Auto body shops in the  Central Valley of California are now required to use “green” water based paints to refinish autos as of Jan 1st of this year. This article discusses the costly changes is has caused. Click here for the story.

In London, Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo’s auto insurance co. is facing a claim for damage to a railing and brickwork  when he totaled is $286,000 Ferrari on the way to practice. Yes.. totaled.  Click here for the story.

In claims data pulled from 2009, the average mileage of a vehicle involved in a loss revealed the following data.

The average 2008 model vehicle in a loss has 13,794 miles

The average 2000 model vehicle in a loss has 121,657 miles

The average 1995 model vehicle in a loss has 158,507 miles

Data source:  © 2009, AutoClaims Direct, DirectLink

Ray LaHood the new U.S. Transportation Secretary says he wants to consider taxing vehicle drivers for the miles they drive. This would likely involve the use of GPS on vehicles….Click here for the story.

In a odd story from Mexico. A pickup truck was found to have panels and a rear bumper made from pressed cocaine coated in fiberglass. Click here for the story.

According to a press release, Earl Scheib, Inc. is being acquired by a private equity firm in San Diego. Click here for the story.

The Property Casualty Insurers Association is testifying against two bills introduced in the Connecticut Legislature. HB 6444 and 6446 .  HB 6446 specifically would put additional limits on insurers who guarantee repairs at direct repair facilities. Click here for the full release.

Here’s another story chronicling busy auto body shops due to the winter weather. With people keeping their cars longer due to the economy and the recent wet weather, repair shops are staying busy. Click here for the story.

According to The Pratt Tribune from Kansas, a local auto body shop has found the recession means more work than ever. Click here for more.

In a break from everyday auto claims news here’s a new one….

The National UFO Reporting Center had an interesting case which occurred back in November in Illinois. Evidently the driver of the vehicle  felt some sort of impact that pushed the car right. The vehicle’s panels were dented but no paint transfer, or indication an animal was hit. Click here for the link the the full story and see if you can figure out what might have caused this loss.