Hammer & Dolly August 2014

You’re Invited! Revamped WMABA Labor Rate Survey to Provide Broadened Industry Insight - page 34

August 2014 Volume 8, No. 8 $5.95 www.wmaba.com

Inside this Issue: EMBRACING ALUMINUM DIVERSIFYING IN TOUGH TIMES THE DANGERS OF DIGITAL ESTIMATING www.grecopublishing.com

August 2014

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CONTENTS August 2014 COVER STORY PHOTOS BY NORMAN MORANO

Members, vendors and industry supporters gather for the biggest association event of the year.

28 2014

WMABA GOLF OUTING HIGHLIGHTS

NEWS PARTSTRADER HITS A BUMPY ROAD 12 The procurement program's rollout faces unexpected issues.

Larry Montanez takes on recycled airbags at a controversial Senate hearing.

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Hammer & Dolly Tech Writer Testifies in RI

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SCRS' Repairer Driven Education schedule continues to take shape.

DEPARTMENTS

SEMA 2014: MORE DETAILS REVEALED

FEATURES 16 WMABA SHOP DIVERSIFIES TO

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GREAT SUCCESS

One member's ingenuity leads to a dramatic increase in business.

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YOU'RE INVITED! REVAMPED WMABA LABOR RATE SURVEY TO PROVIDE BROADENED INDUSTRY INSIGHT

DOES ALUMINUM REPAIR MAKE SENSE FOR YOUR SHOP?

WMABA members weigh in on the costs and benefits of high-end work.

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WMABA is revolutionizing the way the industry gathers information on shop rates and procedures.

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Calendar of Events Editor’s Message JOEL GAUSTEN

President’s Message DON BEAVER

Technician of the Month Tony Escobar Legal Perspective

WMABA Board of Directors

Executive Director’s Message JORDAN HENDLER Advertisers Index

Cover Photo by Norman Morano

TECHNICAL FEATURE 44 DIGITAL ESTIMATES?

Our tech writers warn against a new industry trend.

BY LARRY MONTANEZ III, CDA & JEFF LANGE, PE

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Photo by Norman Morano ©thinkstockphoto.com/monkeybusinessimages ©thinkstockphoto.com/Iaroslav Neliubov ©thinkstockphoto.com/Devonyu Photo courtesy of Spring Mall Auto Body ©thinkstockphoto.com/Darko Novakovic

August 2014

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CALENDAR OF

EVENTS August 2, 2014

August 13, 2014

September 2, 2014

August 14, 2014

September 4, 2014

2015 Ford F-150 Structural repair training courSe State Farm Insurance-Midlothian, Midlothian, VA

2015 Ford F-150 Structural repair training courSe Sharrett Collision Center, Hagerstown, MD

BeSt practiceS For HigH-StrengtH Steel repairS First Team Toyota, Chesapeake, VA

HazardouS materialS, perSonal SaFety & reFiniSH SaFety Coxton’s Gold Team Collision Center, Yorktown, VA Steel unitized StructureS, tecHnologieS & repair Kunkel’s, Baltimore, MD

August 4, 2014 August 5, 2014

Blueprinting proceSS & damage diScovery Criswell Collision Center, Annapolis, MD color tHeory, application, tinting & Blending Coxton’s Gold Team Collision Center, Yorktown, VA

August 6, 2014

2015 Ford F-150 Structural repair training courSe Hampton Inn, Glen Burnie, MD

August 7, 2014

overview oF cycle time improvementS For tHe colliSion repair proceSS Automotive Collision Technologies, Randallstown, MD plaStic & compoSite repair Criswell Collision Center, Annapolis, MD Structural StraigHtening Steel Coxton’s Gold Team Collision Center, Yorktown, VA

August 12, 2014

Squeeze-type reSiStance Spot welding Criswell Collision Center, Annapolis, MD 2015 Ford F-150 Structural repair training courSe Hilton Wilmington/Christiana, Newark, DE wHeel alignment & diagnoStic angleS Coxton’s Gold Team Collision Center, Yorktown, VA

Industry training opportunities and don't-miss events.

August 19, 2014

meaSuring Coxton’s Gold Team Collision Center, Yorktown, VA rack & pinion & parallelogram Steering SyStemS Keystone Linthicum, Linthicum, MD 2015 Ford F-150 Structural repair training courSe Courtyard Marriott-Silver Spring, Silver Spring, MD

August 20, 2014

2015 Ford F-150 Structural repair training courSe Courtyard Marriott-Silver Spring, Silver Spring, MD

August 21, 2014

overview oF cycle time improvementS For tHe colliSion repair proceSS Coxton’s Gold Team Collision Center, Yorktown, VA 2015 Ford F-150 Structural repair training courSe Courtyard Marriott-Silver Spring, Silver Spring, MD

August 26, 2014

Steering & SuSpenSion damage analySiS Coxton’s Gold Team Collision Center, Yorktown, VA

2015 Ford F-150 Structural training courSe Coxton’s Gold Team, Yorktown, VA 2015 Ford F-150 Structural training courSe Timbrook Kia, Cumberland, MD

September 11, 2014

SuSpenSion SyStemS Frederick Co. Career Tech, Frederick, MD

September 18, 2014

documentation & digital pHotograpHy Frederick Co. Career & Tech, Frederick, MD

September 23, 2014

wHeel alignment & diagnoStic angleS Keystone Linthicum, Linthicum, MD

September 24, 2014

color tHeory, mixing tonerS & tinting Refinish Solutions, Springfield, VA

September 25, 2014

Blueprinting proceSS & damage diScovery Frederick Co. Career & Tech, Frederick, MD

www.i-car.com or (800) 422-7872 for info

®

Save the Dates for NORTHEAST 2015!

Top-Notch Educational Opportunities Over 150 industry-leading exhibitors Fun for the Whole Family, And More!

March 20, 21, 22 6

August 2014

www.aaspnjnortheast.com

August 2014

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Joel gausten

EDITOR’S

(973) 600-9288 tgpjoel@verizon.net

MESSAGE HEAD OF THE CLASS

I think it’s about time many of you step away from your businesses and go back to high school.

Now, before I get a bunch of angry letters, let me explain. In my work at Greco Publishing, I have the pleasure of covering a variety of automotive education-focused events on the east coast. These special gatherings include everything from SkillsUSA competitions to student-industry networking events hosted by area vocational schools. In every setting, two things are instantly obvious: 1. These events are extremely positive for the students involved, and 2. The members of the auto body field teaching these programs can sure use your help.

As we all know, this industry suffers from a serious lack of new blood. In many vocational schools I’ve encountered, the instructors battle against budgetary constraints, equipment woes and a lack of support for their communities. It is not uncommon to see a program survive based almost entirely on the time, commitment and donations of area industry members. Your future employees (and perhaps even the techs who will one day take over your shops) are developed in vocational schools. If you’ve never taken the time to visit with your area collision

president obama delivers the commencement speech for the worcester technical High School class of 2014 in worcester, ma on June 11. (Photo by Joel Gausten)

repair program and offer your time, insights and expertise, add it to your to-do list this fall.

