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DEPARTMENTS
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
6 | A License to Clip Hair but Not for Collision Repair by Kevin Gallerani
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
8 | Are You Going to Thrive in ‘25? by Evangelos “Lucky” Papageorg
LOCAL NEWS
12 | Fine, It’s All Fine – Nothing to See at the ADALB by Chasidy Rae Sisk
LOCAL FEATURE
16 | AASP/MA Guides Collision Repairers with Tools to Thrive in ‘25 by Alana Quartuccio VENDOR AFFINITY PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
20 | AkzoNobel by Alana Quartuccio NATIONAL NEWS
12 | AASP National Board Conducts Final Meeting at SEMA by Alana Quartuccio
24 | Dynamic Discussions Delivered at CIC by Alana Quartuccio
28 | Broke? Insurer CEOs are Rolling in Dough by Chasidy Rae Sisk
KEVIN GALLERANI
A License to Clip Hair but Not for Collision Repair
Every couple weeks, I get my hair cut, and each time I sit in the barber’s chair, I can’t help but notice the license hanging on his wall. Did you know that a barber must complete 1,000 hours of training in an accredited school and pass both a written and practical examination before getting a license? Barbers can be licensed as apprentices or masters. If someone cuts hair without their license, that barber shop can be shut down by the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering.
So, this guy cannot trim my hair without a license, but auto body technicians are not required to be licensed. I don’t know about you, but that just doesn’t make a lot of sense to me! My barber uses clippers, scissors and a comb (though he doesn’t need to use a comb on my head since this industry is causing my hair to fall out!) for a process that takes a total of 15 to 20 minutes – and what’s the worst that could happen? He might clip someone’s ear, but the likelihood that he’s going to go full-blown Sweeney Todd or even accidentally nick someone’s carotid seems pretty far-fetched. It’s even less likely that he’s going to unintentionally hurt himself with his tools. Yet, he needs to be licensed to perform his job.
Meanwhile, collision technicians use welders, power tools, frame machines and a variety of other equipment that could fail over time, creating workplace hazards that we’re all well aware of. This isn’t the safest industry in the world, especially if someone works in a shop without the necessary training, knowledge and skill. Without being able to correctly utilize the tools and equipment that are part of our trade creates the potential for being crushed, for cutting off extremities and numerous other hazards. Think of all the risks that exist for that individual as well as their co-workers! But they don’t need to be licensed.
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AASP/MA
Evangelos “Lucky” Papageorg
An untrained technician also creates perils for customers. Shops deal with ADAS, seatbelt systems, frames and wheels that need to be properly torqued. After we repair a vehicle, it returns to the roadways where it has the potential to harm not just the vehicle’s occupants but any number of people on the road should a failure occur as a result of a technician’s lack of knowledge or negligence; the potential for causing harm is HUGE if you don’t know what you’re doing! But we don’t need a license for auto body repairs.
Yet, a barber must be licensed to maintain my buzzcut. Real estate agents must be licensed. Plumbers, electricians and sheet metal workers are all required to be licensed. It seems like licensing our field would add a layer of professionalism to what we do. We’ve been talking about the technician shortage for years, and while I personally feel like we’re seeing this trend reverse with more young people entering the trades instead of going to college, this generation wants to work in a field they can be proud of. Graduating with a license could attract more young professionals to pursue a career in collision repair, and the need to meet specific requirements to obtain licensure might also serve to help us retain employees.
Requiring licensure and registration would protect all the shops that are doing the right thing and also make it harder for bad operators to stay in business. Perhaps it’s a way to elevate repair standards state-wide and inspire a new level of respect for what we do. I’m curious to know what other shops think, so I encourage you to reach out to the Alliance to share your thoughts on this topic and anything else that’s impacting your business.
AASP/MA PRESIDENT KEVIN GALLERANI is president of Cape Auto Collision Center in Plymouth, MA. He can be reached at (508) 747-0316 or kevin@capeautobody.com.
Jeff
Affiliate
Jayce
Scott Varney
Membership Application 2024-2025
P.O. BOX 850210
Braintree, MA 02185
Phone: 617-574-0741
Fax: 973-235-1963
Email: admin@aaspma.org
Please complete this form and return to our office via mail, email or fax with your dues payment. Thank You!
As a member in good standing, your shop WILL BE listed on our website Click here � if you do not want your shop listed on our website map for potential customers to find you. If you have any questions about this benefit, call (617) 574-0741, ext. 1.
Yes � Please send me information regarding the following MONEY SAVING BENEFITS: � Dental plan � Healthcare plan � Credit card processing � FMLA savings program � Grant writing/training � Google presence optimization � All benefits
PLEASE ENCLOSE PAYMENT WITH YOUR MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Check# : _______________ (IF collision shop please note your RS# on the memo line of the check) OR CC #: ______________ EXP: ________/___________ CID: _________________
Name On Card: _____________________________________________ Signature: _____
Check here � to opt out of auto renewal using this credit card information for future renewal
Note: A 4 percent convenience fee will be charged for membership renewal via credit card transaction
I hereby make this application for membership with the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of MA (AASP/ MA) for membership dues 2024-2025 as provided for in this contract.
*Membership Dues are for a twelve-month period commencing on your anniversary month of membership.
12/23
EVANGELOS
Are You Going to Thrive in '25?
As we transition from “MORE IN '24” to “THRIVE IN '25,” it’s clear we have much more to achieve. Our efforts, along with those of our members, are beginning to bear fruit. All members of the ALLIANCE are well-acquainted with the advances we’ve made and the changes we've helped implement. Our relationships with legislators, members of the executive office and regulators have strengthened significantly. Notably, there are key personnel changes in our industry that will shape our future. We continue our advocacy on behalf of the industry. Additionally, changes in the leadership of the ALLIANCE are on the horizon, with elections taking place for a new Executive Board and fresh faces joining our Board of Directors for the upcoming two-year term. Together, these Boards steer our efforts to educate members, expand our membership and influence legislators in favor of consumers and the collision repair industry as a whole.
Just as with our national and local elections this past November, we each have the opportunity to voice our preferences and impact our direction, setting goals and implementing plans to accomplish them.
It is hard work; nothing worth achieving comes easily. At times, it may feel like we are bogged down, but that is when we must keep up the pressure to maintain our momentum. This applies to issues such as fair and reasonable labor reimbursement rates and ensuring that all parties involved in the claims and repair process are held accountable – from insurance companies to claims adjusters and physical damage appraisers.
