, and…
DetailsThe American Insurance Association (AIA) has now given an official endorsement for the Promoting Automotive Repair, Trade, and Sales Act. Known better as the “PARTS” Act, the legislation allows vehicle owners to find replacement parts from manufacturers other than the automakers themselves, improving the competitive landscape of the industry, and helping to keep costs reasonable…
DetailsThe Massachusetts State Senate voted to pass the “Right to Repair” Act this week, giving consumers a much-needed victory in the fight against auto parts monopolies. With another vote set for the state’s House of Representatives, the bill is now closer than ever to finding its way into law. The battle to get the bill…
DetailsThe battle between collision shops and insurance companies rages on, as Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee has vetoed a bill that would have put insurers in a sticky situation. H7782A, which has been touted as “one-sided legislation”, would have given collision shops the ability to fight against underpaying on behalf of insurance companies. Citing fear…
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