Texas Automotive October 2023

OCTOBER 2023

ABAT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Burl Richards Burl's Collision Center burl@burlscollision.com (903) 657-8082

Chairman of the Board Corey Pigg S&W Expert Collision Repair coreyp@swcollision.com (936) 634-8361

Vice President Eric McKenzie Park Place Dealerships emckenzie@parkplace.com (214) 443-8250

Treasurer David Osburn “Ozzy” David McDavid Ford ozzy6384@gmail.com (817) 648-5759

Executive Director Jill Tuggle jill@abat.us (817) 899-0554

ABAT BOARD MEMBERS

Bobby Beason DeMontrond Collision Center bobby.beason@demontrond.com (936) 577-2747

Larry Cernosek Deer Park Paint & Body lcwrecker@comcast.net (281) 930-1539

Kevin Ellison Westway Ford kellison@vtaig.com (972) 584-9033

Brandon Gillespy Park Place BodyWerks bgillespy@parkplace.com 214-443-8250

Chad Kiffe Berli's Body & Fine Finishes chadk@berlisbody.com (512) 251-6136

Greg Luther Helfman Collision gluther@helfman.com (713) 574-5060

Darrell Smith McDaniel’s Quality Body Works Inc darrell-mcdaniels@sbcglobal.net

Robert McDorman Auto Claim Specialists rmcdorman@autoclaimspecialists.com (817) 756-5482

Chad Neal Innovative Collision Equipment Chadwneal@yahoo.com (817) 527-2143

Logan Payne Payne & Sons Paint & Body logan@paynescollision.com (214) 321-4362

Anthony Palomo West Texas Auto Color japalomo3@yahoo.com (806) 831-7765

Manuel Rubio Miracle Body & Paint manuelr@miraclebp.com (210) 843-9564

Albert Salinas South Houston Nissan asalinas@southhoustonnissan.com 833-856-7871

Published by: Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. 244 Chestnut Street, Suite 202, Nutley, NJ 07110 Corporate: (973) 667-6922 / FAX: (973) 235-1963

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

Thomas Greco / thomas@grecopublishing.com

VICE PRESIDENT/SALES DIRECTOR Alicia Figurelli / alicia@grecopublishing.com

EDITORIAL/CREATIVE COORDINATOR

Alana Quartuccio / alana@grecopublishing.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Chasidy Rae Sisk / chasidy@grecopublishing.com

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Joe Greco / joe@grecopublishing.com

OFFICE MANAGER

Donna Greco / donna@grecopublishing.com

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Burl Richards / Jill Tuggle

Robert L. McDorman / Mike Anderson / Jacquelyn Bauman

www.grecopublishing.com

TEXAS AUTOMOTIVE is published monthly and is sent to ABAT members free of charge. Subscriptions are $24 per year. TEXAS AUTOMOTIVE is published by Thomas Greco Publishing Inc., 244 Chestnut St., Nutley, NJ 07110. The editorial contents of TEXAS AUTOMOTIVE are copyright © 2023 by Thomas Greco Publishing Inc. and may not be reproduced in any manner, either in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher and/or editor. Articles in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Thomas Greco Publishing Inc. Stock Images courtesy of www. istockphoto.com

Insurer Immunity

BBack in August, the Texas Insurance Commissioner issued a cease-and-desist order against Go/Peachtree Insurance stating the insurer “presents an immediate danger to the public if it does not immediately cease and desist from the conduct detailed in the application,” that it is “in a hazardous financial condition” and its “conduct is reasonably expected to cause significant, imminent and irreparable harm to its policyholders and claimants because the company is in a hazardous financial condition and is not timely and appropriately handling or paying claims.”

It’s reassuring to see the Insurance Commissioner treating them like any other business because it often seems like they contend with little to no resistance when they constantly ask for rate hikes and raise their rates; they simply submit a request explaining they’re increasing their premiums. But insurance companies have to run a

profitable business, just like body shops have to run a profitable business.

Of course, when we translate the need for increased rates to the auto body world, we don’t always receive the simple approvals that insurers seem to experience. Meanwhile, everything goes up every year. Our paint and material costs, equipment, tools… everything increases year over year. But we need to gather our data and compile a lot of information to justify our rate increases.

