The SCRS OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit at SEMA 2017 was moderated by technologist and author, John Ellis, this panel features discussion amongst Mark Allen (Audi of America), Erica Eversman (Attorney at Law, Vehicle Information Services), Aaron Clark (former repair shop owner) and Todd Tracy (Attorney at Law, The Tracy Firm).

The panel addresses:

  • An industry that is grappling with following manufacturer repair procedure requirements that are expected to be performed on every occasion.
  • Insurance claims positioning that leans towards “case-by-case” approval.
  • The implication of business decisions that can directly impact repair facility liability.

As litigation exposes flaws in the rationale for deviating from OEM repair procedures, there isn’t a more critical discussion to participate in for today’s collision repair operator. If you want to navigate to specific areas of the conversation, here are some key areas of the conversation:

1:56 – What is the OEM perspective on the state of technology?
3:42 – What are the liability concerns for repairers?
7:34 – What is changing from OEMs as vehicles become more complex?
15:44 – What drives “recommend” vs. “require”?
25:13 – How can certifiers keep certified shops from repairing cars improperly?
27:53 – If there is not a documented OEM procedure, what should a shop do?
29:55 – What individual liability does the technician hold?
40:17 – How does the industry move forward if they aren’t being compensated?
46:06 – What is a shop owner perspective on going through the liability process?
50:46 – What can we learn from the aviation industry?
54:07 – How effective are “hold harmless” documents?
58:10 – Is their liability if an appraiser tells a consumer “you have to pay the difference”?
1:01:20 – Does a vehicle lease change OEM requirements of where and how a vehicle is repaired?
1:06:28 – What liability exists surrounding used safety parts?
1:17:20 – How can we engage insurers in avoiding liability from repair?
1:21:52 – What is your guidance to an independent repairer who is not on the certification program?
1:27:10 – What liability exists from leaving a digital fingerprint on the vehicle?
1:33:45 – If an insurer refuses to pay for a necessary operation, what should a shop owner do?
1:42:14 – When did repairers become “power of attorney” to act on behalf of the consumer?