Costa Mesa, Calif.—A historic meeting between representatives of major insurance companies and the collision repair industry took place on Wednesday, June 24, 1998, at the offices of the Automobile Club of Southern California in Costa Mesa, California. The occasion was the presentation of the Collision Industry Conference Write It Right Committee’s "Best Practices" Guidelines for Estimating and Processing Auto Physical Damage Claims.

Eight insurance companies were represented: the Automobile Club of Southern California, 20th Century, Nationwide, Farmers, Mercury, Liberty Mutual, California Casualty, and PARNET/CARNET. Others who were invited were unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts; however, they expressed their interest in the "Best Practices" document and plan to consider it further.

As committee member Ray Trevethan, Auto Club, pointed out in his presentation to the insurance companies and repairers, the guidelines consist of practices that most would agree "are a matter of common sense." However, everyone in the room acknowledged that a number of these items are not practiced regularly or consistently by all of those involved.

Said Committee Chairman Bob Matejzel, PARNET, "What we hope to accomplish with these guidelines is to have everyone in the country start looking at ‘writing the estimates right’ within their economic areas. We would like to see these guidelines take hold and improve the claims handling process in the years to come."

Among the guidelines are ones that address cost shifting, paying for necessary procedures, judgment times, and the responsibilities of adjusters and repairers. Three of the insurance companies—Automobile Club of Southern California, 20th Century, and PARNET/CARNET announced they have already made this document part of their claims handling procedures and have provided their staff with copies of the document.

"This is all about communication," said Trevethan. "We (insurers) need to look at building relationships with the auto body shops. This document is a step in that direction. If these guidelines are followed, time and money will be saved. It will be a win-win-win situation for shops, insurers and consumers."

"This is a huge step for the industry," commented CIC Chairman Erick Bickett. "When the project started, no one was able to predict the outcome and most were skeptical that anything could be done. What this committee has developed is a Code of Conduct that should be utilized by all. I hope it will be endorsed by everyone."

To obtain a copy of these guidelines, visit the CIC website, http://www.ciclink.com and click on the "Work Products" button. Or you can send a self-addressed stamped envelope with your request to CIC Communications Manager Kathy Forrey, Collision Business Network, 3610 Amberwood Court, Lake Elsinore, Calif. 92530.

Media Contact Kathy Forrey
909-674-0939; fax 909-245-1702
e-mail kforrey@ix.netcom.com