[LOCAL] NEWS
ADALB Debates Photo Estimating vs. In-Person Appraisals The Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board (ADALB) held its first teleconference meeting of the year on January 27. The meeting took place after the one previously scheduled for January 19 was postponed due to (in the words of ADALB Chairman Michael Donovan) “technical difficulties.” The January 27 meeting included lengthy discussion on the
“horrendous” photo estimates that are being written due to the new in-person inspection threshold. “People might as well sketch the damage out with a crayon on a napkin and send it in,” he said. “It couldn’t be any worse.” Board member Peter Smith (MAPFRE) argued against rescinding the Advisory Ruling, stating he has not seen “any specific
possibility of rescinding the Board’s March 2020 Advisory Ruling
examples of actual appraisals that these concerns have been raised
that temporarily waives the requirement of personal inspection of
on.” The Board will continue its discussion on this Advisory Ruling
motor vehicle damage in cases where the amount of loss, less any
at its next meeting on March 23 (which will very likely be held via
applicable deductible, is under $3,000. This amount represents
teleconference).
an increase from the $1,500 threshold established in current
For those who question the efficacy of insurance companies
state regulations. The Advisory Ruling was issued in response to
requesting receipts, an Advisory Ruling on the matter is being
Governor Baker’s State of Emergency declaration in Massachusetts
considered. Please read the latest Damage Report for further details.
as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Audio of the complete January 27 meeting is available in the
Board member Rick Starbard (Rick’s Auto Collision; Revere)
Members Only section of aaspma.org. PROTECTING CONSUMERS AND THE COLLISION INDUSTRY
called for the Advisory Ruling to be called off in light of the
12 March 2021
New England Automotive Report
MASSACHUSETTS
