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LexisNexis Risk Solutions on May 10 released its 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Trends Report, which aggregates annual market data about driving behaviors, auto insurance shopping, underwriting and claims to help insurance carriers better understand the shifting landscape.

This year’s report analyzes 2020 data to reveal changes in consumer behavior, carriers’ reaction and the overall impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the auto insurance industry. It also provides auto insurance carriers with trended insights to help improve their capabilities and competitiveness across the auto insurance lifecycle.

“When we look at all of the 2020 auto insurance trends, we can see a pattern that comes from a series of disassociated events,” said Adam Pichon, vice president and general manager, auto insurance, LexisNexis Risk Solutions. “While the evolving impact of the pandemic is still unknown, understanding these trends and evaluating their projections can help insurers make better business decisions and more confidently prepare for the future regardless of unexpected market turbulence.”

The report looks at how consumer behavior and carrier business practices tied to the auto insurance policy lifecycle diverged in 2020 from the patterns we typically see―largely due to the influence of COVID-19.

Auto Insurance Trends Highlights a Rollercoaster Year

The auto insurance shopping data fluctuations were turbulent throughout 2020. However, year over year, 2020 shopping volumes closed 5.3% higher than 2019 with an annual year-end shop rate of 41%.

Cyclical policy renewal patterns for many consumers were interrupted by the pandemic with new business policies written down 12.6% in April 2020 and 10.4% year over year. Even so, this unusual activity still prompted an overall net increase for 2020, bringing market retention to 83%.

Empty roadways gave rise to dangerous driving behavior with a noted increase in high-speed instances first observed in mid-March 2020 and that held at 10% higher than 2019 figures for the remainder of the year.

New generational data illustrated an increase of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) violations among younger drivers―particularly those in the Generation Z age segment, with an approximate 50% increase in recorded violations in March and April of 2020.

Collision claims decreased, but severity rose, much like the reduction in total miles driven, the volume of collisions and subsequent claims dropped considerably. Collision severity saw a 3.7% year-over-year increase in 2020.

The trends identified in this year’s report highlight several opportunities for auto insurance carriers to improve their business operations regarding quoting, underwriting and claims, and prepare for any future disruptions.

Source: LexisNexis

www.autobodynews.com

Mitchell 1 announced May 11 it now offers the Driver Assist ADAS QuickLink feature across its suite of repair information software, expanding coverage to most makes and models of cars, light trucks and commercial trucks.

The unique QuickLink dashboard view is available in both ProDemand automotive repair information and TruckSeries commercial truck repair information.

The feature is exclusive to Mitchell 1 and delivers immediate access to a table presenting a consolidated overview of ADAS-related components, including whether the components of an ADAS feature will require calibration or special tools like targets or a scan tool to complete the job.

Unlike cars and light trucks, with Class 4-8 commercial trucks the manufacturer of the ADAS component for a particular vehicle is not always known. TruckSeries provides that detail with the component name when needed or when it is known.

Source: Mitchell 1

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CIC Speakers Discuss Employment Issues Related to Vaccines, Fire-Related Concerns with EVs

California-based employment law attorney Cory King told Collision get legal advice. Don’t question the sincerity of their belief or get into Shop Showcase disclosing anything like this.” as compared to a 110-volt charger that will require two or three times Industry Conference (CIC) attendees in April that while employers with Ed Attanasioan argument over this, King said. Rather, acknowledge what they are Equipment, Insurance Issues for EV Repairs that long. “There are some other options, fast-charging, but typically a can require workers to get vaccinat- saying, tell them you will look into A number of speakers at CIC dis- shop isn’t going to need a fast chared for COVID-19, they should make it and get legal advice. cussed some of the fire-related safety ger. They’re very expensive. The J sure they get legal guidance in do- “You can make it through this, precautions shops should take rela- 1772 chargers are anywhere from ing so to avoid violating any state or federal regulations. no question,” King said. “The way you would overcome that is to show Social Media for Shops tive to regularly having electric vehicles―especially those with lithium $300 to $800, maybe $1,000.” It will require a dedicated 220“The short answer is yes, you can [require vaccines], but as with with Ed Attanasiothat it would create an undue hardship, and that is defined as having batteries―in the shop for repairs. “One thing is to call your [busivolt circuit, he said. “Nothing else on there. Otheranything in the law, it’s not that sim- more than a ‘de minimis’ cost or ness] insurance company and find wise the charger will get tripped all ple,” King said. burden on the employer,” an analy- out how this may impact your pre- the time,” Quarto said.

