In states that use credit ratings along with other methods in determining premiums for auto and homeowner insurance, consumer groups are upset as the current financial crisis they say, has forced up rates unfairly. Others counter with the contention that responsible people pay their bills and keep their financial house in order and credit ratings should matter. The use of credit ratings is outlawed in California and Hawaii. Click here for the full story…

eAutoclaims, Inc. filed a Form 15 last friday.. click here for the link.

In a state that is usually shop friendly, it appears the owners of  2 auto body shops were convicted of tax fraud involving their auto repair facilities. Click here for the full story. 

According to Insurance.com , Arizona auto insurance rates have dropped 1.9%. Click here for the story.

1 out of 8 drivers in Hawaii are uninsured according to a study. Click here for the article.

In a study of fixed property claims over the past six months, claims in which a field damage appraiser inspected the property and wrote an actual damage estimate, saved insurers 18.5% on average when compared to a building contractor’s proposal.

This means that on fixed property losses such as walls, fences and accidents where a vehicle impacts property. The utilization of an property damage appraiser saves around $905.95 per file!  Next time an adjuster in a claims office wants to merely pay a landscape or building contractor’s estimate without an independent set of eyes, beware.

Data source:  © 2009, AutoClaims Direct, DirectLink, American Property Claims

eAutoclaims reported lower losses and lower revenue this past quarter. Click here for the details.

A broad and growing coalition representing more than 1,500 independent automotive repair shops and related industries today filed the Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act, legislation that would guarantee equal access to automotive repair information for independent repairers and their customers. Click here for the story…

The recession has led to more motorists driving without insurance a report from the IRC found. Click here for the story.

El Paso Community College secured a $1.32 million dollar grant from the federal government to train auto body technicians. Click here for the story.