Still, insurers often tell us, “Sorry, but no one else’s rates went up, so we aren’t going to pay this amount.” Well, that just means it’s up to us to fight for our shops and stand up for what we need to operate profitably because otherwise, we could go out of business.

Burl Richards ABAT President

Executive Director’s Message

Tune in to ABAT

As we round the corner of another great year, ABAT is already looking to the future. Innovation and evolution are key factors to the success of any organization, and we see it show up in every corner of the collision repair industry. That’s why we at ABAT put much of our efforts into staying relevant and reaching as many shops as possible. We are so excited to announce the launch of some new ways we plan to stay connected to our members and followers. While much of our plans are still in the workshopping phase, you can expect to see us offering more connection and education by way of frequent webinars, short videos and social media live chats.

I field several phone calls and questions each month from shops and consumers all across Texas who seek answers from the association. Many of the same questions are sent to me from different shops – signaling that you all are facing the same issues. Conversely, some issues are unique to different regions. We are going to take many of these questions and answer them publicly

(while maintaining anonymity) and generate some meaningful conversations.

We will also be bringing some of the most popular seminars from the Texas Auto Body Trade Show and presenting them via webinar in the next few months. Our classes have sold out the last couple years, and folks are hungry for more information. You asked; we listened.

Jill Tuggle ABAT Executive Director

You do not want to miss our upcoming segments, so be sure you are following us both via email and social media.

You can join our mailing list at abat.us/join-mailing-list/ and follow our socials: @abat.us and @txabts.

So TUNE in, TURN it up, and send us your questions!!

jill@abat.com

THE AUTO BODY ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS

HOUSTON CHAPTER’S SECOND ANNUAL TOP GOLF FUNDRAISER

NOV 9, 2023– 12:00– 4:00 pm

Top Golf Katy - 1030 Memorial Brook Blvd Houston, TX 77084

3 FULL hours of Top Golf play, a $10,000 Hole-In-One contest and THOUSANDS in prizes!!

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 Hole One Sponsor $3,000 Company to set up in Hole In One bay to greet all golfers, item in swag bag, logo on 2nd tier of all advertising and screens and a 6 person golf team

 Bar Sponsor (2 drink tickets per person) $2500 Company Logo in bar area and on 2nd tier of all advertising and screens, item in swag bag and a 6 person golf team

 Team Sponsor $1200 includes a team of up to 6 “golfers”, swag bag and two drink tickets per golfer

 Raffle Sponsor $500 company logo added to a raffle item, company logo on 3rd tier of all advertisements and tv screens

 Swag bag sponsor $250 company has the opportunity to put a branded item in the swag bag, logo on 3 rd tier of all advertisements and tv screens

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Russell & Smith Logging Big Paint Hours with USI Booths & Prep Station

Buying a paint booth is a huge investment, and there are many factors to carefully consider before selecting one Will the booth work well in a region where there’s a ton of humidity and with drastic changes in the weather? How long do you think the booth will last and will it require a lot of maintenance? Will your painters be comfortable using it ever y day and finally, will the company making the booth provide solid training and reliable customer ser vice?

To answer these questions before acquiring two Chronotech spray booths and a prep deck from USI ITALIA back in 2004, Collision Center Manager Kevin McIllveen at Russell & Smith Body Shop in Houston, TX spent six months studying the market He was looking for the best booths that matched his needs to use in a brand-new 36,000 sq ft facility that the company built from the ground up

Mcllveen, age 56, entered the industr y more than three decades ago as an estimator and has worked for Russell & Smith Body Shop since 1993. His goal with his new spray booths was to improve the efficiencies in his paint department and to accommodate his production, he said, while simultaneously saving time and energy if possible

The vetting process was arduous but worth it in the end "We did our research so that we could make an educated decision," he said "I went to NACE two years in a row and talked to literally ever yone and asked a lot of questions We knew that this was going to be a ver y significant investment, so we took the time to perform our due diligence to cover all our bases We invested in their prep stations as well, which was another good decision, because my guys can work so much faster and effectively with five different places where we can spray We put a curtain up in the prep booth that provides us two additional spaces that are heated and properly ventilated So, when we are really jammed, we can handle the workload and maintain our cycle time without interrupting or slowing down our production "