We have seen positive momentum because there are those among us who continue to apply pressure and remain steadfast in pursuing the goals they have set for themselves, their employees and their businesses. They have come to realize that they hold the power to enact changes that directly affect their success. Many shops are discovering that when given the opportunity to explain the insurance practices that hinder them – those that fail to abide by regulations designed to expedite the claims and
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repair process – vehicle owners often understand and advocate for themselves. These vehicle owners recognize they have been victimized by insurers who fail to keep the promises made through indemnification insurance policies, designed to make them whole again in the event of a loss. They understand that repair shops advocate not only for their own interests but also truly care about the vehicle owner, unlike the insurers who consistently focus solely on their bottom line, often at the expense of the vehicle owner.
Insurers are guaranteed a profit, regardless of their performance. They create their own poor business practices and then pass the resulting increased administrative expenses onto policyholders. Adding insult to injury, their CEOs receive exorbitant salaries (see this month’s cover story beginning on page 28), all while claiming losses – despite reporting billions in profits. Just because you didn’t meet expectations doesn’t mean you lost money!
Together, many shops and vehicle owners are saying “enough is enough.” Vehicle owners are beginning to understand the importance of paying for proper procedures, even when the insurer refuses to acknowledge that “recommended” means "must" in order to ensure the return of the vehicle to a safe, pre-loss operational condition. Savvy vehicle owners recognize they must pay for necessary procedures, just as they would when visiting their doctor. When a doctor “recommends” a specific medical procedure or test beneficial for diagnosis and treatment, the patient is likely to agree, even if the insurer deems it unnecessary – after all, the doctor is the expert, not the insurer. It has been said many times before and bears repeating: YOU ARE THE EXPERT in the damage repair process, NOT the appraiser or the insurer!
To have any chance to “Thrive In ‘25,” you must embrace this concept. Do NOT be afraid to charge a fair and reasonable labor rate for what has become an increasingly technical repair field and carries significant liabilities if you fail to provide proper repairs. You must stay vigilant about the changing OEM repair requirements and recommendations, which can shift rapidly. You also have to ensure you can pay your staff and technicians fairly for the knowledge and expertise they bring, which is vital to your success – and even more importantly, to retaining them.
We all know that the collision repair field has always been challenging and has become increasingly difficult, especially for those who persistently strive to do the right thing. Yes, even the insurance industry recognizes this! They are merely more resistant to changes from a third-party payee perspective. They will continue to practice the “three Ds” – Deny, Delay and Defend. Those shops that do not take a proactive approach, instead waiting for the insurance industry to change, will not thrive in the future. They may survive for a bit longer, but this will ultimately be to the detriment of the entire industry. It will be the knowledgeable, fearless and forward-thinking shops that will reap the benefits of the impending changes.
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Fine, It’s All Fine –Nothing to See at the ADALB
When the Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board (ADALB) reconvened for its most recent meeting on October 22, it quickly became apparent that it was unlikely any progress would be made –even less than usual, actually – due to the fact that Board member Bill Johnson (Pleasant Street Auto; South Hadley/Belchertown) was unable to attend.
In fact, Board member Peter Smith (MAPFRE) specifically indicated that, in Johnson’s absence, he had no plans to review anything new as it pertained to the Board’s ongoing review of proposed amendments to Regulation 212 CMR 2.00 et seq. He indicated that he would merely review some of the cleanup that had been previously discussed in meetings, going back to June; however, despite the acknowledgement that nothing significant was being discussed, the ensuing discussion lasted nearly 30 minutes.
The review mainly focused on reiterating the changes that had already been reviewed by the Board, but a digression occurred when Smith suggested that the next meeting’s discussion of conflicts of interest should not include “any material changes.” Board member Carl Garcia (Carl’s Collision Center; Fall River) disagreed, suggesting it merited a more in-depth review.
Attorney Michael Powers concurred with Garcia, indicating a need to identify what qualifies as a conflict of interest as it pertains to members of the ADALB. When Chairman Michael Donovan suggested engaging the Ethics Commission, Powers expressed the opinion that the Board should determine what they believe the process should be and include it in the regulation before seeking approval from the Ethics Commission. Review of the proposed amendments will continue at the next Board meeting.
[NATIONAL] NEWS
Next, Attorney Powers delivered a report on the final decision in the case of Justin Forkuo v. Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board. He explained that, following last year’s hearing, Forkuo filed an appeal alleging the Board had violated his procedural rights; however, the Attorney General filed a motion to dismiss the appeal which was subsequently approved in July. “The Board’s decision [to revoke his license] is final,” Powers said.
During the call for “other business,” AASP/MA Executive Director Lucky Papageorg asked about the Board’s refusal to disclose the nature of a complaint to be discussed during an executive session. “Why can’t we know whether it’s a body shop against an insurer without naming names? That doesn’t seem to violate privacy concerns at all.”
After some discussion, Garcia suggested that the Board could formally debate the matter at length at a future meeting when Johnson is present.
The Board also reviewed Complaint 2024-21, voting unanimously to dismiss since the appraiser in question failed to renew their license.
The ADALB is scheduled to reconvene on December 17. Don’t miss detailed coverage of the meeting, only available in the October/ November issue of Damage Report, AASP/MA’s members-only newsletter.
AASP/MA members are strongly encouraged to listen to the recording of the October 22 meeting in the Members Only section of aaspma.org for a glimpse into the inner workings of the ADALB. View the meeting agenda at bit.ly/ADALB102224
AASP National Board Conducts Final Meeting at SEMA
The AASP National Board of Directors conducted its final meeting during SEMA week in Las Vegas last month, bringing 25 years of history to a close. This past September, the national Board announced it would dissolve at year-end, following a strategic review that determined difficulties maintaining a significant national presence due to declining affiliate numbers. Following the conclusion of Board
business, recognition was given to Board members for their dedication and services at the national level. AASP/MA Executive Director Lucky Papageorg was presented with a plaque in recognition of his service on the executive board.
The dissolution of the national Board has no bearing on the affiliate associations. AASP/MA will remain active in all its efforts to strive to advocate for consumers,
by Alana Quartuccio
educate repairers and create unity for the voice of repairers within Massachusetts. The remaining assets of AASP National will be distributed equally among affiliates in good standing, including AASP/MA.
AASP/MA’s Lucky Papageorg and AASP National President Dan Sjolseth
From L-R: Dave Bausinger, Barry Burkholder, Tom Elder, Bill Adams, Ken Miller, Lucas Underwood, Lucky Papageorg, Dan Sjolseth, Will Latuff, Judell Anderson and Bob Gottfred.