A few weeks ago, I was among a small group of journalists credentialed by the White House to attend a special commencement speech given by President Barack Obama for the graduating class at the Worcester Technical High School in Worcester, MA. In 2006, Worcester Tech was one of the lowest-performing institutions in Massachusetts. Thanks to a strong commitment by faculty, students and the community, the school stands today as one of the most successful educational facilities in the state. As President Obama told the audience at the graduation ceremony, “Together, you’re an example of what’s possible when we stop just talking about giving young people opportunity, when we don’t just give lip service to helping you compete in the global economy and we actually start doing it.”

As the summer comes to a close, I urge you to consider ways that you can personally assist your area vocational school auto body department in building a better future for tomorrow’s repair technicians. Offer to do tours of your facility, stop by the school to tell students what to expect in the real world and build relationships with the future industry now. You will not regret the experience. H&D

2014 wmaBa oFFicerS preSident

vice preSident

treaSurer Secretary

immediate paSt preSident

don Beaver Dbeaver@antwerpenauto.com 443-539-4200 ext. 17061 torchy chandler torchy.chandler@gmail.com 410-309-2242 mark Schaech Jr. mark@marksbodyshop.com 410-358-5155 John krauss jkrauss@craftsmanautobody.com 703-534-1818 Barry dorn bdorn@dornsbodyandpaint.com 804-746-3928

Board oF directorS

Rodney Bolton (rbolton@aacps.org) 410-969-3100 ext. 250 Mark Boudreau (crashdaddy@aol.com) 703-671-2402

Kevin Burt (kevinburt@walkermillcollision.com) 301-336-1140 Bobby Wright (bobby@burkevillebodyshop.com) 434-767-4128

adminiStration

executive director Jordan Hendler (jordanhendler@wmaba.com) 804-789-9649 wmaBa corporate oFFice P.O. Box 3157 • Mechanicsville, VA 23116

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StaFF

puBliSHer managing editor editor art director oFFice manager advertiSing director

thomas greco thomas@grecopublishing.com

alicia Figurelli tgp2@verizon.net

Joel gausten tgpjoel@verizon.net

lea velocci lea@grecopublishing.com

Sofia cabrera tgp4@verizon.net

norman morano tgp5@verizon.net 800-991-1995 Fax 732-280-6601

PUBLISHED BY TGP, Inc. 244 Chestnut St., Suite 202 Nutley, NJ 07110 973-667-6922 FAX 973-235-1963 Reproduction of any portions of this publication is specifically prohibited without written permission from the publisher. The opinions and ideas appearing in this magazine are not necessarily representations of TGP Inc. or of the Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association (WMABA). Copyright © 2014 Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc.

August 2014

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PRESIDENT’S

MESSAGE

don Beaver

(443) 539-4200 ext. 17061 Dbeaver@antwerpenauto.com

A GOOD DAY FOR A GREAT CAUSE

On June 26, WMABA held its annual Golf Outing at Virginia Oaks in Gainesville, VA. We could not have asked for better weather or playing conditions. Once again, this fundraiser was a huge success. Events like these help the WMABA membership fund efforts to address the daily woes our industry faces. We owe so many thanks to our sponsors, members, players and volunteers. Everyone had a great time!

Sometimes, it helps to recharge our internal batteries just to get out of the shop, enjoy the weather and have a little fun with our colleagues, friends and families. I saw many familiar faces as well as some new ones. It was refreshing to know that more and more people are joining our ranks.

For most of the day, I rode around in a cart with my wife, talking with people and watching the game. In doing so, I realized we had golfers from every facet of the auto repair game. We certainly had players who hit the ball a few more times than others, but I know everyone had fun. By no stretch of the imagination would I ever consider myself to be a golfer; I would even go as far as to say I am a terrible golfer. All I heard all day is, “Just pick up the ball, Beaver,” but I wouldn’t miss this event for the world. The food was great, we gave away a lot of nice door prizes and the beverages were cold. That’s a good day in my book, and all for a great cause. Again, a big thank you to everyone who sponsored, helped, played or volunteered. We hope to see everyone again next year and then some. H&D

NEWS PARTSTRADER HITS A BUMPY ROAD

With State Farm’s parts procurement program with PartsTrader now operating across the country, Hammer & Dolly continues to receive feedback from Select Service shops on their direct experiences with the system. According to reports from readers in the southwestern part of the country,

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Photo by Norman Morano

PartsTrader’s presence has led to overburdened LKQ providers – and an upswing in OEM parts usage.

“I use more OEM parts with State Farm than I’ve ever used; 95 percent of every part I use now with them is OEM,” offers one large Select Service shop owner. “The LKQ vendors don’t have time to respond because they’re too busy. I don’t get responses back from them. Some vendors have had to hire someone to do nothing but monitor all the requests that are coming in because they can’t get to them fast enough. State Farm now says, ‘We’re going to give you an hour. If nobody responds in an hour, you can just opt OEM.’ And that’s what we do.”

Despite this apparent increase in OEM

Information and updates from WMABA and beyond.

parts in his market, one industry member cautions readers not to get too excited.

“In a twisted way, it’s turned out good,” he says. “But I promise you that’s not going to last. State Farm is getting and calculating numbers, putting two and two together and doing a lot of research behind the scenes...I can assure you that their goal when they put out PartsTrader wasn’t to purchase all OEM parts.”

In related news, PartsTrader is scheduled to begin charging participating dealers in Maryland and Virginia this month in order to use the program. Suppliers participating in each market had an opportunity to use the system at no cost for six months before a fee was charged. H&D

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Information and updates from WMABA and beyond.

NEWS HAMMER & DOLLY TECH WRITER TESTIFIES IN RI

On June 5, Hammer & Dolly technical writer Larry Montanez (P&L Consultants, pictured far right above) appeared before the Rhode Island Senate Committee on the Judiciary as an expert witness on behalf of the Auto Body Association of Rhode Island (ABARI) to offer professional comments and opinions on a variety of industry-specific bills.

One piece of legislation in particular, Senate Bill 2833, aims to prohibit insurance companies from requiring the use of used or remanufactured airbags and/or suspension parts in the repair of a vehicle.

Opposing the bill, LKQ Government Affairs Manager Andreas Heiss stated that shops that perform airbag removal are subject to “very strict federal safety standards,” adding that technicians who perform this procedure are “trained to remove these airbags in a certain way” to ensure consumer safety.

“There’s no rational basis for the restriction of a non-deployed airbag; it’s a safe, effective alternative,” he argued. “Any restriction on their use would just further extend the monopoly for car companies and harm the Rhode Island consumers by giving them [only one] option - to put in a brand-new airbag.”

Unconvinced by this testimony, Senator

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Stephen R. Archambault (D- District 22) later asked Montanez (who he called “the only expert I’ve heard tonight come before us”) if such standards actually existed.

“There’s no federal standard on removing an airbag out of a vehicle; I’d like to see one if one exists,” replied Montanez, who added that although there is a federal standard on what EDRs [event data recorders] have to record, there is no existing standard on taking an airbag in or out.

“The only standard on taking it in or out is what the manufacturer says is the torque rating on the bolts, and if you can re-use the bolts or not,” he reiterated.

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Dawson Hodgson (R-District 35) praised Montanez’s technical knowledge and insight into the issues addressed at the hearing.

