The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) sent out a policy recommendation recently regarding AASP, ASA and SCRS on documented repair procedures, asking for states to endorse it.
You may view this policy statement and learn more information by clicking on the following link: https://scrs.com/state/
I-CAR will be hosting three meetings around Mississippi for body shops.
Tom McFinch Principal, Business Development of the SE Region, will provide more information about new, groundbreaking initiatives and the important role you play as an I-CAR volunteer, as well as answer your questions. The initiatives include 1) enhancements intended to provide a more comprehensive solution to collision repair training, 2) updated curriculum, recognition programs, and technology, and 3) shaping the future of the repair industry. Coffee and water will be provided.
The following are details about the meetings:
Hattiesburg
October 22, 2018 | 6 – 8 p.m.
Lowery A. Woodall Center, located at 906 Sullivan Dr. in Hattiesburg
Learn More
Picayune
October 23, 2018 | 4 – 7 p.m.
Pro Color Auto Paint & Supply, located at 601. Main Street in Picayune
Learn More
Jackson
October 24, 2018 | 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, located at 1152 Lakeland Drive in Jackson
Learn More
The MSCRA board of directors recently named Dr. Ricki Garrett as the new executive director of the Association. Dr. Garrett currently lives and works in Clinton, MS and also serves as the alderwoman-at-large for the city. She has taught high school English, served a 12-year term on the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, and served in leadership positions in multiple state professional associations. Dr. Garrett has many years of public service in local boards, agencies and community organizations. She earned a PhD in Urban Higher Education from Jackson State University, a Masters in English from the University of Mississippi, and a Bachelors in English from the Mississippi University for Women.
The Mississippi Collision Repair Association has now partnered with the CARS Cooperative to provide an additional benefit to all MSCRA members. All members now have a complementary membership to the CARS Cooperative, entitling them to the Savings4Members program featuring discounts at more than 58 different retailers, many of which are specific to collision repair shops.
CARS is a stock-issuing business cooperative that brings collision repair facilities together with vendors and suppliers to gain discounts, rebates, rewards and training on products and services used in their shops. CARS is a member-shareholder based National Organization serving the Collision Industry since 1992. Shareholders represent the best Automotive Collision Shops and related businesses throughout the United States, working together as a cooperative.
MSCRA is proud to be a partner with CARS and pleased to be able to provide this additional benefit for its members.
Recent changes to State Farm’s Select Service agreement have required that MSCRA shops make the difficult decision to remove themselves from the direct repair program that has been promoted as consisting of only the “best of the best” shops through an extensive selection process. We do not feel we can live up to that distinction if we are forced to compromise our commitment to our customers, which recent changes to this agreement would require us to do. MSCRA membership, along with hundreds of other repair shops across the country, believe that the changes to the program provide no benefit to repair shops or their customers and some terms of the agreement have the potential to compromise the level of service and integrity of repairs our customers deserve and have come to expect.
Only Select Service shops are compelled to abide by the terms of the agreement and MSCRA shops decline to continue on the program in order to work with State Farm agents and claims offices to the benefit of our mutual customers, without the constraints imposed by the Select Service agreement. Vehicle owners may be subjected to subtle pressure and misleading statements to choose a Select Service shop instead of a shop of THEIR choice. Should vehicle owners be tempted to comply, they should insist on reading a copy of the agreement for themselves and make their own decision as to whose best interest is protected.
The MSCRA believes the agreement serves to limit repairer choices regarding part selection and appropriate repair procedure, which can compromise passenger safety and vehicle value. MSCRA shops are still the best of the best and we intend to remain so by protecting the best interest of only our customer.
SCRS Members and Industry Professionals, We thought many of you might be interested to look into a new consumer-oriented website created by the OEM Collision Repair Roundtable which can be found at www.crashrepairinfo.com.
The site was launched last week, aimed at providing consumers with information that can help them navigate the process of getting their vehicles repaired following a collision. Please feel free to share this online resource with your friends, colleagues, members and consumers. If you have feedback, please feel free to share it and we will pass it along to the roundtable participants.
Democratic Montana Insurance Commissioner Monica Lindeen tells auto body customers not to be “steered” and reminds them of their rights in a new PSA-type ad which ought to please collision repairers.
The announcement was paid for by the Montana Collision Repair Association and Montana Broadcasters Association.
“Don’t be steered in the wrong direction,” Lindeen says, and reminds customers they can go wherever they want for collision repair.
“The insurer’s also required to pay your claim promptly, no matter where your car is repaired,” she says. “Don’t be pressured into using a body shop you’re not comfortable with.”
Society of Collision Repair Specialists board member Bruce Halcro, the past president of the Montana collision association, said the ad is scheduled for release March 17. A version with “For Approval” in the title has been posted online, but Halcro said it’s received the OK and should mimic the final one.
“We’re excited to get it running,” Halcro said.
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