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AASP/MA Guides Collision Repairers with Tools to Thrive in ‘25
Body shop owners need not be reminded of the loose screws and torn wires that make up this challenging industry. Surviving when one wrench after the other is thrown in is one thing, but thriving amidst all that chaos is quite another. The only way to truly do so is to have the right tools in hand to make one’s collision repair business operate like the well-oiled machine it should be.
This is precisely what AASP/MA, aka the Alliance, sets out to do. Massachusetts’ auto body association works on behalf of auto body shops to fight for business owners’ and consumers’ best interests while also supplying collision repair professionals with the information they need to troubleshoot past malfunctions.
Change is happening as a result of these efforts. From “Breaking Free in ‘23” to “Getting More in ‘24” and now with their latest quest to “Thrive in ‘25,” the Alliance is seeing more and more body shops achieving success through the proper implementation of best practices via balance billing – and insurance companies are beginning to respond to the pressure.
“Those shops who are willing to adapt, push the envelope and take chances will be the shops that don’t just survive, but thrive,” proposed AASP/MA Executive Director Lucky Papageorg during the Alliance’s October General Membership Meeting, held at the Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in Marlborough.
Papageorg assured the audience that customers do not tend to be surprised when presented with a bill as it is not much different than what happens in the medical industry. Reminding all that collision repairers are the “doctor for the vehicle,” he explained, “To accept liability for the repair, you must have the ability to properly collect for it. Balance billing is becoming a true thing. Many shops are doing so and not getting the type of pushback they thought they would.”
Although it’s not at all where it needs to be, there have been noted rate increases by some insurers over the past four years, and it’s largely due to the efforts of the Alliance and its members.
What is the key to getting paid properly?
Documentation. Documentation. Documentation.
This message was conveyed repeatedly throughout the course of the day by many recognizable industry professionals.
According to John Shoemaker (BASF), “Documentation is
the key to our survivability. We are the voice of the car. We are the ones who document what needs to happen to the vehicle in order to return it to pre-accident condition. We are much like a reporter who has to answer the who, what, why, when and how on every repair line.”
Shoemaker proceeded to walk the audience through multiple tools that are available, which they can turn to for repair procedure information to help them capture all the necessary steps they should be including on their repair plans.
“Itemize those repairs. If there are different steps, break them out. Use photos or a line note to explain why the photo is there. We have to label everything.
“If you take away anything from my talk today, go back to your shops on Monday, pull the sheets off the cars and see how many R&Is (remove and install) you missed,” he continued. “Labor rate is important, but getting paid for each step we do is more important.”
Yanni Koutmos walked the audience through the itemized material invoicing approach that Eagle MMS offers its users to help them accurately document the true cost of paint and materials in order to get proper reimbursement. Rising costs are not making the situation any easier for shops, so they must be cognizant of the materials they are using and what to accurately charge for these items.
To help send the message home upon negotiating for these items, Koutmos suggests shop owners be mindful of other factors that can play a role toward getting what they need. “Have your house in order. Write for everything you do, and do everything you write. Don’t mess around. There is plenty of money available in honest margins.”
Professionalism is also key. “Have your office look nice and have a clean presentation in your front house.”
Also, Koutmos suggests that one sticks to their goals. “Nothing you implement will be met 100 percent of the time. It takes time and consistency.” He also emphasized the importance of involving the customer. “The consumer is the one who is contracted with the insurance company. The insurer doesn’t owe you anything; they owe indemnification to the policyholder.”
John Shoemaker (BASF)
Yanni Koutmos (Eagle MMS)
Supplying the next generation of repairers with the right tools to train with is also pivotal to the future of the industry. Chris White of KECO Body Repair Products was on hand to demonstrate the company’s signature L2E Glue Pull Repair Collision System, which they donated to the Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School auto body program.
White walked the audience through what the Glue Pull Repair (GPR) system does, calling it “the cleanest, least invasive, quality method to fix dents.” Born out of the paintless dent repair (PRD) world, the system was created to be used as a “conventional repair that doesn’t burn the backside or frontside and isn’t as tedious as PDR,” according to White, who noted the system won the SEMA New Product of the Year award in 2021.
“We appreciate the partnership we have with the industry and its businesses, “ expressed Superintendent Ernie Houle about the donation. Having the budget to get resources for their students is challenging, and with advancing technology in the mix, “partnerships like this are critical, so our instructors can do what they need to in order to ready these students for the outside world.”
Anyone who has been paying attention the past few years is fully aware of the ineffectiveness of the Auto Damage Appraisers Licensing Board (ADALB) in its current state. The Alliance's proposed legislation to reform the Board by moving it to the Department of Occupational Licensure rather than the Department of Insurance remains one of its top priorities. Michael Parsons of the auto finance company, Source One Financial, has been an advocate for this proposed change. In his line of work, he sees 60 total losses per month, and he’s no stranger to the use of legal action when a total loss claim is undervalued.
“If you ask an appraiser for a copy of the conditioning appraisal term table, they won’t be able to retrieve it,” he said of the wrongdoings he witnesses.
What is the goal of going after an insurance company when being short-changed? For Parsons, it’s “the hope of stopping this [fraud].”
“The ADALB is dysfunctional, and that’s why we need to move it,” Papageorg contributed. “We need to have an expanded Board
by Alana Quartuccio
with consumers on it. The Board is supposed to protect consumers – not insurance companies which are who they serve to protect now. ”
Coverall Law’s Sean Preston returned to the AASP/MA forum to continue the conversation started one year prior about the importance of documentation via what he calls “Forever Forms.”
“The ‘Forever Forms’ are the foundation for everything we want to accomplish,” he stated, outlining that his firm’s creation compiles the authorization to repair, initial intake, direction to pay, assignment of rights, lien notice, disclosure of rates, waiver form, oral authorization form and the expedited supplemental appraisal consent form into one three-page document that only requires two signatures from the vehicle owner. Shops can work directly with Coverall Law to implement these forms for their businesses.
“We want to do away with hearing ‘You’re the only one who charges for that’ because it’s bogus,” Preston said of the goal of taking the industry back, adding, “Insurers are smart enough to know you don’t mess with consumers’ ability to contract. Contracts are very powerful.”
It’s all about controlling the narrative.
“We have to take power back from the insurers. We want to put your shop and the vehicle owner on one side of the table and the insurance company on the other. This is why it is so important to have the consumer involved.”
KECO Body Repair Products conducted a demonstration of their signature L2E Glue Pull Repair Collision System, which they donated to Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School's auto body program.