“The technical expertise that ABARI brings to the table every year at these hearings, and the professionalism that you are representing your industry with, is impressive,” he said.

Complete video of the hearing (including Montanez’s extensive testimony) is available for free streaming at http://ricaptv.discover video.com/embedviews/vod?c=all&w=640 &h=480&s=1#.H&D

MORE DETAILS

REVEALED

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) is working hard to deliver a stellar slate of Repairer Driven Education (RDE) courses at this year’s SEMA Show (November 4-7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV). A closer look at this year’s extensive RDE schedule (available at www.sema show.com/scrs) reveals participation from two of WMABA’s most popular guest speakers: Mike Anderson (www.Collision Advice.com) and Tim Ronak (AkzoNobel Automotive and Aerospace Coatings).

On November 4, Anderson will present “Using Industry Statistics to Your Advantage,” a two-hour course that will look at industry trends, OEM trends and statistics from the latest sources from across the country. The seminar will also explore legislation, laws and pending court cases that could impact collision repair businesses. On November 6, Ronak will preside over “Surviving the Push for Refinish Reductions - Spot within Panel Survival Kit,” a 120-minute presentation that will offer a 2014 update on the industryacclaimed “Spot within Panel Survival Kit” designed to utilize the databases to deflect requests to “alter” or “reduce” refinish times.

The session is slated to explore the history of the labor operation (and where it came from), the differences between a “Blend Panel,” “Spot within Panel” or “Refinish within Panel Boundaries,” the specific criteria that qualifies a repair as a “Spot within Panel” and more. Ronak will also present a second November 6 seminar, “Getting Paid for Investing in Facility, Equipment and Training,” which will explore the mechanisms at a shop’s disposal to offset rising business costs in equipment, facility and training.

Registration information and a complete listing of RDE events is available at www.semashow.com/scrs. More SEMA news will be featured in next month’s Hammer & Dolly. H&D

Clockwise from top: Šthinkstockphoto.com/zimmytws/PaulPaladin/eccolo74

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FEATURE WMABA SHOP DIVERSIFIES

TO GREAT SUCCESS

“If we can paint it, we can dip it.”

For thrilled customers throughout the WMABA region, the above words have come to symbolize an unforgettable visual experience. Whether it’s a gun, a motorcycle, a switch plate, a skateboard or a even a mason jar, the team of industry professionals that comprise Hydrodipper can turn just about anything into an amazing work of art. Boasting hundreds of unique designs and an environmentally sound process, Hydrodipper has revolutionized the custom graphics industry and provided a unique new revenue source for WMABA member shop Spring Mall Auto Body (Springfield, VA).

The Hydrodipper story began in July 2013, when Spring Mall Auto Body General Manager John Procacina first incorporated the process into the business as a way to upsell and perform non-insurance work.

“It was a way for us to try to increase revenue without getting the insurance companies involved, and try to reach out to our customers and say, ‘You can personalize anything,’” he says.

Hydrodipper’s OSHA-compliant process is based on ink designs on film. The film is placed in water, then an activator is sprayed to melt it away. The ink design stays on top of the water, allowing a technician to dip a variety of products to stunning effect. Best of all, the end result is as durable as a car finish. According to the Hydrodipper website (www.hydrodipper.com), the process goes like this:

an item that is paintable is prepared with a basecoat.

a tank of water is used and a film design is laid on top of the water.

a chemical is sprayed over the film design, which will dissolve the film but leaves the ink design floating on top of the water.

the item then enters the water at an angle to allow the film design to cover the item with as little distortion as possible. (However, a little distortion or stretching of the design is what makes this process unique and very cool-looking.) once the item is fully dipped, it is then rinsed off and allowed to dry. an automotive clearcoat (either a matte or gloss finish) is then applied several times to protect it from peeling or fading. (this is the same step that body shops use to repair vehicles.)

“Environmentally, it’s super safe,” offers Procacina. “Basically, everything you do is paintwork. You prep it, prime it and base it, and then the dipping is probably the

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fastest part of it. You lay your film in the water, and the film is biodegradable.”

Hydrodipper has been so successful for Spring Mall Auto Body that the shop moved the operation into its own building and showroom last April. In fact, the current demand is so strong that Hydrodipper’s fourperson crew is putting in 12 hours a day, seven days a week to keep up with orders. Not surprisingly, the service has received an incredibly strong response from the biker communities in DC, Maryland and Virginia. All work performed by Hydrodipper comes with a lifetime guarantee.

While every design created by Hydrodipper is sure to amaze, items that receive the company’s “double dipping” process are particularly impressive. One of the best examples of this procedure is “Money to Burn” (pictured above), which brilliantly combines dollar bill and fire designs into one piece.

One of seven body shops that comprise the Cherner family of repair facilities, Spring Mall Auto Body has been in business since 1978. Currently, the roughly 28,000-square-foot facility boasts 15 bays (each with the ability to accommodate four cars) and four downdraft booths.

For more information on Hydrodipper, please visit www.facebook.com/dipperhydro or www. hydrodipper.com. H&D

Executive Director’s Thoughts

The capacity to diversify is something this industry should be taking hold of. No different than marketing yourself to your customer, or differentiating your business in a way that captures more of the market, this is a way one shop has stepped outside of the box to secure their future.

- Jordan Hendler

Shops think of new ways to thrive and survive.

Hydrodipper offers amazing art for customers and a new way to generate non-insurance work for a longtime wmaBa shop.

August 2014

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Conquest your Mitsubishi parts needs!

Mitsubishi now offers Genuine OEM parts through our new “Opt-OE” parts program at discounted prices. See Mitsubishi’s Ultra-Conquest parts and prices in the Optional OEM Suppliers category of popular collision estimating systems.

Ultra-Conquest Collision Parts Program Highlights: • Discounted prices on quality new and unblemished OEM parts • Automated price and part selection in collision estimating systems • High parts availability • Delivery to most major U.S. cities within 24 hours • Available through all participating Northeastern area Mitsubishi dealers • Includes the majority of key collision components for select popular models • We can meet or beat aftermarket prices!

To find out more about Ultra-Conquest pricing contact your local Mitsubishi dealer.

For Genuine Mitsubishi parts, contact these authorized Mitsubishi Dealers.

Jerry’s Mitsubishi

Fitzgerald Mitsubishi

Younger Mitsubishi

1906 East Joppa Road

1930 West Street

1945 Dual Highway

Malloy Mitsubishi 14655 Jefferson Davis Hwy

Baltimore, MD 21234

Annapolis, MD 21401

Hagerstown, MD 21740

Woodbridge, VA 22191

Toll Free: 800-255-0691

Direct: 410-224-4636

Direct: 800-296-1190

Direct: 703-490-8263

Direct: 410-668-2119

Fax: 410-224-4264

Fax: 301-733-5465

Toll Free: 888-533-3400

Fax: 410-513-0236

E-mail: adamsf@fitzmall.com

www.youngermitsubishi.com

Fax: 703-490-3864

www.jerrysmitsubishi.com

hmkparts@aol.com

Buy Genuine Mitsubishi Parts and get the perfect fit at the perfect price.

10% off on all parts orders when you mention this ad.