After using them for a ver y short time, Mcllveen could clearly see that his Chronotechs were more than capable as they quickly became a centerpiece in his new, high-end, modern shop

"We have four paint teams here, consisting of a painter and a painter’s helper and we consistently log approximately 600-700 paint hours weekly,” he said “We switched to waterborne paint when we opened this facility because we want to provide a healthier climate for our employees and the community as a whole ”

Why was Mcllveen able to improve his numbers by simply adding two USI booths? “In the end, it all comes down to their airflow because we never need blowers or additional air to cure these vehicles The fans in these Chronotechs are exceptional because they feature variable speeds, so we can switch depending on the parameters of each job. Our painters are producing an impressive product day after day, so these booths are saving us both time and money We paint an average of 400 cars ever y month, so

we push these booths and they never let us down ”

Any issues that Russell & Smith Body Shop have encountered with their USI ITALIA booths have been rare and far between But Mcllveen feels good knowing that if called upon, the company will respond and find solutions promptly “If you do your scheduled maintenance and keep ever ything clean, these booths will last you 30 years and maybe even longer The issues that we have encountered with the Chronotechs have been minor and quickly solved, which is impressive when you think that we have been using these booths daily for the last 16 years. I tell people that these booths will be here long after I’ve retired!”

After training provided by USI ITALIA, Mcllveen’s painters were able to start spraying after one day, he said "The Chronotechs are designed to work with waterborne paint, which makes it easier for our painters to do their work After a ver y short time, all of our guys were comfortable and the results were consistently exceptional ”

Mcllveen is also impressed by the Chronotech's sturdy construction and durability "Some booths are just a box, but these are wellbuilt," he said “I know, because I've seen them all and there isn't anything like a USI ITALIA booth "

His career in collision repair industr y has been a great experience and products like his USI ITALIA spray booths and prep station are a part of that, he said “We haven’t had to furlough anybody here and that’s because we value our people and, in the end, our Chronotechs are part of the team ”

EV Charging $tation$: A New Revenue $tream For Your $hop?

“Electric vehicles (EVs) are the future…the future is EV.” Shops have been receiving this message for the past few years, and while some have invested in upgrades to their facilities, tools, equipment and training, many more have turned a deaf ear to the news. Yet, consumers are forging ahead with the purchase of EVs in many areas of the country, begging the question not only of “who will repair these vehicles?” but – more pressingly – where will drivers be able to charge them?

While the total number of EVs in the US increased from 1,019,260 to 1,454,580 from 2021 to 2022 (a growth rate of 42 percent) according to Zutobi’s “2023 EV Charging Station Report,”

the number of public charging outlets have increased by just 12 percent, from 128,549 to 143,771. In its “Get Connected: Electric Vehicle Quarterly Report 2023,” the Alliance for Automotive Innovation (AAI) agreed the “installation of US public chargers is not keeping up with current and projected EV sales,” noting that as of the first quarter of this year, there was a “total of 133,982 publicly available charging outlets in US for 3.34 million EVs on the road, a ratio of 25 EVs per charger,” and while 306,047 EVs were registered that quarter, only 7,802 new chargers were added, a ratio of 39 EVs per public port.

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

The current shortage of public charging stations creates an opportunity for savvy business owners willing to invest in the infrastructure needed to support EV growth, and such an investment seems particularly well-aligned with the body shop world which could benefit both directly and indirectly from this type of venture.

Although installation can be costly, shops with the means and space to add one or more charging ports may enjoy increased profitability, both by attracting new customers – who may ultimately elect to have their EVs repaired at the shop – as well as by creating an avenue to generate new income by setting up a charging station similar to gas stations. How profitable are charging stations? It really depends on the level of EV adoption within the specific market, but estimates indicate the potential to earn thousands of dollars monthly from EV charging because it’s a service that consumers desperately need!