Michael Parsons (Source One Financial)
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AkzoNobel has been a trusted paint brand for hundreds of years.
The company got its start in 1792. More than two hundred years later, it remains a leading provider of paints and coatings to the automotive world, in addition to the aviation industry, with a global footprint spanning 150 countries.
They aim to provide the best products possible, and their innovations and technologies have made them the most recognized line of OEM-approved powder coatings. AkzoNobel works with every major paint distributor on the market, and Sikkens, its flagship brand, is known and trusted all around the world. Sikkens has earned 60-plus OEM approvals by holding to the highest standards of color and durability, ensuring that a vehicle’s paint will be restored to its pre-accident condition.
One of the many things that sets AkzoNobel apart from the rest is its mission to always look to the future. As Aaron Rock, New England market account representative, puts it, “Our focus is sustainability and enhancing the fabric of everybody’s every day.”
AkzoNobel does this by offering much more than a colorful palette. The long-standing pioneering paint company sees “every surface as an opportunity.”
That belief holds true, not only via their products, but in the many ways they help their customers succeed.
They offer a business development program called Acoat Selected for Sikkens brand customers which provides consulting services, management training, financial benchmarking, coaching and networking.
“We partner with our body shops to help them maximize their revenue, production and quality. We offer various online and in-person training opportunities from services all the way to technical. Service consultants will go directly to our customers to service them in person.”
Sikkens customers also benefit from CARBEAT, AkzoNobel’s digital production board and visual management systems which is noted to improve cycle time up to 10 percent.
Providing body shops with business solutions is surely not the only way in which this company partners in their clients’ success. They also go out of their way to participate and support them on the local level to help “send our customers forward,” according to Rock. AkzoNobel has grown a strong footprint in the New England market over the past few decades. They are longtime supporters of AASP/MA and currently are a Platinum-level sponsor of its Vendor Affinity Program. They also support area associations in Rhode Island and Connecticut.
“The biggest thing for us is partnering with organizations like AASP/ MA to advocate for the body shops,” explains Rock of their commitment to the association. “In our mind, that’s what this industry needs to do: advocate for the body shops. Because it's not getting any easier to fix these cars nowadays.”
Interacting with their customers is also key, which is why they take part in the major industry trade show events, including the NORTHEAST® Automotive Services Show, which Rock says is a great opportunity to interact with body shops from the New England region who make the trip down to New Jersey for the show.
“It’s the Northeast version of SEMA, which is huge. We get to have meet-and-greets with our customers or potential customers. We are there every year, and we bring in some of our biggest ambassadors like Dave Kindig, star of MotorTrend TV’s Bitchin’ Rides, who comes along to sign autographs.”
Ultimately, everything AkzoNobel does supports their mission. “We’re dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today.”
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Photo from Stegmann GmbH
Dynamic Discussions Delivered at CIC
From talking about technologies and governmental regulations to debating business protection methods and parts verifications, the sole purpose of every conversation that takes place on the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) stage is geared toward one thing and one thing only – doing right by the consumer in the “empty chair.”
The newly-formed Repair Process and Procedures Committee brought Barry Dorn (Dorn’s Body and Paint; VA), Kye Yeung (European Motorworks; CA), Lucky Papageorg (Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Massachusetts) and Justin Lewis (Accurate Auto Body; WA) to the stage to “clarify some of the myths and maybe make some changes on how we appraise vehicles and maybe enhance a profit center in the frame department,” as per Yeung.
Through his own visits to shops around the country, Yeung found that frame machines, one of the largest investments a shop owner makes, are not being used as a profit center. He’s found them “packed away in the corner with twofeet of dust on them.” He has wondered if perhaps technicians are choosing to bypass their use due to lack of proper compensation.
Papageorg shed further light on that theory. “When I came into the industry in 1988, it was traditionally the four point holding system with the bench. Fast forward almost 40 years and that allotted time that I was given then was equivalent to what is given now. And those holding points were already made up. All the technician had to do was fasten them to the flat rack, attach them to the pinch weld with a rivet gun, and they were done. Now, it’s much more intricate, and yet, it’s the same equivalent time that is being allowed, so I think that lends to what you were just indicating that the technicians don't feel
that they're necessarily being fairly and adequately reimbursed for their time and expertise in performing that procedure.”
Panelists shared frustrations over the vagueness of what is included and notincluded. Yeung encouraged repair planners to understand and document the repair process, so “hopefully, these machines can be pulled out of the dust, and technicians can actually use them to repair the cars properly.”
One of the most engaging discussions of the day involved the Parts and Materials Committee’s panel which featured Aaron Schulenburg (Society of Collision Repair Specialists), Stacy Bartnik (Intertek) and Dave Mollner (HELLA) who set out to bring clarity to the confusion that often surrounds the Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) Tier 1 parts classification. Bartnik gave details about Intertek’s role – the company has had an exclusive license agreement with CAPA since 2018 – and distinguished the difference between the more widely-known CAPA certification and how the new Tier 1 verification process works, stating that a CAPA Tier 1 Verified part “is made at the same factory, using the same tooling, materials and processes as the car companybranded part.”
Bartnik explained the Tier 1 program was launched in 2021, as “there was always this confusion over what an Opt-OE part is. What bucket does that fall into? And so
Lucky Papageorg (AASP/MA Executive Director)
Kye Yeung (European Motor Car Works; CA)
Barry Dorn (Dorn’s Body and Paint; VA)
Justin Lewis (Accurate Auto Body; WA)
by Alana Quartuccio
we had a lot of people asking how do we make sure that we understand what these parts are, these parts that are made by a manufacturer that makes parts for the OE but are not sold in that OE network.” She explained the Tier 1 verification program currently has 200 approved parts, and “we're really starting to grow it with the lights, the radar heads and sensors.”
Mollner, who works for HELLA, one of the three manufacturers who make parts in this Tier 1 program, spent considerable time explaining how these parts are manufactured and identified.
Multiple audience members questioned the panelists in search of further clarity, with questions surrounding recall process, warranty, CAPA decertification lists and differentiation between “certified aftermarket” and “Tier 1 aftermarket.” Addressing a query from John Yoswick (CRASH Network) as to whether the Tier
1 label is more or less the same label as Opt-OE, Schulenburg stated, “Opt-OE is a pretty big bucket. Different people use it in different ways, and it doesn't mean the same thing to everybody. I think that the Tier 1 verified process is a very specific bucket. They're listed in the estimating systems. They’ve gone through a specific process. Anything that is considered an Opt-OE part is not being recognized as a Tier 1 part that's been through the process. So I don't believe the two are one in the same.”
