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Automotive Attorney Erica Eversman Discusses Shop Liability and Protection by Chasidy Rae Sisk
On Tuesday, April 18, AASP-PA hosted a presentation during CIC Week in Pittsburgh, PA, featuring Vehicle Information Services Chief Counsel Erica Eversman. Her presentation focused on the liabilities shops are exposed to currently, how shops can protect themselves and tips on getting paid for proper repairs. Eversman took time to discuss some of the key points of her presentation with Autobody News. “The most important thing for shop owners to remember is that they are the professionals. They are responsible for making decisions, and they are
subject to the burden of resolving issues with the consumer or insurance companies, whether it’s related to imitation parts or something else. If it’s not a safety concern; the customer can make some decisions, but shops need to stand firm on safety issues,” Eversman said. Referring to Berg v. Nationwide Insurance, a 2012 Superior Court of Pennsylvania case that handed down a sweeping decision that broadly interprets insurance bad faith under Section 8371, Eversman recounted the horrific tale of a newly leased Jeep Cherokee which the shop declared a total loss; however, the claim representative arSee Erica Eversman, Page 19
Axalta and NASCAR® Legends Open New Customer Experience Center in Concord, NC by Autobody News Staff
In Concord, North Carolina, the industry had the opportunity to get a first-hand look at Axalta’s new Customer Experience Center during the grand opening on May 16. Axalta Coating Systems held a press conference and tours of the fa- (l to r) Rick Hendrick of Hendrick Automotive Group and cility as part of the event, which Jim Muse, director of sales Axalta Coatings Company was officiated by Charlie Shaver, Axalta chairman and CEO, and owner of 12-time NASCAR® Cup SeMichael Carr, Axalta president-North ries champion Hendrick Motorsports America. Special guests included Jeff and founder/chairman of Hendrick Automotive Group. Gordon, four-time NASCAR® Cup See Axalta and NASCAR, Page 28 Series champion and Rick Hendrick,
VOL. 8 ISSUE 3 JUNE 2017
CIC Task Force Explores What “Secure Share” Will Mean for Exchange of Estimate Data
ing system, or third-parties like CSI providers, parts locating services, rental CCC Information Services’ newly- car companies, etc. launched “Secure Share” generated Under the current data-exchange both questions and criticisms at the method, a CCC ONE user can transfer Collision Industry Conference (CIC) that data to others using a standardheld in Pittsburgh, PA, in late April, ized “Estimate Management Standard although no company representative (EMS)” file. In many cases, those third-parties have—with a was there to respond. shop’s permission—placed a A new CIC task force “data pump” on the shop’s held a panel discussion related server to automatically pull to the new data-sharing systhe EMS files the shop has tem, and though CCC chose agreed to share. not to attend (citing antitrust concerns), it did send a fourCCC’s “Secure Share” changes this arrangement in page response to questions Frank Terlep several key ways. First, it posed by the task force. “Secure Share” went “live” in early will transfer the data using a “Business Message Suite (BMS)” file, viewed by April (www.cccsecureshare.com), representing a significant change in terms many in the industry as a positive of how shops using CCC’s estimating change. The industry-developed BMS system can share estimate information standard in theory gives users more See CIC Task Force, Page 18 with a shop management or paint mix-
by John Yoswick
How a NY Body Shop Owner Revamped His Business After Arrest and Charge Dismissal by Stacey Phillips
In Staten Island, New York, the owners of Barry’s Auto Body said they are always willing to go to bat for their customers. Barry Crupi and his sister Michele run the family-owned business, which was established in 1986 by Barry Crupi Sr. with two employees and a three-bay garage. Over the years, the collision repair shop has grown to include 20 employees and 16 repair bays. Since Staten Island does not have a subway system, residents are very dependent on their vehicles. The Crupis said they take pride in educating customers about their rights so they can make informed decisions about repairing their vehicles. This began after Crupi uncovered that a large insurance company was shortchanging customers on repairs. Crupi
went public with his claim and in 2009 the insurance company filed a complaint against him. Crupi and
Family and friends helped celebrate the Kings of Staten Island award from Star Networking Group NYC. Barry Crupi (center), and his mother Candace and father Barry Sr. on right and sister Michele with her daughter Briana on left
some of the employees were arrested but the case was ultimately dismissed. Since then, the team has revamped the award-winning shop, built a loyal cusSee Revamped Business, Page 20
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