I just received a call from a friend today advising me yet another insurer, Chubb Insurance is ceasing use of aftermarket structural parts. ( re-inforcement bars, brackets, absorbers and radiator supports.)  Apparently this is around the 4th or 5th insurer this year to come out with such protocols.

AutoClaims Direct’s newly enhanced claims adjusting platform has been released with rave reviews. The technology platform is amazing as it utilizing some of the newest cutting edge solutions. ACD’s Adjusting/TPA Division is currently processing files in v2.0 and initial feedback has shown that adjusters have been able to reduce file handling times over 25% due to eliminated redundancy found in typical claims systems. “Our goal is to put as much information at the adjusters fingertips while providing logical drill down capabilities. Traditional claims adjusting platforms display data in a manner which provides information overload and actually slows an adjusters productivity.” Stated CEO Ernie Bray of AutoClaims Direct. “We’ve come up with a solution that far exceeds anything currently in use within the industry.”

Ease of use, anytime….anywhere!

Attached is the recent release of the CPI for Auto Body Work. The graph shows a rise over the past year.

In not too surprising news, 17 people were indicted for auto insurance fraud in PA. Click here for the full story. Shops in our opinion are some of the most difficult in the country to work with when trying to handle an insurance claim.

According to this article, claims departments are experiencing rising costs and increased litigation. Click here for the story.

This article states that 69% of all hit and run accidents happen when a vehicle is parked. Click here for the story.

The Congressional Oversight Committee  wrote letters to some of the major national insurers to see if they had any data on “sudden unintended acceleration.” Click here for the story.

In a study of 5 years of claims processed,  18.9%  of all losses were front end impacts and  22.7% were rear end impacts. Interestingly enough, the front end average appraisal severity was $3439 while the rear impacts came in at $2050.  The chance of a left front or right front impact was 10.2% on both the right and the left sides.

Source: 2010 AutoClaims Direct, DirectLink .

In continuing with our chronicling of the push away from  aftermarket bumper reinforcements, brackets and radiator supports, this article advises of the potential safety issues. Click here for the article.