The conversation between Bob Redding (Automotive Service Association), Andrew Batenhorst (Pacific BMW: CA) and Darrell Amberson (LaMettry’s Collision; MN) addressed the frustrations and challenges that often accompany attempts to make policy changes at the state level.
There’s a concerning lack of regulations in order to earn a license to do auto body work in California, and according to Batenhorst, “it’s more challenging to get a license to study cosmetology” in his state. Although it can be easy to get frustrated when trying to advocate for change, it’s important to separate one’s feelings. He’s found that the California Bureau for Automotive Repair (BAR) is receptive. Although one may not always get the results they want, he’s found them to be open to listening.
Risks and liabilities associated with running a collision repair business in this day and age have become more difficult. A panel made up of OEM, insurance and body shop professionals weighed in regarding employment law, workplace safety, safe and proper repairs and all factors shop owners need to keep in mind in order to protect their businesses.
The next CIC is set for January 22, 2025 in Palm Springs, CA. Learn more about the next event and how to register at ciclink.com
Andrew Batenhorst (Pacific BMW; CA) and Darrell Amberson (LaMettry’s Collision; MN)
Aaron Schulenburg (SCRS)
Stacy Bartnik (Intertek)
Bob Redding (ASA)
It Takes Genuine Honda Collision Repair Parts To Achieve a Genuine Honda Fit.
Honda collision repair parts are engineered and manufactured to Honda standards. In the collision-repair business, time is money, and you can’t waste time on parts that almost fit properly. Use Genuine Honda replacement parts. Your reputation depends on it.
For Genuine Honda parts, contact these Authorized Honda dealers.
Lundgren Honda of Auburn 525 Washington Street Auburn, MA 01501
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e-mail:pmccarthy@lhonda.com www.lhonda.com
Balise Honda
400 Riverdale St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
TOLL FREE: 800-992-6220
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Balise Honda of West Warwick 509 Quaker Lane West Warwick, RI 02893
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GENUINE NISSAN PARTS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE.
Only Genuine Nissan Parts deliver the fit, reliability, and performance to meet your shop’s collision repair needs. So keep it original, and keep it real with Genuine Nissan Parts.
Contact these Nissan dealers for all your parts needs:
Kelly Nissan of Woburn 95 Cedar Street Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: 781-835-3510
Fax: 781-835-3580
E-mail: mbosma@kellyauto.com www.kellyauto.com
Quirk Auto Dealers 115 E. Howard St. Quincy, MA 02169
Toll Free: 877-707-8475
Balise Nissan of Warwick 1350 Post Rd. Warwick, RI 02888
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wparts@baliseauto.com
www.BaliseWholesaleParts.com
One Call, One Truck for 14 Brands!
Insurer CEOs are Rolling in Dough
Up and up and UP!
From east to west and north to south, drivers all over the country have seen significant increases in their auto insurance policies.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index (CPI), the cost of motor vehicle insurance in the first half of this year rose by nearly 21 percent compared to the first half of 2023, an annual trend that has intensified since the pandemic. The average cost of premiums in the first half of 2019 saw an increase of just 1.6 percent compared to the previous year, yet from the first half of 2020 through the first half of 2024, auto insurance premiums increased by 51.7 percent – an average of nearly 13 percent per year! And an additional spike of 12.6
percent nationwide is predicted for 2025.
But some states have likely seen an even larger adjustment to their premiums. Insurify.com projects a 22 percent increase in 2024 nationally, but the insurance shopping comparison website also provided a breakdown by state, indicating that some states could see a rate hike of up to 61 percent! They predict a 40 percent increase for drivers in the Commonwealth and 34 percent for Connecticut policyholders. Rhode Island premiums were expected to increase by just 16 percent, slightly less than the national average, and Vermont’s by 13 percent. New Hampshire is set to experience one of the least significant increases at an estimated four percent.
Of course, such a huge jump has made a major dent in
consumers’ pockets, so insurers and news outlets have sought to justify these increases by blaming inflation, the cost of repairs and claim frequency and severity. While there is some validity to these explanations, it seems worthwhile to dissect each culprit identified by carriers.
The annual inflation rate for 2023 was 4.1 percent with the current year’s rate hovering near 2.5 percent and experts predicting a continued decline in 2025. With rising inflation impacting the cost of – well, everything, it’s not exactly surprising that repair costs have increased. Examining the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, CCC Intelligent Solutions’ Crash Course Q3 2024 reports a 3.7 percent growth in the total cost of repair, driven largely by labor and parts costs…although Commonwealth repairers can attest to the fact that very little forward movement has been made when it comes to the labor reimbursement rates actually being paid by insurers!
Exploring the growth of severity and frequency is a little more complex. CCC Intelligent Solutions’ Crash Course Q1 2024 indicates that severity has outpaced general inflation, largely due to the higher cost associated with medical bills, reflecting an increase of 6.7 percent since 2022. Although the report asserts that auto collision frequency flattened out in the first half of 2023, it acknowledges, “Comprehensive paid claim frequency has continued to rise in recent quarters and appears to be at or near historic levels, likely a result of the storm activity.”
These factors are corroborated by the 2024 LexisNexis Auto Trends Report: “Both the severity and frequency of claims, including severe auto physical damage and bodily injury, have increased since 2020. Bodily injury severity has increased 20 percent in the post-pandemic years.”
While the fact that advancing technology has led to higher severity is apparent, many shops report that insurers object to paying for certain processes and procedures. At the same time, these same technological advances have largely mitigated some risky driving occurrences, with safety systems like lane departure warning and automatic braking, which would appear to reduce the frequency of claims.
Although the Insurance Information Institute (III) claims that auto insurers paid out 112 percent of premium dollars collected in claims in 2022, they also report a 2023 net written premium growth of 14.3 percent, “the highest in over 15 years and six points higher than the next-highest, reflecting rate increases to offset inflation-related loss costs.”
Yet, even as insurance carriers cry broke based on these figures, other numbers tell a different story.
III’s website identifies the top 10 writers of private passenger auto insurance in 2023 by direct premiums written as State Farm, Progressive, Berkshire Hathaway (GEICO), Allstate, USAA, Liberty Mutual, Farmers Insurance, American Family, Travelers and Nationwide. These premiums total over $243 million and account for 76.7 percent of written premiums in this category.
A look at annual and quarterly financial results for these insurers reveals varying tales; some acknowledge high earnings, while others share a sob story of their losses, but in either case, these insurance companies do not seem to be suffering from a major budgetary deficit based on what they’re paying their CEOs – these same 10 companies paid over a quarter billion dollars to their CEOs over the past two years!