King predicated his presenta- sis an employment lawyer can walk miums,” said Mark Quarto of Fu- Another speaker during the distion by saying he can’t provide legal advice in such a setting, but was ofyou through. Concerns about long-term ef-SEMA Show Goes On turetech, an electric vehicle training organization. “They probably will cussion of EVs at CIC mentioned shops may want a forklift to load fering some issues business owners would want to discuss with their lewith Ed Attanasiofects of the vaccine or belief “it’s a government science experiment” have some ideas on other things you’ll need to do with your buildor unload EV battery packs into or from delivery vehicles. Willett said gal counsel. cannot negate an employer mandate ing.” forklifts are another item to discuss

King said in most states, for ex- because “fear is not a protected cate- David Willett with ProSight with your business insurer. ample, employees must be paid for their time getting vaccinated if it’s gory,” King said. “But before you force someSpecialty Insurance concurred. “It does take additional cover-Media and Publicity for Shops “We haven’t had those in many shops, and for those in the collision a job requirement. Some employers have sought to reduce this cost with Ed Attanasiobody to get vaccinated, or fire somebody because they refuse to get vacage, and it does take additional risk measures,” he said. “We get asked repair industry thinking about having a forklift, there’s a lot of addiby bringing in someone to do the cinated, I strongly encourage you to those questions from the knowledge- tional training and safety requirevaccinations in-house, King said, make the phone call to your attor- able [shops]. The scary ones are the ments,” he said. but under that scenario, employers ney,” he said. ones that don’t ask those questions. must be careful to avoid violating the Americans with Disabilities Act There are also privacy protection steps to take if an employer Shop Strategies The industry is woefully unprepared for this.” CIC Among First In-Person Meetings The discussion took place during (ADA) relative to medical inqui- collects proof of vaccination from with Stacey Phillips Quarto said it is also advisable the first of the quarterly CIC meetries, given that pre-screening ques- employees. King was asked what an to make sure “the fire marshal is ings held in-person since January tions are required for those getting employer should do if an employee alerted to what you’re doing in your of last year. Organizers said about vaccinated. asks how many of their coworkers building.” He said the National Fire 130 people attended the meeting in “If they don’t want to answer those questions, or they answer them are vaccinated. “I would recommend against Body Shops Giving Back Protective Association is currently “finalizing some requirements for Phoenix―about half as many as is typical―but the meeting was open and are denied the opportunity to get [revealing] anything [related to that] with Stacey Phillips where battery packs are to be stored, to “virtual attendees” as well. the vaccine because they don’t pass unless you have some local or state how far they need to be apart when “We’ve been very anxious to the pre-screening, you cannot ask regulation that says you need to,” they are stored when they are out of get back to a live scenario,” CIC them why they did not get vaccinat- King said. “Because that immedi- the vehicle.” Chairman Darrell Amberson said at ed,” King said. “If you do, you are arguably potentially running afoul ately starts the witch hunt: Who’s vaccinated? Who’s not? You argu-Tips for Busy Body Shops Quarto was asked what body shops should look for in an electric the conclusion of the first day of the two-day meeting. “We knew there of the ADA.” Employers also have to provide ably could be viewed as disclosing. It’s not worth the risk. I would not with Stacey Phillips vehicle charging station for their shop. He said most EVs will be were some risks with that. We knew that hardly anyone else in the indus“a reasonable accommodation” for go into that. I can’t give a specific compatible with any 220-volt char- try is meeting live. But we also felt those not willing to be vaccinated answer without researching it to ger that is SAE J 1772 compliant. like somebody has to be the first to because of a religious or “sincerely make sure there’s nothing specific “It’s considered to be a Level 2 jump off the dock. I’ll say right now, held belief,” he said, but again, this is an area where a company should My SEMA to [your] locality. But the general recommendation is I would not be charger,” he said, which can charge most vehicles in four or five hours, the water feels pretty darn good. It’s been absolutely terrific.” with Stacey Phillips

ASA Releases New App

ASA upgraded its mobile app to a Engage.” Get membership informa- er. Access industry-breaking news on segments and technical info. new platform with multiple opportu- tion, including renewal information, the go; register for virtual, live and Get helpful business tips to adnities for members. To download, go and find and connect with fellow hybrid industry events; get breaking vance your shop, and use a “shop loto the App Store on iPhone or Google Play on Android and search for “ASA shop members and update your shop profile so customers can find it easi-Shop Strategies legislative updates, industry-specific news for mechanical and collision cator” to find an ASA shop. Source: ASA with Victoria Antonelli