Adoption rates vary from state to state, largely driven by tax credits made available and state laws being passed. Although Texas saw a 55 percent increase in EVs (52,190 to 80,900) in 2021 v. 2022, the state only offers 7.8 charging points per 100 EVs, indicating a serious deficit, especially in the widespread Lone Star State where drivers may travel hours without finding a charging station.

While Texas recently passed a law imposing an additional $200 registration fee on EV owners, it also offers rebates of up to $2,500 for up to 2,000 new hydrogen fuel cell, electric or hybrid vehicles every two years. EVs truly are the future…but what do shops think about this potential investment?

In Texas, it definitely depends on the market – and even the sub-market!

“Our facility is in the poorest part of town where customers will NOT be able to afford these expensive vehicles, so I do not see owners here spending any money on the equipment needed to repair EVs anytime soon,” shares Albert Salinas (South Houston Nissan; Houston).

On the other side of town, Helfman Collision (Houston) has already invested “roughly $700,000” into building upgrades and installation of EV charging stations, according to Greg Luther, body shop operations director.

“We are currently going through the installation process and haven’t determined how much we will bill for service, but we DO plan on charging customers for charging their vehicles,” he adds, stressing the importance of shops collecting for the work performed and resources used to perform that work.

“Shops should install chargers if they will be working on EVs,” Luther expresses, acknowledging, “If they have no plans to repair EVs, there is no need for charging stations. This is my current opinion and will likely change 12 months from now.”

For Eric McKenzie (Park Place BodyWerks; Dallas), the decision to install EV charging stations varies by OEM. “Our three Mercedes-Benz dealerships are the ones most involved in EV charging at this point since 40 to 50 percent of inventory and close to 20 percent of loaner cars are EVs. Each Mercedes dealership has added a significant number of level-three (slow) chargers, which cost around $15,000 each, as well as one level-two fast charger, which

cost approximately $30,000 to install. All our other brands are just getting started on EV vehicle offerings, so those dealerships only have one charger at the moment.”

The space required for EV charging stations is another consideration for shops interested in installation. “Each charger has two plugs so they each need two parking spaces allotted for them,” McKenzie notes, adding, “None of these are intended for public pay purposes – they were all installed for internal use. As we see more of these vehicles for repair, we plan to add the fast chargers to each of the three associated certified collision centers next year; however, those stations are still intended only for internal use. We have not discussed any for public pay use at this time.”

In contrast, Burl Richards (Burl’s Collision Center; Henderson) plans to start allowing public charging this fall once the shop sets up an appropriate billing account. His shop has invested around $45,000 into building upgrades, including extending a wall, electrical work and adding a bore under the parking lot, but he says, “There are tax rebates that we hope to recoup at the end of the year.”

In the meantime, Richards agrees with Luther when it comes to recouping costs. “We charge customers a flat rate of approximately $40 to charge EV vehicles at the shop, and that includes moving the vehicle to the charging station, hooking them up and monitoring them.”

Although installing EV chargers requires a significant cost, Richards sees it as a worthwhile investment, though he acknowledges that every shop owner must decide if it’s right for their individual business. “It’s basically a business decision based upon short- and long-term benefits, and every business owner has to make that decision for himself or herself. The investment is long term, but considering our commitment to EV training and certifications, I believe it is necessary and will benefit our shop in the long run. When we make our chargers available to the public, we believe that will help even more as ‘business breeds business.’”

Clearly, investing in EV charging stations offer a lot of opportunities…and still present challenges, but does one outweigh the other? We’d love to hear what you think! Feel free to share your opinion with chasidy@grecopublishing.com. TXA

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Are Online Reviews Accurate?

Houston’s Highest Online Customer

Rated BODY SHOPs

When someone gets into an auto accident, the first thing they usually do is call their insurance company who then, of course, tells them the collision shop they should take their vehicle to. An educated customer does their research and if they’re smart, they choose an ABAT shop. Unfortunately not everyone is informed (but we’re trying) so in today’s online centric world, many turn to sites like Yelp, Carwise and Google and make their choice based on online reviews. Of course online reviews can be easily skewed. What makes a highly rated shop online may not have anything to do with the quality of the work. But that’s what makes this interesting, right?