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TECHNICIAN OF

Hammer & Dolly chats with the WMABA community’s best and brightest.

THE MONTH TONY ESCOBAR

As anyone who oversees a high-end collision facility will tell you, it takes a rare breed of technician to successfully repair today’s ever-complex vehicles. In the last handful of years, Mercedes-Benz has begun introducing new models that require exceptional repair skills far exceeding the technical demands of yesteryear. These days, something as simple as replacing a windshield is not what it used to be. Thankfully, Mercedes-Benz of Arlington has a fantastic asset in longtime technician Tony Escobar.

A graduate of Yorktown High School, Escobar has been a part of the Mercedes-Benz of Arlington team since 1998. Throughout his time with the operation, he has displayed an eagerness to learn about the latest innovations in the industry, specifically with the Mercedes-Benz line. As Mercedes-Benz of Arlington Collision Center Manager John Alcorta sees it, Escobar is a “shop leader” among his fellow technicians.

“He has been trained and passed every course on every model line that Mercedes offers, which is pretty amazing,” Alcorta says.

“Because of his training, he is approached by the rest of the shop when it comes to some of the repair methods, and sometimes just for advice. He has very quietly earned the respect of everyone. They say timing is everything; he knows when to offer help and when to sit back and wait to be asked.”

Additionally, Escobar is a firm believer in repairing a vehicle the way the manufacturer says it should be done.

“We all know that there are things that are not recognized [by insurers] as necessary procedures,” offers Alcorta. “Even though we don’t get compensated, he will still do the job the right way.”

For Escobar, being an integral part of Mercedes-Benz of Arlington’s success is the fulfillment of a childhood love for automobiles.

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“It’s something that I’ve had a passion for since I was a little kid,” he says. “I like to challenge myself on every car I work on.”

With the latest crop of vocational school graduates now hitting the industry, Escobar encourages anyone new to working on vehicles in the real world to understand and appreciate the importance of what they do on the shop floor – especially if they are expected to keep high-end customers happy.

“We’re not back in the ‘80s and ‘90s,” he says. “With some of these cars now, the technology is amazing. You have to take this job seriously. I’ll tell any kid who goes through high school that if you want to get into it, it’s not something you can play around with.”

When not showcasing his advanced talents at Mercedes-Benz of Arlington, Escobar enjoys spending time with his wife (and high school sweetheart) Amanda and children Nathan (13) and Khloe (5).

As far as his future in the industry is concerned, Escobar is excited by the opportunity to receive more training and continually sharpen his craft.

“It gets me pumped up because I learn more and more every day,” he says. “It’s good that the company has provided me with a lot of training. It makes things a lot easier for me to work on the cars when I come back to the shop.” H&D

If you would like to nominate someone as Technician of the Month, please contact Hammer & Dolly Editor Joel Gausten at tgpjoel@verizon.net.

ongoing training and a commitment to professional repairs have made tony escobar an invaluable part of mercedes-Benz of arlington.

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LEGAL

PERSPECTIVE

What’s happening at the State House, in your industry and everywhere in between.

By JameS a. cleaver, Senior Partner, The Law Offices of Alexander & Cleaver

EMPLOYMENT POSTING REQUIREMENTS is your workplace in compliance with all employment posting regulations? they differ to some degree depending on if you are in maryland, dc or virginia, so make sure that you are complying with all applicable State laws.

Maryland

In Maryland, the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulations

put up posters that advise their employees about certain federal regulations including job safety, governed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA); their rights with respect to the Ameri-

cans with Disabilities Act; minimum wage requires; equal employment opportunity requires, governed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Family and Medical Leave Act rights; and additional federal regulations that govern individual types of employment.

In addition, there are State-level regulations that must be refer-

enced. These include unlawfulness of employment discrimination,

which, depending on the jurisdiction, could be covered by both Maryland law and local County or City law; workers’ compensation laws;

minimum wage laws; regulations affecting minors who may be work-

ing for you; equal pay for equal work laws; unemployment insurance

rights; and health insurance rights. If you are not posting all necessary

posters for your employees’ review, you could be in violation of fed-

eral, State or local laws.

District of Columbia

employment requirements, plus a summary of minimum wage law in DC; unemployment compensation rights; workers’ compensation rights; OSHA requirements; and child labor laws.

Virginia

As in Maryland and DC, there are certain posters that should be

posted in the workplace that explain employee rights under federal

law. In addition, the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry states

there are Virginia regulations that should be communicated to employees related to a State-level OSHA, which pertain to job safety; unemployment insurance rights for employees; workers’ compensation

notices; tax credit information; and benefits for low-income individuals.

If you are concerned that you are not in compliance in one or

more jurisdictions, call Alexander & Cleaver to go over your current employment plan. H&D

Although not a state, DC has its own local regulations that must

be met and communicated to employees. This includes all federal

Jim Cleaver is the senior partner of Alexander & Cleaver. Jim co-founded the firm in 1984 with Gary R. Alexander. He works primarily in the field of civil litigation, heading up the firm’s personal injury practice. In that role, Jim is the firm’s primary negotiator and litigator in personal injury cases, using his vast experience and knowledge acquired over parts of the past five decades to achieve results for clients. It is no surprise to colleagues and clients that Jim has been designated a Super Lawyer in personal injury cases, was named one of Maryland’s top trial lawyers and was selected by the prestigious Million Dollar Advocacy Forum. Jim can be contacted at (800) 292-LAWS.

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©thinkstockphoto.com/Popartic

governs employment posting regulations. Employers are required to

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AS A COLLISION REPAIR SPECIALIST, YOU MUST ALWAYS FOC HOWEVER, INSURANCE ESTIMATES ARE OFTEN FOCUSED ON BMW centers stock Original Equipment Parts that never sacrifice quality or s

For Original BMW Parts, contact one of these authorized BMW centers: BMW of Annapolis 25 Old Mill Bottom Road Annapolis, MD 21409 410-349-2565 Fax:410-349-2586 www.mybmwannapolis.com

BMW of Fairfax 2805 Old Lee Highway Fairfax, VA 22031 800-879-2269 Fax: 703-641-8562 www.bmwoffairfax.com

BMW of Alexandria 499 South Pickett Street Alexandria,VA 22304 Direct: 703-684-5255 Fax: 703-647-1853 www.bmwofalexandria.com

Passport BMW 5000 Auth Way Marlow Heights, MD 20746 301-423-0733 Fax: 301-423-2717 www.passportbmw.com

Apple BMW  of York 1370 Roosevelt Ave. York, PA 17404 800-839-1755 Fax: 717-843-2948 www.applebmwofyork.com

BMW of Sterling 21826 Pacific Blvd.

Sterling, VA 20166 888-954-8222 Fax: 571-434-7727 www.bmwofsterling.com

BMW of Silver Spring 3211 Automobile Blvd Silver Spring, MD 20904 866-737-8937 Fax: 301-890-3748 www.bmwofsilverspring.com

Northwest BMW 9702 Reisterstown Rd Owings Mills, MD 21117 410-363-1461 Fax: 410-363-7749 www.northwestbmw.com

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FOCUS ON SAFETY, QUALITY AND COST. ON JUST COST.

r safety for cost.

