Houston Auto Body Association

"The City Council will soon consider new auto repair industry regulations amid complaints that some body shops are taking consumers for a ride."

Read more from KHOU Channel 11 >

To All,

I would like to extend a special thanks to all those who made phone calls and those who came to Austin in show of support for Bill SB1300.

Regards,

James E. Brown
President
Houston Auto Body Association

Check out the latest newsletter from Autobody News >

SCRS Press Release: SCRS Announces Industry Achievement Award Winners

"The Affiliate Association Award recognizes an SCRS affiliate that exhibits exemplary actions on behalf of the collision repair professional."
Read the Full SCRS Press Release here >

To All,

It is such an honor to receive this Award from such a great organization such as SCRS. I am amazed that even though we are relatively few in number that we have been able to accomplish a great deal. I am so thankfull for all those who have worked so hard in the Association to bring about success in our efforts that has sparked national attention.

This recognition should serve as a source of encouragement to all of us and spur other Collision Shops who have not joined in our cause, to do so. I will be sending out the meeting notice shortly scheduled for this Tuesday April 5th at 7pm. Our previous venue was not able to host our meeting this month. Not to worry as we have other options.
 
Regards
 
James E. Brown
President
Houston Auto Body Association

To All,

I am pleased to announce that the Labor Rate Survey link is now active, http://www.csicomplete.com/haba/. As a reminder this survey is being conducted by an independent third party (CSi Complete) on behalf of HABA.

Shop identities will not be published with the results of this survey and will remain confidential. Names are only needed to track demographics and ensure that only one survey is cast per Repair Facility location.

PLEASE COMPLETE THIS SURVEY AND PASS IT ON TO OTHER QUALIFIED COLLISION CENTERS in Houston and surrounding areas.
 
Thanks
 
James E. Brown
President
Houston Auto Body Association

"Texas Insurance Commissioner Issues Biannual Report on DRPs With Help From Houston Auto Body Association Survey Data"

Read more from Autobody News >

Some of you may have seen the story that the TX Insurance Commissioner has chosen not to be re-appointed to his position. As many of you know this Commissioner worked closely with the HABA on their survey project.

In the mean time, the commissioner has issued his Bi-Annual Report of the TDI to the Legislature. In the 70 Page report, one of the items that specifically pertains to collision repair in TX can be found on page 39 of the report:

Direct Repair Facilities
•   TDI conducted a survey in May, 2010 of the top five personal automobile insurers in Texas to obtain current information relating to automobile claim payments.

•   Of the insurers surveyed, all had some sort of contract/agreement with direct repair facilities or had selected repair facilities to be on a preferred list (preferred shops).

•   Based upon the survey responses, for calendar year 2009 the percentage of initial automobile claims with repairs made at direct repair facilities ranged from approximately 18% to 50%.

•   The Insurance Code specifically addresses prohibited acts in connection with the repair of motor vehicles.

•   The Texas Administrative Code addresses notice requirements and claimants’ rights regarding motor vehicle repairs.
 
TDI HAS RECEIVED COMPLAINTS that insurers improperly “steer” claimants to particular repair shops (direct repair facilities/preferred shops). Such action can restrict consumer choice. TDI has also received complaints that insurers are informing claimants that they may be responsible to pay for certain repair costs if the claimant selects a repair facility that is not on the insurer’s list of direct repair fa cilities.

Current law does not provide consistent regulation among insurers. For example, county mutual insurers, which represent approximately 45% of the Texas personal automobile insurance market, are not re quired to comply with the statutes and rules regarding the repair of motor vehicles.

Additionally, there may not be a clear understanding among the participants of the requirements to become a contracted direct repair facility with an automobile in surer.

To All,

It is with great sadness to confirm that Hank Walla has passed away.

As most of you know Hank was a champion for the collision industry for over 30 years and a friend of mine as well of many of you.

The viewing will be held on Wednesday Dec. 8th  from  6 p.m. to 8 p.m at  Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home located at:
13102 North Freeway
Houston, TX 77060
(281) 443-0063

The funeral service will be on Thursday December 9th at 12:30p.m at the same location.

If all possible please make the time to stop by either Wednesday evening or attend the service on Thursday to pay your respects.
 
Thank You,
James E. Brown
 

Download the latest revised City Ordinance, also featuring comments.