Industry News and Links

July 15, 2009: In a meeting of the association it was agreed that a " Code of Ethics " will be adopted by all members shops. In addition to the COE a shop "Certification Program" is now available for member shops who qualify. An annual fee is required as well as an application fee and sponsor. All new applications will be approved by a peer review board.

March 2007: Board members adopt a consumer awareness marketing plan. Look for all new television and radio ads in central N.Y. alerting consumers to their options during collision repairs.

April 2003: Five local shop owners met in Albany with representatives of Senate and Assembly to discuss insurance co's ownership of body shops and aftermarket parts disclosures.

December 2001: 2001 Annual Rating of Insurance Companies by CNY Collision Repair Facilities is released. Rating is based on such important metrics of repair industry as use of original equipment parts, response time to supplements and fairness in negotiations among other things. more >>

July 2001: Committee formed in Syracuse, NY committed to drafting licensing of collision shops.

February 2001: Estoppel, means an insurance representative cannot recant their verbal or written decisions.

May 2000: New York State passes legislation to allow insurance company representatives to only “refer” repair shops to consumers.

October 1999: State Farm loses a 1.2 billion dollar case over the use of non-OEM or aftermarket parts.

Web sites and links

I~CAN - insurance Consumer Advocates Network.

Auto Body online - by collision services, great discussion area.

Beyond Parts and Equipment - a true Auto Repair Publication with no insurance intimidation.

The CCRE - Coalition for Collision Repair Excellence, Dedicated to ending insurance interference that now prevails. Great discussion board if your ready.

1963 Consent Decree - people who believe its time to uphold this law signed by most major insurance companies can register in this site.

CIC - Collision Industry Conference Site, changing shop issues.

SCRS - SCRSNational site will explain its mission and benefits.

I-CAR - everything you wanted to know about I-CAR but forgot to ask.

The Plan - great site for consumers and for people in our industry.

Auto Body Pro - good site about the nuts and bolts of our industry. Discussion area about repairs of vehicles.

CAPA - Certified Aftermarket Parts Association, list certified and decertified parts, also online complaint form.

NYSACT - New York State Auto Collision Technician's Association.