·

Every detail is exactly matched to the vehicle’s safety systems for optimum occupant protection.

·

Original BMW Panels and Components are built from premium materials using ultra-precise processes.

·

To maximize the safety of all passengers, replacement panels undergo strict and extensive quality control tests.

·

To ensure optimal paint adhesion, electrophoretically primer coats are applied during the manufacturing process.

BMW of Catonsville 6700 Baltimore National Pike Baltimore,MD 21228 800-828-6529 410-744-2000 Fax: 410-818-2600 www.bmwofcatonsville.com

BMW of Bel Air 1705 Conowingo Road (US 1 in Hickory) Bel Air, MD 21014 443.640.1230 Fax: 443.640.1234 www.bmwbelair.com

Richmond BMW 8710 West Broad Street Richmond, VA 23294 800-237-0130 Direct: 804-527-6860 Fax: 804-965-6254 www.richmondbmw.com

Richmond BMW 12100 Midlothian Tpke Midlothian, VA 23113 Phone: 804-897-2211 Fax: 804-897-2202 www.richmondbmw.com

Checkered Flag BMW 5225 Virginia Beach Blvd Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-687-3494 Fax:757-687-3495 bmw.checkeredflag.com

BMW of Towson 700 Kenilworth Drive Towson, MD 21204 410.296.7908 Fax: 410.296.4852 www.bmwtowson.com

Valley BMW 2824 Franklin Road SW Roanoke, VA 24014 PH: 540-342-3733 Fax: 540-345-9060 www.valleybmw.com

BMW of Rockville 1396 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852 301-984-8989 Fax: 301-984-1710 www.bmwrockville.com

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COVER

June 26, 2014 Virginia Oaks Golf Club, Gainesville, VA Benefiting the Jerry Dalton Memorial Education Fund Always, in Memory of John A. Mattos

STORY

2014 WMABA Golf Outing 1

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1 2 3

Finishmaster team: doug, marina & James

axalta team: Steve, chris, Harry & Bob

axalta team (2): Bill, glen, Jerry & michael

Photos by Norman Morano

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4

5 6

national coatings and Supplies team: Jacob, rick, tom & John

ppg team: Jim, chris, randy & andrew ppg team (2): tom, matt, Jason & Shawn

7 8 9

mark’s Body Shop team: nick, Sarah, chris & mark

akzonobel team: robert, alex, Brett & Henry

Fort washington auto Body team: alan, laura & Bruce

Looking back on a fun-filled day.

Team Entrants 10

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lkq team: Billy, Steve, Harold & arnold

enterprise team: nick, matt, matt & aaron

Sherwin-williams team: chris, chris, Bucky & rich

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Sherwin-williams team (2): Brandon, Jake, charlie

mid-atlantic paint and Supply team: ralph, Howard, cory & mark

Single Source team: walt, chris, wayne & ed

16 17 18

ted Britt Ford team: mark, matt, greg & Blaine

wheelsonSite team: ryan, ken, mark & austin lkq team (2): andrew, tom, tim & curt

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COVER

STORY

2014 WMABA Golf Outing

The Sherwin-Williams team (pictured with WMABA President Don Beaver - far left, and Executive Director Jordan Hendler - far right) was the winner of this year’s tournament.

Mark Muldoon (Ted Britt Ford team) “Beat the Pro!” 30

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Jeff Hendler, event organizer with volunteer Hannah Hughes, gives away the big prize of the day.

WMABA would like to thank these sponsors for making this year’s Golf Outing such a success: Major Sponsor ppg industries Major Prize Sponsor mid-atlantic paint Closest to the Pin winner: Blaine Keyser, Ted Britt Ford team - 26 inches

Major Prize Sponsor national coatings

Box Lunch Sponsor enterprise rent-a-car

Beverage Cart Sponsor all Foreign auto parts Hole-In-One Sponsor refinish Solutions

Supporting Sponsor axalta coating Systems Supporting Sponsor akzonobel coatings Supporting Sponsor Finishmaster

Pro Assist Sponsor craftsman auto Body

Several lucky golfers took home some great door prizes.

Tee Prize Sponsor Brandywine auto parts Tee Prize Sponsor Sherwin-williams

Beverage Cart Sponsor all Foreign used auto parts

Hole-In-One Sponsor refinish Solutions

Closest-To-The-Pin Sponsor mitchell international Closest-To-The-Pin Sponsor Burkeville Body Shop

Closest-To-The-Pin Sponsor chesapeake automotive equipment

2014 Hole Sponsors alexander & cleaver - legal and lobbying Firm chandler’s collision center

Fort washington auto Body

Hammer & Dolly/thomas greco publishing insurance auto auctions

karen radley acura/volkswagen mark’s Body Shop

precision collision

Safety regulation Strategies Sullivan’s auto Body

walker mill auto collision

wheelsonsite

H&D August 2014

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FEATURE YOU'RE INVITED! Revamped WMABA Labor Rate Survey to Provide Broadened Industry Insight It’s time for the collision repair industry to look at itself in a more comprehensive way.

In recent years, the Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association (WMABA) has asked regional collision repairers to participate in a special Labor Rate Survey to help the group – and the industry it serves – better understand the financial landscape in Maryland, Virginia and DC. But for this year’s installment of the Survey, WMABA has decided to dig deeper than ever before into a multitude of other areas that impact and influence the daily lives of collision repair facility owners and their employees.

Executive Director Jordan Hendler offers historical feedback, saying, “Many repairers were asking about particular operations or billing practices, and whether or not there was a way to find out current industry responses to them. With other associations [for example, ASA of Arizona] going down the same road, we thought that we could use the opportunity to gain insight in our region as well. This information is useful to repairers and those who represent them, to

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bring further dialogue into rectifying areas of the industry that cause concern. Some of the questions may be considered obvious, but there just isn’t data to back it up that we can use. That’s why we’re asking all the questions.”

In addition to asking shops to provide rate information, the association is hoping to use this year’s Survey to gain data on a variety of industry practices. For example, the Survey asks participants if they believe certain operations are required, and if they currently perform and charge for these practices. Some of these items include: “Bagging” vehicle to “prime” and for “final refinish;” “Bag” opening to “prime” and for “final refinish;” “Bonding materials” in the repair process; “undercoating,” installation and removal;

WMABA gears up for the most comprehensive member survey yet.

“check and test seat belts” being used in the accident;

“pressure test” cooling systems after front end damage; “prep raw plastic” when recommend by paint supplier; Feather, Fill, Block and prime on repaired panels; and Feather, Fill, Block and prime on welded panels.

WMABA President Don Beaver believes that restructuring the Survey in this manner will offer the Board more insight into its membership’s needs, concerns and regular repair habits.

“Expanding our Labor Rate Survey to ask questions about procedures, processes and insurer-repairer activity is to further understand and document where there are issues, and know these things with certainty,” he says. “We may think we know that a problem exists, but having respondents of a larger scale give their input is what makes this such an important tool for the association.”