Data for 2023 isn’t readily available as of the time of this
writing, but New England Automotive Report was able to find estimated compensations for eight of these companies, which has been used in the following discussion.
Although State Farm reported a $13.2 billion underwriting loss in 2023, the company issued a record $118 billion in new policy volume and boasted a $3.5 billion increase in net worth (from $131.2 billion in 2022 to $134.8 billion in 2023). CEO Michael Tipsord’s 2022 compensation was $24.4 million, and while that reportedly dropped to just $17.6 million in 2023, that amount still reflects a 76 percent increase over his 2019 salary of $10 million. According to Payscale.com, the average State Farm employee earns $56,000 per year, which means Tipsord earned over 314 times more than the company’s average worker last year (which we’ll identify as “pay ratio” going forward).
Progressive’s 2023 net income was $3.86 billion, a 456.4 percent increase over 2022, and the insurer net worth is estimated at $93 billion. During an earnings call in October, Progressive reported a Q3 profit of $2.33 billion – more than double its net income of $1.12 billion for the same period in 2023. CEO Susan Patricia Griffith’s 22.7 percent compensation increase in 2023 took her earnings from $12.7 million (2022) to $15.6 million with a 218:1 pay ratio.
After reducing its staffing by 20 percent and increasing premiums by an average of 17 percent per policy in 2023, GEICO generated an underwriting profit of $3.6 billion last year, compared with a loss of $1.9 billion in 2022. The company suffered the highest loss in market share of these organizations, and that was reflected in CEO Todd Combs’ salary cut from $13.6 million in 2022 to just $10 million last year (cue world’s smallest violin), with a pay ratio of 130:1.
While Allstate’s 2023 Financial Report indicated a $316 million loss, a net worth of over $50 billion allowed the insurer to pay CEO Thomas Wilson $16.5 million last year, a decrease from his 2022 compensation of $18.9 million, though it still results in a 240:1 pay ratio.
According to USAA’s 2023 Annual Report, its net income of $1.2 billion helped increase its net worth by $1.7 billion, ending the year at $29.1 billion, though its assets total $212 billion. As a result, Steven Wayne Peacock walked away with $8.1 million, a 426.3 percent increase over his starting CEO salary of $1.9 million in 2020 and a pay ratio of 137:1.
Liberty Mutual’s new CEO Timothy Sweeney earned an estimated $15.5 million (a 187:1 pay ratio) in 2023 after his company hiked premiums across the country, including a 25 percent rate increase in California.
In 2022, Farmers Insurance CEO Jeff Dailey received $1.8 million more than he had the previous year, following the layoff of 11 percent of the company’s workforce and huge jumps in homeowners insurance premiums (more than $575 million across 42 states). He earned almost 136 times the average employee’s salary.
After reporting an underwriting loss of $1.7 billion in 2023, American Family reduced CEO Jeff Salzwedel’s salary from $6.7 million (2022) to $3.4 million; last year, he made just over a quarter of his 2020 earnings of $12.4 million. As a result, this company has the lowest pay ratio of just 33:1.
Travelers’ Allan Schnitzer received $22 million in compensation last year, an increase of 136.65 percent compared to $16.1 million in 2019, and a pay ratio of 378:1.
Last year, Nationwide reported its third consecutive year of “record sales” with $1.3 billion in net operating income and total adjusted capital of $25 billion, up nearly five percent from 2022. CEO Kirt Walker received $3.5 million in 2022, an estimated pay ratio of 43:1.
So, where does all this money come from when insurers keep claiming losses year after year?
Michael DeLong, research and advocacy association for the Consumer Federation of America, seems to have hit the nail on the head in an October 2023 statement: “CEOs are living high on the hog while increasing insurance premiums for people living paycheck to paycheck. Insurers are telling regulators that ordinary consumers have to pay much more for auto and home insurance because the companies are struggling with inflation and climate change, but they are quietly handing CEOs gigantic bonuses. Drivers are required to buy auto insurance and homeowners have to buy coverage to satisfy their loan requirements, so there needs to be more scrutiny of the rate hikes companies are demanding and the huge CEO paydays that are funded with customer premiums.”
So, while many consumers struggle to buy groceries, their insurance premiums continue to increase, lining the pockets of these executives while the companies they work for keep crying that they can’t afford to pay out claims.
AASP/MA, AKA the Alliance, leaders weigh in on this topic.
“These pay gaps in the insurance world are concerning and do not align with our industry whatsoever,” asserts Alliance Vice President Matt Ciaschini. “Whether we are talking about the gap between collision shop owners and employees or the disparity
between what the insurers reimburse the consumer for a claim versus what auto body shops have posted for rates in their shops, these two worlds are in different universes. It is sad that we still have to struggle to pay and train our highly skilled technicians and appraisers, while we see the bloat at the top of the insurance carriers. This is a reason to take back the collision industry from the insurers and align ourselves with the consumers as allies against a common foe, an opponent that is not just the insurers but corporate greed in general.”
“Sadly, what we have seen historically is that insurers have been very successful in making the figures work for them when applying for rate increases,” agrees AASP/MA Executive Director Lucky Papageorg. “They have and will continue to work with smoke and mirrors to attempt to mask what is nothing more than corporate greed. They see and fully understand what is going on in the collision repair industry; they just won't change until someone or something makes them change! I personally remember speaking with a highlevel executive in the property damage department back in the late ‘90s and asking him, ‘Where do you think your insureds will be getting their vehicles repaired in the future? How long will they have to wait to get their vehicles repaired as you continue to push collision repairers out of business?’ He responded, ‘It's not my problem, and it won't be yours either. We will both be long gone before that happens!’ Well, I am still here, and it’s absolutely my problem! I’m sure that I’d hear the same answer if I posed my question to today’s insurers.
“To this day, insurers continue to use their well-oiled and proven tactics to convince legislators, regulators and – to a degree – the continued on pg. 42
Speak up for your shop!
Take the New England Automotive Report Survey!
New England Automotive Report, the official publication of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Massachusetts, invites you to take a few minutes to fill out our Industry Survey! Your opinions matter, and we want to learn more about your shop! Your feedback will help shed some light on the issues being faced by repairers today. Your answers will remain anonymous.
*Make sure you complete the survey soon - it closes at 11:59pm on December 31, 2024*
Scan the QR Code to begin the survey!
Look for survey results in an upcoming issue of New England Automotive Report!
One Call, One Truck for 14 Brands!
