Editor’s Message

MORE THAN JUST WORDS

If I had a nickel for every time I’ve written about “strength in numbers” in the collision repair industry, I’d be driving around in a gold-plated car right now.

Yes, it is a cliché, but it’s one that exists for a very important reason. As strong as your individual business might be, you are no match for the influence and legislative muscle of the insurance industry or other entities that impact your profession. If you want to see genuine change in your business, you need to step outside of your four walls (or, as current conditions dictate, switch on your Zoom) and join forces with others in the field and approach critical issues as a collective. Facilitating communication of this nature is one of the primary reasons why WMABA exists.

In this month’s cover story, we explore this and many of the other benefits of WMABA membership. Even the most seasoned association members may be surprised by how much WMABA does for the regional and national industry – especially these days during COVID-19. Almost everyone is experiencing some kind of financial impact from the ongoing pandemic, but supporting WMABA through annual dues offers a return that far exceeds the investment. I encourage you to check out the story, learn more about what WMABA provides and let the association know if there are any specific things you’d like it to address moving forward. Although 2020 is officially in the rearview mirror (hooray!), there is still plenty of uncertainty as the new year unfolds. WMABA and Hammer & Dolly are committed to staying ahead of news, trends and changes to provide you with the information you need to survive, thrive and stay informed throughout 2021. In return, we ask that you participate in WMABA events, support association sponsors and contact Hammer & Dolly if you have news to share or need help in finding information to strengthen your business.

It’s another cliché to say that we’re all in this together, but this truly means something right now. Please join us in making 2021 a time of victory over struggle.

H&D

LOCAL NEWS

MARYLAND INSURANCE ADMINISTRATION CLARIFIES APPRAISAL CLAUSE PROVISIONS

Hammer & Dolly’s investigation into the Appraisal Clause status of auto insurance policies in Maryland has resulted in official clarification from the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA).

As reported in our December 2020 issue, MIA Public Information Officer Joe Sviatko noted that although there is “no mandate in Maryland for a policy to include an appraisal provision,” an Appraisal Clause for first-party physical damage claims existed in “most private passenger automobile policies” in the state. In response to this statement, Hammer & Dolly requested that MIA provide us with the current Appraisal Clause positions for the top 10 auto insurers in Maryland. This request was subsequently referred to MIA’s Public Records Center via a Public Information Act request. Four weeks later, we received the following statement from Robert Baron, MIA associate commissioner for the property and casualty section (presented below with minor edits):

In a prior response, we noted that there is no requirement under Maryland law for a policy to contain an Appraisal Clause and that “most” policies do contain an appraisal provision. You have subsequently requested that we identify those “few” insurers that issue policies in MD without an Appraisal Clause.

Please note that Maryland has a competitive automobile insurance market with over 125 different insurers writing automobile policies. I used the word “most” previously because although I am unaware of any approved policies in Maryland without an Appraisal Clause, in light of the many forms in use, I cannot say unequivocally that no such policies are approved at this time. That said, I can confirm that policies offered by the top 10 insurer groups in Maryland (GEICO, State Farm, Allstate, Erie, USAA, Nationwide, Progressive, Travelers, Liberty Mutual and Chubb) do contain an Appraisal Clause. These 10 insurer groups account for 75 percent of Maryland’s private passenger automobile insurance market by premium volume. You have also asked if any insurers have “petitioned” the MIA for permission to sell a policy without an Appraisal Clause, and if so, the status of those requests. Please note that none of the 10 insurer groups listed above have made a filing that would eliminate the Appraisal Clause in their policy form. I am unaware of any filings from any other insurers in our market that would do away with the Appraisal Clause. In the event you would like to review the policy forms of any particular insurer(s), all approved forms are publicly available by a link to the SERFF [System for Electronic Rates and Forms Filing] system from our website (insurance.maryland.gov).

Under general “Appraisal Clause” or “right to appraisal” provisions found in most auto insurance policies, if an insurer and a policyholder disagree on the amount of loss the insurer is willing to pay to settle a claim, either side can demand an appraisal of the loss. Each party selects a competent and impartial appraiser and an umpire. The umpire reviews the actual case value and amount of loss submitted by the parties and reaches a binding decision on the amount of loss. More information on the Appraisal Clause (including insight into its current status in Virginia and West Virginia) is featured in our December 2020 issue, available online at grecopublishing. com. H&D

Executive Director’s Thoughts

Enacting the Appraisal Clause in a policy can seem scary to a customer – and probably for a shop as well. As WMABA continues to hold monthly Watercooler Chats for members, we discuss options like this and how shops’ experiences are related. That’s not the only subject – just one of many, to be precise. But if you are a shop that wants to find out more about what it means to assist a customer in this process, please feel free to reach out. We will connect you with knowledgeable repairers who can lay out the steps. All you have to do is ask!

- Jordan Hendler

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NATIONAL NEWS

(RE)SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 10-12, 2021 The 2021 NORTHEAST Automotive Services Show will take place this year – just a little later than originally planned. Originally 2020 scheduled for March 19-21, NORTHEAST 2021 is now set for September 10-12, 2021 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center (MEC) in Secaucus, NJ as per an announcement by the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ).

“As the COVID-19 vaccines begin their rollout and the light at the end of the tunnel starts becoming clearer, AASP/NJ has decided – out of concern for everyone’s safety as well as taking into consideration current government restrictions and limitations on large gatherings and travel – to reschedule,” explains AASP/NJ President Jerry McNee. “AASP/NJ is focused on serving Collision P.R.E.P. classes that have already happened in 2020 our industry and working with our community to provide the are available for purchase and download on the website, including necessary support and information to prepare them for a successful subjects such as Vehicle Diagnostics & Calibrations, Utilizing the 2021 event.” Vehicle Owner’s Manual to Educate Consumers and Insurers,

After speaking with vendors and association members, Positioning Your Business for Sustainability and Online Storefront AASP/NJ is confident that the new dates in September will provide Presence. These classes are able to be viewed at your convenience the automotive repair community with the time to effectively plan and packed full of useful information to make 2021 even better! their participation during these challenging times. Pre-registered NORTHEAST 2020 attendees will not need to

Protecting everyone’s health and safety remains AASP/NJ’s re-register, as badge data will be carried over to these new dates of priority. The association is working closely with the MEC to ensure a September 10-12. For updates and information on NORTHEAST, safe environment. The show will follow every prescribed health and please continue to visit the official event website, aaspnjnortheast. safety protocol. com, and visit AASP/NJ online at aaspnj.org. H&D “It looks like we will still be the first industry show of the year in September,” McNee says. “I know that everyone is anxious to get out and start getting back on the road to normalcy. NORTHEAST Executive Director’s Thoughts will be the first opportunity in over a year for our industry to gather, NORTHEAST is one of the best shows in the country, and we at and we think it will be a very inspiring event for everyone involved. WMABA are excited to once again hold our Collision P.R.E.P. We expect NORTHEAST 2021 to be bigger and better than ever.” classes for repairers and anyone else in the industry who wants to better their understanding and deepen their knowledge

WMABA has once again committed to providing live classes at base. Many of our attendees participate every year so they NORTHEAST via the latest installment of its Collision Professional can continue to expand the processes or connections. The Repairer Education Program (Collision P.R.E.P.), which will launch networking at our event is also something to be built upon; with on-demand virtual courses this spring and conclude with these are people you can be in community with from there forward. It’s a place to see equipment, meet with vendors, see in-person presentations at the show. Information and updates will be incoming technologies and much more. Put it on your calendar, available at wmaba.com/collisionprep in the months leading up to and make sure you’re there! - Jordan Hendler NORTHEAST 2021.