Industry members who take the Labor Rate Survey will also be asked to answer “yes” or “no” to a number of questions, including:

do you find imitation sheet metal parts generally inferior in quality to new oem parts?;

is it your experience that blending a panel takes as long, or longer, than refinishing a new undamaged panel?;

does it take more skill and materials to "blend" a panel versus refinish a full panel?; can you blend or melt clearcoat within a panel and give a lifetime warranty?; is "clean up" time necessary on most "lkq" or used parts?

Have you been able to provide across-the-board increases in the pay and benefits of your employees in the past five (5) years?; do you believe insurers rate you on the use of alternative parts to oem, such as used or aftermarket?;

do you feel many insurers try to control or insert themselves into the repair process, including selection of parts and repair methods used?;

do you have an insurer who requires you to order parts from a particular vendor or through a particular online procurement system?; and

do you believe insurer reimbursement rates are fair to support adequate profit for continuing education, certifications and new equipment? continued on page 40

©thinkstockphoto.com/bizoo_n

“Structural foam,” installation and/or removal;

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Contact these Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealers for all your parts needs:

BOB BELL FORD 7125 RITCHIE HWY, GLEN BURNIE, MD 20161 Phone: 410-689-3038 Fax: 410-766-1275 www.bobbell.com

PLAZA FORD 1701 BEL AIR RD, BEL AIR, MD 21014 Phone: 410-879-3367 Fax: 410-877-7248 www.plazaford.com

SHEEHY FORD 5000 AUTH RD, MARLOW HEIGHTS, MD 20746 Phone: 301-899-6300 Fax: 301-702-3650 www.sheehyford.com

WALDORF FORD 2440 CRAIN HWY, WALDORF, MD 20601 Phone: 301-843-3028 Fax: 301-843-0334 e-mail: parts@waldorfford.com www.waldorfford.com

APPLE FORD 8800 STANFORD BLVD, COLUMBIA, MD 21045 Phone: 800-492-7999 Fax: 410-312-0928 www.appleford.com

HAGERSTOWN FORD 1714 MASSEY BLVD,HAGERSTOWN, MD 21740 Phone: 800-200-0276 Fax: 301-733-0603 www.hagerstownford.com

ACADEMY FORD 13401 BALTIMORE AVE, LAUREL, MD 20707 Phone: 301-419-2700 Fax: 301-419-0222 mrobinson@academyfordsales.com www.academyford.com

RICHMOND FORD 4600 WEST BROAD ST RICHMOND, VA 23230 Phone: 804-355-4517 Fax: 804-254-9240 www.richmondford.com

TED BRITT FORD 11165 FAIRFAX BLVD, FAIRFAX, VA 22030 Phone: 703-673-2420 Fax: 703-870-7982 www.tedbrittparts.com

© 2014, Ford Motor Company

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©thinkstockphoto.com/Iaroslav Neliubov

FEATURE

WMABA members work to add new technologies to their businesses.

DOES ALUMINUM REPAIR MAKE SENSE FOR YOUR SHOP?

with aluminum repair all the rage in today's industry, body shops across the country are taking a serious look at how to add this specialized service – and if their markets will generate enough of this work to justify a very high price tag.

As some WMABA members have already learned, getting a facility up to speed with aluminum repair can be a costly experience. In addition to sending their aluminum tech out for quarterly training, one dealer tells Hammer & Dolly that they committed around $350,000 in initial expenses to get the equipment and training necessary to be part of the Mercedes and Audi programs. This fact is nothing new to Criswell Collision in Annapolis, who committed a similar amount of money over the last 18 months to become certified to repair Audi, Porsche and Tesla.

That's for everything from equipment and training to food, travel and hotel expenses for techs.

“It's a huge investment out of pocket that you won't see a return on for years,” offers Criswell Collision Center Body Shop Manager Kevin Marvin. “You have to choose your technicians carefully. If you're going to invest time and money in training them, you want to make sure they're individuals who can do the work and are going to stay with you.”

Fortunately, a number of Criswell's technicians have embraced aluminum training with open arms.

“The best aluminum classes to take are the ones from the manufacturer,” offers technician Ed Clark, who recently returned from a week's worth of Porsche training in Atlanta.

“When you go there, you get trained on exactly how they want it.You get to practice how they want it done, so when the car comes into the shop, there's no misunderstanding.”

Other area shops are feeling the economic pinch when taking on aluminum, with some WMABA shops reporting to us that they are already investing upwards of $50,000 to get ready for the 2015 F-150 later this year. This is in line with Ford's estimate that it will cost $30,000 to $50,000 for a dealer or body shop to purchase new equipment needed to repair damage to aluminum.

No stranger to being aluminum-ready, Mark Schaech, Jr. of Mark's Body Shop (Baltimore) began the journey of training his techs and equipping his shop all the way back in 2004 in order to work on BMW aluminum vehicles. Since then, he has spent more than $100,000 to stay up to speed on the aluminum repair area at criswell collision center in annapolis, md.

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the aluminum repairs he currently offers at his shop and get ready for the arrival of the 2015 Ford F-150.

“There's a lot of talk about aluminum these days, but still the majority of vehicles we see today are mainly steel vehicles,” he says.

“We are doing a lot of rivet bonding in our BMW work, and every manufacturer has their nuances – whether it be MIG brazing or rivets and glue. Still, aluminum is not on the majority of vehicles that we're repairing today, but we'll be ready when it comes.”

Kenny Jennelle, president of WMABA member facility Collision Plus (Blacksburg, VA), expects to spend around $50,000 by the time his shop gets the equipment and training needed to work on the new F-150s later this year. In addition to receiving referral work from an area Ford dealer, he hopes to get jobs from other shops that will sublet their structural repairs.

“Twenty-five years ago, I'd say 80 percent of shops subletted out the frame work or unibody work; they didn't do it in-house,” he offers. “That may be what happens with these aluminum bodies.”

Criswell team member and recent Hammer & Dolly Technician of the Month Roy Zamostny, who joined Clark for the Porsche training in Atlanta, is quick to urge his industry peers to consider the cost necessary to repair aluminum vehicles before diving into offering these services.

“You'd have to make sure you can get enough work to cover your tools, material and overhead,” he explains. “Some of the glue we use is $400 or $500 a tube!”

Naturally, aluminum vehicle manufacturers often recommend procedures that might seem foreign to technicians who are used to more traditional cars.

“There's a lot less welding [on aluminum]; it's a lot of bonding and riveting,” explains technician Preston Hudson, a 24-year industry veteran who began taking aluminum classes in 2013 and recently completed Tesla training in Fremont, CA. “The material is so much different; it's just softer. You really have to change your mindset.”

Of course, all of this expense needs to be paid for by the actual repairs being performed – and that requires the insurance industry. Fortunately, Schaech's facility has been successful in receiving proper payment for aluminum structure rates.

“Any time an insurer doesn't want to pay a higher rate, we usually just put that in front of our customer and explain to them what kind of equipment we needed and what it took to be

able to repair their car,” he says. “For the most part, most of the insurers have paid a higher rate – in our market, anyway – for those types of repairs.”

While some shops are working to incorporate aluminum repair, other businesses have decided to hold off on making the leap for the time being. Although he is an instructor for I-

CAR's F-150 classes in the area, Antwerpen Nissan Collision Center Manager and WMABA President Don Beaver is taking a wait-and-see approach at his Clarksville, MD-based facility.

