Organization Participation

Continued participation and paid membership is required for collision repairs to maintain Certification.

This will assist repairers to share knowledge and expertise, promote continuing education and professionalism within the industry, increase the industry’s public presence and increase public confidence in the collision repair industry.

Plain Language

The purpose of laws requiring customer consent for the use of particular parts in a repair and for the anticipated cost of repair are to enable those customers to make informed decisions about the repair. Current repair estimates provided to consumer are written in a coded fashion that is similar to a foreign language to most consumers and they may not readily understand. Therefore, any documentation provided to a customer should be written in plain language that is capable of being understood by an ordinary person. This will enable consumers to make truly informed choices about repairs to their motor vehicles.

ARA has established policies and procedures to fairly and consistently address alleged violations of the Code of Ethics. The complaint procedures have been designed to ensure that only valid and actionable complaints are investigated and considered, and that all parties involved in the complaint have an opportunity to document circumstances warranting the complaint, and to respond to the complaint.

ARA has a two-tier process to ensure that issues regarding the practice and conduct of operators are fairly and reasonably investigated and determined, and that the public is protected against unprofessional and unethical conduct by facilities. Complaints against facilities are initially investigated by PRP upon receipt of a written complaint. Complaints must outline the basis of the complaint. Complaints must be in written form and include all pertinent evidence in copy form, photos and disc are acceptable. If the complaint is considered actionable, the Ethics and Discipline Committee informs both the facility member and the complainant of the official opening of the investigation in written format. Following the investigation of the complaint, the Ethics and Discipline Committee informs the facility and the complainant of its decision or need for further investigation. The PRP or PRB may recommend a financial settlement or a manner in which corrective measures will effect settlement acceptable to all parties. If a sanction is imposed, the facility may request an appeal as stated above. The decision of the PRB is final. Member and complainant consumer agree to hold harmless ARA Inc. and it’s members, members of the PRB and PRP both personally and corporately.