For this month’s cover story, we did a deep dive into shops that have the best online reviews (we’re happy to report that almost half are ABAT members!) in the Houston area. Are these reviews accurate? How much do they impact your business? You tell us. Email us at alana@grecopublishing.com.

Publisher’s Note: Please keep in mind this article is representative of online reviews and for entertainment only. ABAT has had no input in the selection of the shops on this list.

Bates Collision Center - Established in 1990

3219 N. Main Street, Baytown

Bates Collision was founded on the vision of Lee Bates whose love for vehicles began as a young technician who started out sweeping floors in a body shop. Since he and his wife Leila opened the shop in 1990, they have built success based on treating customers like family. Hundreds of reviews on Google alone back up the business’ good quality service. One writer says, “I had a bad accident on I-10 vehicle shutdown due to my cut wiring harness, and my front was caved in. Bates Collision Center took care of everything, and Sonia is amazing; she kept up with my truck’s progress and would inform me with any changes or repair. Awesome customer service and awesome people that work at Bates Collision Center!!!” Another five-star reviewer says, “Team [is] very customer service oriented. There wasn’t one person who I came in contact with who didn’t smile and greet me. Now let’s talk about the work that was completed. Nothing short of beautiful. From the time I left my baby with them, to the time I picked her up, the team was in communication with me regarding updates. I have nothing but accolades for the entire process.”

Texan Auto Repair & Collision - Established in 2004 10011 S. Texas 6, Sugar Land

This repair facility specializes in both collision and automotive repair. The team strives to provide quality repair and is committed to customer satisfaction. Texan Auto Repair & Collision wants their customers to feel at home in their stylish waiting room which features wi-fi, snacks and refreshments. Customers are singing their praises on social sites, such as a Facebook user who says, “Terry Salamat and his team have been nothing but professional and caring to me and my family since 2016. I have had three unfortunate accidents since then, and Terry has been nothing but helpful, patient and always had my best interest throughout the ordeal. Thank you for everything you guys do.” A Google writer shares, “I really can’t begin to say how thankful I am to Terry and his team. From the moment I walked through their doors because my truck had been in an accident, to when I got my truck back, they have been the best! Terry worked with me and my insurance company to make sure I got the best parts needed and at the best cost. They made my truck look brand new! Honest, dependable, set the right expectations and the best customer service hands down.”

Helfman Collision Center - Established in 1959

7720 Katy Freeway, Houston

This repair facility specializes in both collision and automotive repair. The team strives to provide quality repair and is committed to customer satisfaction. Texan Auto Repair & Collision wants their customers to feel at home in their stylish waiting room which features wi-fi, snacks and refreshments. Customers are singing their praises on social sites, such as a Facebook user who says, “Terry Salamat and his team have been nothing but professional and caring to me and my family since 2016. I have had three unfortunate accidents since then, and Terry has been nothing but helpful, patient and always had my best interest throughout the ordeal. Thank you for everything you guys do.” A Google writer shares, “I really can’t begin to say how thankful I am to Terry and his team. From the moment I walked through their doors because my truck had been in an accident, to when I got my truck back, they have been the best! Terry worked with me and my insurance company to make sure I got the best parts needed and at the best cost. They made my truck look brand new! Honest, dependable, set the right expectations and the best customer service hands down.”

MEMBER

Uptown Automotive - Established in 2018

1212

E. 28th Street, Houston

Uptown Automotive thrives in the need of their customers, bringing them the best services they can find in the area in both auto body and mechanical repairs. They consider their business to be “no ordinary body shop” as they care about every detail of the repair from paint right down to the delivery of the car. A customer took to Google to share her experience with her Toyota. “Have taken my Camry and previous cars here for a couple of dings in the past. Zameer and his team always do an excellent job. This last time, my car was ready in under two weeks, which isn’t bad considering they had to order a new door. They coordinated my rental car and all the communications with the insurance company. I’ve also had oil changes here, no problems from that either. Highly recommend!” A Yelp writer says, “I had a small parking accident with a pole that put a dent in the driver side, front fender. This was self pay. Tim Xiong was terrific to work with. When I arrived, he immediately assessed the situation and gave me some options. I felt he took the time to listen to my concerns and explained the pros and cons to each approach.”