“The biggest problem that I find is that it's going to cost a lot of money to equip a shop properly to do aluminum repairs,” he offers.

“I'm just not seeing enough of it out here at this

continued on page 42

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FEATURE continued from page 35 Away from sharing information on their daily practices and procedures, shop owners are also being asked to tell the association if they fully, partially or don’t pay for health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, long-term disability, life insurance, paid sick leave (after a set period), paid vacation (after a set period), personal leave (after a set period), 401(k) or retirement program, performance bonuses or yearly cost of living increases for full-time employees. They are also being provided with an opportunity to describe the general economic state of the collision repair industry on a scale beginning at “very poor/depressed” and ending with “very strong/thriving.”

No participating shop names will be published when the results are released, while users from multi-location businesses are being asked to fill out a Survey for each individual location. Anonymity will remain a priority throughout the information-gathering process; names are only needed to track demographics and ensure that only one survey is cast per repair facility location. The rates that are requested for this Survey are a participant’s retail/cash/posted rates, not an agreement rate for an insurer or wholesale account.

The rates explored in the Survey include Body Labor, Frame/Structural, Paint/Refinish, Paint Materials, Mechanical, Aluminum Structural Rate (if applicable), Inside Storage (Daily) and Outside Storage (Daily). Shops are also asked to identify themselves as DRP or nonDRP and provide their total number of technicians (body, paint and mechanical), total number of estimators, total number of office personnel and the total square footage of the collision facility.

WMABA Treasurer Mark Schaech, Jr. is hopeful that the information generated by the Survey will greatly assist the association in its ongoing efforts in the political arena.

“As we’ve seen in the past, when WMABA is going after legislation or regulation in Maryland and Virginia, having Survey feedback for repairers across the region is important for factual discussion,” he says. “When a legislator asks us about operations or practices within our industry, we can give them the real number. The difference between us and some of the counter-argument is that we give opinion based on professional experience in addition to hard data.”

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“It is important to understand that this Survey function is to give WMABA feedback about actual marketplace activity across our area,” adds WMABA Immediate Past President Barry Dorn. “Then, the association can utilize that feedback to have conversations with prominent representatives, both in government and repair communities, about things that are going right and wrong and have the data to back it up.

Having the numbers is what makes those conversations effective and factual.”

For those repairers who may feel uncertain about answering all the additional questions in this year’s Survey, WMABA asserts that filling out the basic Labor Rate data from years past is still an effective means of participation.

“More data leads to more insight,” notes Hendler, “so any and all submissions are helpful.”

The 2014 WMABA Labor Rate Survey can be taken online at www.wmaba.com now through September 1. The results of the Survey will be featured in an upcoming issue of Hammer & Dolly. If you have questions or require additional information, please contact Executive Director Jordan Hendler at (804) 789-9649 or jordanhendler@wmaba.com. H&D

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FEATURE

continued from page 39

point to justify the investment. We will be seeing it, and we will be making that investment. But right at this point, what I would make off of it doesn't offset the investment.”

With the arrival of the 2015 F-150 right around the corner and shops embracing aluminum like never before, time will tell if the investments being made throughout the industry will truly pay off. In the meantime, Beaver urges his I-CAR students – as well as anyone else in the field – to acknowledge the serious changes going on around them.

“I won't say it's going to be an easy repair,” he says. “I just think it's going to be a different repair.”

“Shop owners need to do their homework,” adds Schaech. “You can't just assume because you make an investment that cars are going to flood into your shop. Due diligence needs to be done before making an investment like this one.”

More information on the equipment and training needed to be a Ford-recognized repair facility is available at www.certifymyshop. com/ford. H&D For more information on vehicle-specific repair certification programs, please visit the links below: audi: http://www.audiusa.com/help/ collision-repair

Jaguar: http://www.jaguar.com/ content/market/us/en/65385/e-brochureJlr_Site2.pdf

land rover: http://www.landrover.com/ za/en/rr/owners/service-and-maintenance /approved-body-shops mercedes Benz: www.mbcollision centers.com

nissan: http://collision.nissanusa.com/ certified-repair-network porsche: https://www.porschecollision center.com/pa/porsche/index.html tesla: http://www.teslamotors.com/ service

volkswagen: www.vwccrf.com

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TECHNICAL

©thinkstockphoto.com/monkeybusinessimages

FEATURE

Nuts and bolts, tips and tricks from our resident industry experts.

By larry montanez iii, cda & JeFF lange, pe

DIGITAL ESTIMATES?

©thinkstockphoto.com/monkeybusinessimages

In this digital, social and advanced media age, a time when everyone owns a mobile device that can take photos similar to those taken by expensive DSLR cameras, it is no surprise that somebody would try to use this technology to save money and time. Maybe you have heard about insurance companies attempting to have insureds (and/or claimants) take photos of their vehicle damage using a mobile app? These photographs are submitted to the insurance company so they can then write an estimate and send out a check immediately. It sounds so good, I almost can’t wait to get into an accident just to try it out!

Unfortunately, this could be problematic and also quite dangerous. Most collision-damaged vehicles are not safe to drive, though they may be “drivable.” In this article, we will look into the issues with digital estimates and why this concept is flawed.

A few years ago, we saw multiple online bidding sites for estimating damage repair. That process was eventually proven to be a disaster. Vehicles were severely underwritten, mostly due to hidden damage. Let’s look at the issues of using a digital estimating app.

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Pictures do not always represent damage accurately.

Depending on who is taking the photos, their skill level and even the type of camera he or she is using can affect the quality of the photos and what is being depicted in those photos. Photos often do not accurately reflect the extent of damage; they can underrepresent the severity of dents and scratches, while some dents cannot be clearly seen. Based on the photos, an insurance company desk reviewer may interpret that a deformity can be removed using paintless dent repair techniques, or under/overestimate the amount of time to use dent-removal techniques - when, in fact, the panel may not be repairable due to the type of substrate. A scratch that appears like it could be buffed out may actually be too deep and require refinishing or may not even be seen in the photos at all. Additionally, without disassembly (which no consumer is going to attempt), no photograph will show hidden damage unless someone has an X-ray app.

Another issue is that photos cannot accurately determine if a vehicle is safe to drive. As many of us know, there is often structural misalignment, suspension damage and deformed structural components that cannot be seen without disassembly and/or measuring.

Operating the vehicle in this condition could put the vehicle operator, passenger and other vehicle on the roadway in a dangerous situation.

We should also mention that many times, a bumper fascia (cover), bumper reinforcement and front uni-rail can become damaged, but August 2014

the fascia could show little to no damage, as the ductile part may have returned to its original shape. Another issue would be operating the vehicle with an airbag lamp on, indicating a problem with the system.

Many vehicles will set a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) for the Supplement Restraint System (SRS) just because the vehicle was involved in a collision event and now the passenger Occupant Weight System/Occupant Presence System requires reweighing and sensitivity testing. Otherwise, the passenger airbag may not deploy when intended or may deploy when not intended.