Here’s to 241 years of combined service excellence
This year, as Albert Kemperle Inc. celebrates its 83rd anniversary, BASF also celebrates its 158th anniversary. We are proud of our decades of partnership with BASF and years of serving the auto paint and body industry together. Kemperle’s founders would be proud of this relationship and the growth their company has experienced because of it.
Today, as we look forward to many more decades of service to our customers, we find ourselves filled with gratitude. The creativity, hard work, and sense of responsibility of the people working for our two companies have made us what we are today.
Thank you for your many years of loyalty.
626 E. Elizabeth Ave., Linden, NJ 07036 Phone: (908) 925-6133 Fax: (908) 925-4344 414-416 Madison Ave., Paterson, NJ 07524 Phone: (973) 279-8300
A Year in Review: A Strategic Shift Toward Industry-Changing Advocacy
Introduction: A Year of Progress and Focus for Coverall Law
In 2024, Coverall Law embraced a transformative approach, building on our commitment to support collision repair shops. This year, the firm made pivotal strides, choosing to focus solely on the collision repair industry while streamlining resources to amplify impact. At the core of this strategy is “Strategic Litigation,” a process aimed at guiding clients through costeffective, outcome-driven legal actions that prioritize not only individual victories but meaningful, industry-wide changes. This focused approach enables Coverall Law to better protect clients’ rights, secure fair compensation and lead efforts to build a stronger, more resilient future for the industry.
Major Wins and Industry Impact
Securing Payments for Shops Through Strategic Legal Action
One of Coverall Law’s significant successes this year has been the enforcement of unpaid invoices for its clients, achieved through strategic lien enforcement and the use of its signature “Forever Forms.” These tools have become powerful assets, designed to ensure that collision repair shops receive the payments they’re entitled to from insurers. The Forever Forms, backed by a series of legal clauses, have already driven compliance among many insurers, affirming Coverall Law’s effectiveness in protecting client compensation.
Central to these efforts is the shared commitment to “doing the right thing, for the right reasons.” Coverall’s legal strategies reinforce the right of collision repair shops to perform safe, quality repairs without sacrificing ethical standards or procedural integrity.
Landmark Case Against Pro Rata Claim Splitting
A pivotal case in 2024 underscored Coverall Law’s dedication to protecting client rights under Massachusetts law. When an insurer attempted to divide policy benefits among multiple claims, potentially reducing the client’s total compensation, we successfully challenged the policy. This case not only provided full compensation for the client but also served as a landmark precedent, educating the insurer on the boundaries of Massachusetts law. Wins like this underscore our role as both advocate and educator, continuously elevating the standard of
fairness and compliance within the insurance industry.
Expanding and Strengthening the Forever Forms Initiative
Growth of the Forever Forms as a Core Tool for Members
The Forever Forms have proven instrumental in providing our clients with a unified legal foundation. In 2024, these forms became a focal point for addressing some of the most pressing issues in Massachusetts, including:
• Counteracting Insurer Steering: Ensuring that insurers do not interfere with clients’ rights to choose a repair shop.
• Addressing Abandoned Vehicle Disposal: Working toward cost-effective solutions for the disposal of abandoned vehicles, an issue affecting many repair facilities.
• Pushing for Timely Appraisals: Advocating for insurers to meet their appraisal obligations promptly, protecting clients from unnecessary delays.
Through the expanded Forever Forms initiative, Coverall Law has provided Massachusetts repair shops with tools to take a proactive stance, protecting their rights against insurer overreach while reinforcing fair practices across the industry.
Strengthening the Statewide Association for United Industry Advocacy
In line with its vision of collective advocacy, we have expanded its support for AASP/MA, aiming to foster a more unified voice for collision repair shops throughout Massachusetts. By strengthening ties within the association, Coverall Law enables members to work collaboratively, creating a stronger, more effective platform for change. As membership grows, so does the capacity to advocate for fairer practices and regulations, amplifying the collective power of collision repair shops statewide.
Strategic Focus on Litigation for Industry-Wide Impact Pivot to Strategic Litigation for Measured, Industry-Beneficial Outcomes
This year, Coverall Law saw firsthand the importance of measured, impactful litigation. While the firm has always focused on collision repair, an uptick in other types of litigation earlier in the year highlighted the need to streamline resources and sharpen
its focus. As a result, we adopted “Strategic Litigation” as a guiding approach, advising clients on when litigation aligns with both their financial interests and the broader industry goals. Under this approach, Coverall Law assesses each legal action carefully, counseling clients on when pursuing litigation may result in substantial benefits – whether in setting a legal precedent, securing necessary payments or pushing for fair insurer practices. By prioritizing cases that offer sustainable, industrywide results, Coverall ensures that each action reinforces the core mission of protecting and empowering collision repair shops.
Counseling for Sustainable Results
To further align with the needs of repair shops, Coverall Law’s products, including the Forever Forms and litigation strategies, are built with sustainability in mind. The firm’s goal is to ensure that each legal service pays for itself, representing a reliable investment in the client’s business. With Strategic Litigation, Coverall Law emphasizes that litigation must benefit both the individual shop and the industry, reinforcing a sustainable, long-term advocacy model.
Strengthening Insurer Relationships and Setting Legal Precedents
Positive Engagement and Ongoing Litigation for Precedent-Setting Cases
In 2024, Coverall Law’s work in cultivating constructive relationships with insurers yielded positive results for the majority
of its clients. However, ongoing litigation against two particular insurers, who have resisted fair compensation practices, is aimed at setting precedents that will benefit all collision repair shops in the future. Through these select cases, we continues to push for long-term changes that hold insurers accountable, advocating for fair and sustainable business practices.
As technology advances, the need for safe, OE-compliant repairs has only intensified, and Coverall Law remains committed to supporting clients’ rights to be fairly compensated for these services. With the rise of ADAS, we Coverall hasve worked closely with facilities specializing in these repairs, reinforcing the importance of safety standards that protect both the shop and the customer. In championing fair compensation for technologically complex repairs, Coverall Law is ensuring that shops are rewarded, not penalized, for investing in the future.
Future Outlook: Infrastructure and Enhanced Tools for Sustainable Growth
Transition to a New Platform for Forever Form Users
Looking forward, Coverall Law is preparing to launch an upgraded platform for Forever Form users. This enhanced system will provide additional functionality, streamlining feedback loops and enabling clients to quickly adapt to insurer strategies. By staying ahead of insurer tactics, the platform will support member continued on pg. 36
continued from pg. 35
shops in remaining protected and sustainably compensated, helping them navigate an evolving landscape with confidence.