Finest Auto Body and Paint - Established in 2015

7702 Irving Boulevard,

Houston

MEMBER

MEMBER

Like its name suggests, this team works to provide nothing but the finest in quality and customer service. They specialize in all areas of collision repair and share more than 52 years of combined experience in the body shop world. Customers are boasting online about the great work (and showing photos) and are giving them major pats on the back for being open with communication. One writer shared before and after photos on Google, sharing the following recommendation: “If you need trustworthy quality body/paint work, this is your place. Not only did they exceed our expectations; they also were amazing at communicating with us when working with the insurance adjusters (the process was seamless). Highly recommend! Just look at the before and after!” Another writes, “I definitely recommend this place 100 percent. The quality of work is amazing; my car looks great! Their communication goes above and beyond.”

Xclusive Collision - Established in 2004

514 Mill Avenue, Conroe

Xclusive Collision (also known as Mill Avenue Auto Works) boasts its commitment to providing 100 percent customer satisfaction. They pride themselves on understanding how inconvenient and unpleasant having a motor vehicle accident can be and therefore do their best to make the experience as convenient as they possibly can. One Google writer points out how she especially liked not having to drop off her rental car at a separate location. “Brought my 2014 Honda Accord to Mill Auto a few days after someone ran into me. The paperwork process was simple, and customer service was on point. I was smiling when I showed up because my car looked like it just came from the factory. This repair shop definitely knows what they’re doing. You also have the option to leave your rental there when you’re done if you’re renting through Enterprise which is pretty sweet. Thank you again for making my car look brand new.” Another states, “Melody is the best at Xclusive Collision! The guys do five star work on your car or truck. I’ve had work done here three times now on three different vehicles! They bring them back to life y’all! Check them out!”

Stowe’s Collision Repair - Established in 2000

21587 Eva Street, Montgomery

It’s Stowe’s Collision Repair’s mission to put their customers at ease and make the process as easy as possible. They use the latest auto body technology and also provide towing, inspection and general auto repair services. All those services definitely provide convenience and care to their clientele. One Facebook user shared her tale about the help she got from Stowe’s after her wreck. “Stowe’s towed my car last week. This was my first personal experience with a major accident. They answered all my calls and questions kindly and with patience. Although the entire week was stressful, Stowe’s definitely made things flow more smoothly. Thank you!” Another happy customer tells Google, “Very happy that I brought my car to Stowe’s. At first, I was not sure where to get my car repaired after my wreck...Stowe’s was close to home and I had a good feeling...So I gave it a try. It was a great choice! They were very helpful and went above and beyond to help me. Real nice people. Not only that, but the work done was amazing! Every detail, even the small ones, were fixed perfectly, and it was done quickly. My expectations were totally exceeded.”

continued on pg. 16

JJ Auto Body - Established in 2002

340

Erin Street, Houston

This body shop wants their customers to trust them with their family’s safety, and they come through by way of state-of-the art repairs, quality technicians and painters who provide nothing less than excellent service. Customer service is also priority, and proof of that shows in what customers are saying online. One customer took to Facebook to report, “Jimmy and his team did an absolutely PHENOMENAL job on my car. I was hit and was told this was the best place to get bodywork done by reddit, and boy did his team not disappoint at all. You literally can’t even tell my car got hit. I have a relatively tough car to blend (metallic red/orange), and when I saw it, it immediately put a huge smile on my face. Myra was super helpful keeping me posted - dropped my car off on a monday and picked it up Friday afternoon exactly as initially estimated.” Another praises their customer service. “This place is a rare find. Customer service is top notch, and their work is impeccable. I’m so glad I found this place and decided to do business with them. Quality and service can’t be beat. Having a place you can trust is paramount. This place checks all the boxes!”