Building In-House Legal Expertise for Long-Term Impact
To further support strategic litigation efforts, Coverall Law is also strengthening its in-house infrastructure. The addition of a dedicated attorney to lead litigation will bolster the firm’s ability to oversee and drive key cases, ensuring every action taken is purposeful and impactful. This internal expansion marks a significant investment in long-term sustainability and industry influence.
Exploring Broader Horizons Beyond Massachusetts
Finally, Coverall Law continues to explore potential expansion beyond Massachusetts, studying other states’ legal landscapes for insights and opportunities. As the firm grows, so does its ability to bring valuable lessons back to Massachusetts, enriching local practices with a broader perspective. This outlook reinforces our commitment to high-quality, principled legal service and to fortifying the industry against challenges.
Conclusion: A Vision for Empowered, United Collision Repair Shops
This has been a year of focus, strategic refinement and renewed dedication for Coverall Law. With a mission of helping collision repair shops thrive through smart legal strategies, we continue to develop tools, products and guidance that support client success. Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be a year of growth and innovation, with Coverall Law committed to creating a fair, secure future for collision repair shops. Through every action, we stand by our clients, ensuring they are empowered to succeed and remain united in strength.
Coverall Law Managing Attorney Sean Preston finished in the top of his law school class at the historic Howard University School of Law in Washington, DC after serving in the United States Army. He went on to excel in business and legal strategy, serving some of the world's most recognizable brands in neighboring industries. Sean recently returned from Berlin, Germany with his family (where he served in Rolls-Royce's General Counsel function) and today resides in Wareham, MA, where he helps to oversee and meaningfully lead efforts in the region for Coverall Law. He can be reached at (508) 635-5329 or via email at spreston@coveralllaw.com.
415 Taunton Ave. | East Providence, RI 02914
Direct: 401-438-2206 | Fax: 401-431-0673
7:30am-7pm | FRI: 7:30am-6pm | SAT: 7:30am-5pm
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Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists –a “One-Stop Shop”
No matter how you spin it, there really is no competition when it comes to wheel repair and replacement outside of Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists. Thousands of body shops all around the country call on them for everything related to wheel repair and replacement as they are the world’s largest wheel repair, manufacturing and replacement provider.
The company has grown substantially since its early roots were first planted in 2001, growing from one shop to more than 100 today. According to CEO Rob Wheeley, who assures he did not change his name, quipping “It must have been in the stars,” the company began as a licensee company which moved to franchising. Wheeley was a franchise owner in Baltimore at the time when he was approached by a private equity company looking to create a corporate market alongside the franchise market. “Baltimore was the first acquisition in November 2015, and we started rolling out the corporate network we have now.”
enables us to provide the workmanship that one would expect from a company like ours.
Their large network allows them to serve clients in many different ways. The operation consists of over 400 mobile repair facilities that can go directly to their customers. They also have 50 manufacturing plants.
“Our mobile remanufacturing facilities are full wheel repair mobile units that go on site to the customer to perform wheel repairs, wheel straightening, recoloring or whatever a body shop, dealership or tire store needs. These units are the equivalent of a mini body shop. They are OSHA and EPA compliant. They have a wheel straightener on board, a separate room to prep the wheel and an enclosed downdraft paint booth – a mini version of what you’d see in the body shop. This
“We work for thousands, if not tens of thousands, of body shops around the country,” adds Wheeley. “We adhere to safety standards. If a mobile unit on the road encounters a wheel with heavy damage, we’ll take it back to our manufacturing unit where we usually repair and turn it around in about 24 hours. If a wheel cannot be repaired, we provide them with a replacement with OEM inventory at a fraction of the cost.”
Aside from the quality of service they provide, what really sets Alloy Wheels apart is that they have the largest footprint across the United States. Others may provide one or two of these services, but they are the only company to provide all three – repair, re-manufacturing and replacement.
The company has truly achieved substantial success and growth over these past 25 years as the need for repair grew and grew. “Prior to twenty-five years ago, they weren’t repairing wheels or windshields and fixing dents in bumpers. They began to repair these components in the late 90s and early 2000s, and that’s how this franchise was born.”
Growth continues in many forms. They are also working to publish their repairs to estimating platforms – another easy button for shops. Also, working closely with local auto body associations is a great way to partner with their customers and get the word out.
“We are a one-stop shop, offering world class wheel repair and first-class customer service,” Wheeley boasts.
WHY GENUINE PARTS?
IRA Toyota of Manchester
33 Auto Center Road
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IRA Toyota Danvers
161 Andover Street
Danvers, MA 01923
PH: 800-774-8411 ext.1
Direct: 978-739-8306
FAX: 978-739-8098
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Grieco Toyota 415 Taunton Ave.
East Providence, RI 02914
Direct: 401-438-2206
Fax: 401-431-0673
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Wellesley Toyota 216 Worcester Street
Wellesley, MA 02481
PH: 800-734-0006
Direct: 781-237-4042
FAX: 781-237-3481
parts@wellesleytoyota.com www.wellesleytoyota.com
Bernardi Toyota 1626 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01702
Parts Direct: 800-247-3033
FAX: 508-879-7895 www.bernarditoyota.com
Balise Toyota 1399 Riverdale St. West Springfield, MA 01089
TOGETHER, WE WILL ALL “THRIVE IN '25”! [EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S] MESSAGE
continued from pg. 8
You must ask yourself, “Where do I see my business in the next five years?” If you want to be a successful, integral, contributing member of this great and essential industry, you must start taking the right steps TODAY! The saying “He who hesitates is lost” could not be truer; however, it is NOT too late. It will take hard work and perseverance. This association is, and will continue to be, here to help! It is a partnership, however. If you are not currently a member, join us now using the application on page 7, or sign up online via our website, aaspma.org under the JOIN NOW tab.
[COVER] STORY
AASP/MA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EVANGELOS “LUCKY” PAPAGEORG can be reached at (617) 574-0741 or lucky@aaspma.org
continued from pg. 30
public that they are deserving of the increases they request, and the high premium rates are not their fault,” he continues. “They continue to do all sorts of things that only add to the cost of repairing a vehicle, such as their administrative costs and replacement rental bills, through their actions of ‘deny, delay and defend’ because they can then point at those expenses to warrant the increase they are requesting. It is a self-rewarding method that only benefits them and allows them to receive undue enrichment. They create most of the issues that cause the escalating administrative costs they experience. Unlike collision repairers, who do not have the same ability to pass along those same expenses, insurers are guaranteed a profit.”