Manriquez Collision & Mechanic Shop - Established in 1947

2411 Center Street, Houston

This five-star rated shop has been serving Houstonians for more than six decades. A family business founded by Merced Manriquez, it is now run by its third generation. One Google review reports, “After my recent accident, I had the pleasure of working with Manriquez Collision & Mechanic Shop, and I can’t recommend them enough! From the moment I walked in, the team was incredibly understanding, especially when my insurance was slow with updates. They kindly allowed me to keep my car in the shop without any hassle. I appreciated how they walked me through the entire post-accident process, ensuring I understood each step. At no point did I feel pressured into purchasing anything I didn’t need, and they made a genuine effort to explain everything to me in detail. Their consistent updates on both my car’s status and any insurance news were truly the cherry on top. Plus, my car looks like new!” A Facebook user states, “Best collision center/body shop I have ever used. As a female, it was important to me to find a place that would treat me with respect and not ask me where my husband was when I walked in or try to scam me. Quality people and quality work done on my Infiniti.”

Corona Paint & Body - Established in 1984

11120

Bissonnet St, Houston

Corona Paint and Body’s mission is to get you back to your journey quickly and safely. With over 100 combined years of experience, the shop always stays up with the latest repair procedures, equipment, certifications, and requirements and strives to be as detailed and accurate as possible in diagnosis, estimation of damage, and repair planning to set up a high-quality repair. “I’ve been here twice to get my truck fixed and they have done AMAZING work both times!” says a Google user. Another recent reviewer adds “Amazing service and fantastic family run repair shop. Extremely happy with the results. I was kept updated on the progress and the staff was extremely helpful making the repair process go as smooth as possible. 110% recommended and if I ever need body work repairs again, I would definitely come back.” A Yelp user commented “A pleasure working with this business. They were very kind and stayed in contact with me throughout the process. You would’ve never even made the guess that my car was damaged before because the work done was flawlessly. Wouldn’t hesitate working with them again!”

UPCOMING ONE-OF-A-KIND CLAIM MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE FOR BODY SHOPS

Currently in testing with 3 highly rated body shops

Expected availability late 2023

Recent and ongoing changes in the auto collision claim process such as remote appraisals based purely upon photos have made the claim process significantly more challenging and frustrating for body shops, using up more and more of your scarce and costly administrative resources.

TRANSPARENT CLAIM was developed to move control of claims from the insurance carriers into the hands of the body shop and make the entire collision claim process transparent for all parties involved.

For additional information and updates on availability, please visit TransparentClaim.com.

OUR MOTTO: IF IT’S FAIR, EXPOSE IT!

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Currently in testing with a major automotive dealership group!

EXPECTED AVAILABILITY LATE 2023

For additional information and updates on availability, please visit Who-Owes-What.com

Who-Owes-What is a division of Claim Transparency Innovations, LLC

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Ask The Expert

What is the Next Step Toward Mandatory Right To Appraisal?

Dear Mr. McDorman,

by Robert L. McDorman

I attended the legislative panel you were on during ABAT’s recent Texas Auto Body Trade Show. During this panel discussion, you mentioned your professional opinion that the next step in the Mandatory Right to Appraisal fight should be the filing of an administrative action. Can you provide me and the readers with your thought process on this?

Thank you for your question. Yes, I do believe an administrative action should be filed with the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) to stay any modifications to the Right to Appraisal in motor vehicle insurance policies by the insurance carriers until the next legislative session is complete. As we heard from TDI during this last legislative session, several carriers have made policy change applications with the TDI to limit or modify the existing Right to Appraisal clauses in their policy of insurance. Yes, TDI testified that none of these applications have yet been approved; however, it appears inevitable this type of request to limit or modify the Appraisal Clause will continue to be submitted. The filing of the administrative action and the granting of such relief would prevent or nullify requested changes to the policy Right to Appraisal until the next legislative session is complete. Now is the time for our voice to be heard and stand up for this critical loss relief.

I know I am repeating myself on this, but I cannot stress enough how important this Right to Appraisal issue is for us all. Appraisal is the guardrail for indemnification of the loss when a dispute over the loss arises between the insurer and the insured. Without legislation in place requiring mandatory time sensitive appraisal rights, we can expect to see continued efforts by all insurers to limit or remove economic relief for the insured. In this respect, they can be seen as beavers to running water. Once they see the insured getting some economic relief for their loss, they quickly act to dam up the source of the relief.

Over the years, as stark consumer advocates, Auto Claim Specialists has gone to agencies to seek help and relief with well documented facts for our clients who have been harmed by their insurance carrier and to bring awareness to these systematic atrocities. At each turn, we were told the only help is to seek legislation or a finder of fact. Our advice now to our clients who have been harmed and cheated by their insurance carriers is to fight like the third monkey in line to get onto Noah’s Ark when it has already begun to rain, and we will help. We will continue referring clients to legal teams who can help them to be made whole for their loss.

In my professional opinion, the more times these systematic underindemnification schemes are exposed, and monetary punishment is levied, the quicker change will come about to help us all.

The under-indemnification in total loss and repair procedure claims in Texas is rampant. Besides the higher settlements for total loss clients averaging 28 percent above the carrier’s undisputed loss statement, we have also reduced clients’ out-of-pocket expenses on repair procedure disputes such as in the example provided above. These under-indemnification percentages are staggering and harmful to Texas citizens.

The spirit of the Appraisal Clause is to resolve loss disputes fairly and to do so in a timely and cost-effective manner. Invoking the Appraisal Clause removes inexperienced and biased carrier appraisers and claims handlers from the process, undermining their management’s many tricks to undervalue the loss settlement and under-indemnify the insured. Through the Appraisal Clause, loss disputes can be resolved relatively quickly, economically, equitably and amicably by unbiased experienced independent third-party appraisers as opposed to more costly and time-consuming methods such as mediation, arbitration and litigation.

In today’s world regarding motor vehicle insurance policies, frequent changes in claim management and claim handling policies and non-standardized GAP Addendums, we have found it is always in the best interest of the insured or claimant to have their proposed insurance settlement reviewed by an expert before accepting. There is never an upfront fee for Auto Claim Specialists to review a motor vehicle claim or proposed settlement and give their professional opinion as to the fairness of the offer.

Please call me should you have any questions relating to the policy or covered loss. We have most insurance policies in our library. Always keep in mind a safe repair is a quality repair and quality equates to value. I thank you for your question and look forward to any follow-up questions that may arise.

Sincerely,

Robert L. McDorman TXA

Robert is a recognized Public Insurance Adjuster and Certified Vehicle Value Expert specializing in motor vehicle-related insurance claim resolution. Robert can be reached by phone at (800) 736-6816, (817) 756-5482 or via email at AskTheExpert@autoclaimspecialists.com.

We are experienced in negotiating claims with insurance companies. As a Licensed Public Insurance Adjuster Agency, we can ensure a fair settlement on your auto claim. It is our duty to act on your behalf!

ALLOW

TOTAL LOSS: If your vehicle was totaled following an accident, we’ll examine the market value comparison report, collision repair estimate and settlement offer prior to settlement.

DIMINISHED VALUE: We have been helping people with Diminished Value claims since 1999. Do you qualify for a diminished value assessment? Contact us!

APPRAISALS: Our comprehensive auto appraisal reports offer a documented value assessment based on the subject vehicle’s condition at the time of the incident or loss.

If you need a recognized and qualified expert to provide testimony for you or your client, make sure you select one who’s certified! Choose The Vehicle Value Experts!

When you see the VVEverified™ seal, you can rest assured that the accompanying valuation comes from an expert auto appraiser, not from a faceless black box pricing algorithm. That is our promise!

Settle with Confidence!

President’s Message

continued from pg. 4

And in order to do that, you have to understand your business. Know your costs and what it takes to be profitable, and then stand your ground. Anyone who doesn’t run a smart business and who fails to keep up with the trends could very easily be contending with a similar financial situation. Even insurers aren’t immune, but shops seem to be more susceptible which is why it’s so important for collision repairers to get educated on factors impacting their businesses and learn different ways to stay on track.

That’s exactly what ABAT tries to do. Our association brings in different industry experts from all over the country who try to help shops, and for a small yearly membership fee, you can have access to all that information. And as a member, your voice counts. We have a Board of Directors specifically to stay in touch with the industry’s needs, but we also want to hear from YOU. If you’d like to learn more about a certain topic, we want to know that, and what’s more, we listen.

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