Delays in repair time If the initial repair estimate from the insurance company is incomplete, a second estimate or supplemental estimate will have to be written once the additional damage is discovered. In some cases, this will require an adjuster from the insurance company to come out and review the supplement (as they cannot approve anything). This will add considerable time to the collision repair and extend the original rental. Conversely, if the vehicle went to a professional, well-trained repair facility with an educated, trained damage assessor, the vehicle can be inspected, triaged, blueprinted and pre-measured. After this, a thorough and complete final invoice could be generated. This will result in lower overall repair time and rental times and ultimately eliminate expensive supplements. This in turn would also reduce the cycle time and return the vehicle to the consumer faster.

So who is gaining an advantage in this process by saving time and money? The consumer, you...or the insurance company?

Well, consumers sometimes believe whatever they hear. Do regulations support complete truth in advertising? Unfortunately, no.

Until a claim is issued, they can say whatever sounds good on television and in print advertisement. Once in the hands of claims personnel, however, things can change. By using a photo estimating app, the insurance companies are relying on many people to just

keep the money and never repair their vehicle, on some shops that will do the repairs for whatever price they pay and/or counting on the consumer not believing the repair facility when the shop says it needs a supplement.

Look at it this way: The insurance company saves time and money using a repair estimate app because they don’t have to pay an adjuster to come out and look at your vehicle. If you (or the consumer) accept their estimate and choose not to repair the vehicle, they will avoid having to pay for any hidden or additional damage. If you do choose to repair your vehicle and there is hidden or forgotten damage, then there will be a supplement, which will cause a delay in the repair process. So where is your advantage? Your best interests are served by getting your car properly restored to its pre-loss condition by a professional repair facility.

Now, I’m not saying that these collision repair estimate apps have no value. If you are involved in a collision event, they could be used to take on-scene photos of the vehicle(s) involved. We would recommend the following steps for using such an app: 1. if you are involved in a collision event, ensure everyone is uninjured and you are safe.

2. if anyone is injured, call 911 for an ambulance; if not, call the police department.

3. use your app to take photos of the involved vehicle(s).

4. after your vehicle is taken to a repair facility and you are calling in to report the claim, tell the claims handler that you have scene photos.

We hope this article has helped the industry to better understand the changes in – and, in some cases, the dangers of – collision estimating photo apps. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. H&D

Larry Montanez, CDA is co-owner of P&L Consultants with Peter Pratti Jr. P&L Consultants works with collision repair shops on estimating, production and proper repair procedures. P&L conducts repair workshops on MIG & resistance welding, measuring for estimating and advanced estimating skills. P&L also conducts investigations for insurers and repair shops for improper repairs, collision repairability and estimating issues. P&L can be reached by contacting Larry at (718) 891-4018 (office), (917) 860–3588 (cell), (718) 646–2733 (fax) or via email at larrygoju@aol.com. The P&L website is www.PnLEstimology.com.

Jeff Lange, PE is president of Lange Technical Services, Ltd. of Deer Park, NY (www.LangeTech.net). Jeff is a Licensed New York State Professional Engineer who specializes in investigating vehicle and component failures. Lange Technical Services, Ltd. is an investigative engineering firm performing forensic vehicle examinations and analysis for accident reconstruction, products liability and insurance issues. Jeff can be reached at (631) 667-6128 or by email at Jeff.Lange@LangeTech.net.

Executive Director’s Thoughts

Consumer education on this type of claims process is key. An informed consumer, or someone without complete trust of the insurance claim process, will get a second opinion. That second opinion is the collision repair professional who would know exactly what it takes to repair the vehicle properly and safely. Settling a claim without another opinion is what the insurance company banks on. - Jordan Hendler

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An association fostering the exchange of ideas, and providing a voice and support for the collision repair professional.

OFFICERS

PRESIDENT: Don Beaver Dbeaver@antwerpenauto.com 443-539-4200 ext. 17061

VICE PRESIDENT: Torchy Chandler torchy.chandler@gmail.com 410-309-2242

SECRETARY: John Krauss jkrauss@craftsmanautobody.com 703-534-1818

TREASURER: Mark Schaech Jr. mark@marksbodyshop.com 410-358-5155

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Rodney Bolton rbolton@aacps.org 410-969-3100 ext. 250

Mark Boudreau crashdaddy@aol.com 703-671-2402

Position Your Business as a Leader!

Just like equipment and training, WMABA membership is not only a commitment to excellence, but also a valuable investment.

WMABA is recognized both regionally and nationally as the key forum for the exchange of ideas concerning the D.C., MD, and VA collision repair industry. It is the venue to discuss, learn about and impact evolving standards and policies in the technical, administrative and legislative fronts of our industry. Shops and industry supporters can best develop themselves and their employees by actively engaging in the association and its activities.

Automotive collision repair facilities in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. who are willing to adopt WMABA’s Standards of Membership and offer a guarantee to their consumers are encouraged to engage their business as an active member of the association. For over 40 years, the WMABA membership of professional collision repair businesses and affiliates have committed to operating at a higher standard on behalf of their industry and their consumers. Over the years, WMABA has proudly represented the collision repair industry at hearings on Capitol Hill, in Annapolis, MD, and Richmond, VA as well as almost every national collision repair event. While WMABA has a rich history of dedicated men and women serving the local collision repair community, WMABA also boasts numerous past and current accomplished Board members who represent our membership at the national level.

WMABA offers current and dynamic discussion forums on topics facing collision repairers, technical information and educational seminars, opportunities to network and discuss pressing topics with leaders of the collision repair industry, an arbitration program that works with consumers to help resolve issues they might have, apprenticeship programs, legislative representation and the ability to receive and contribute to one of the nation’s leading collision repair magazines, Hammer and Dolly.

Kevin Burt kevinburt@walkermillcollision.com 301-336-1140

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Jordan Hendler jordanhendler@wmaba.com 804-789-9649

PAST PRESIDENT: Barry Dorn bdorn@dornsbodyandpaint.com 804-746-3928

Bobby Wright bobby@burkevillebodyshop.com 434-767-4128

“

Contact Executive Director Jordan Hendler to find out how WMABA can amplify YOUR voice in the collision repair industry.

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S

MESSAGE

Jordan Hendler

(804) 789-9649 jordanhendler@wmaba.com

Our industry is the most unforgiving, cutthroat business to be in. People who go the extra distance to involve themselves with WMABA all seem to have the same ingrained, fundamental belief in trying to effect some kind of change.

I grew up hearing the phrase, “You cannot complain about something without offering a solution.” Mostly, though, I didn’t heed that advice until I was older, and until then, the world always seemed unfair. It took me time to figure out that the world is what you make it; if you want to see change, then you need to have the initiative to do it yourself. we cannot know where we are going unless we know first where we are. The WMABA Labor Rate Survey (discussed on page 34) is something in which all people in our industry can give input to help with the prospect of change. Not by changing prices by virtue of their input, but by giving a face to the reality that our industry is in.

All things considered, we are in a community that spans many miles but is in actuality very small. You can go anywhere in any modern country and find a repairer who deals with the exact same circumstances as you.

You are not alone. In that premise, you cannot possibly be the only one who questions what is being asked of them, told to them or expected of them as “usual and customary.”

Operating an association comes with the realization that no one is ever the only one. If you were to monitor my phone or email, you would quickly see the fact in that statement.

Sometimes, it’s as if there are ripples where I’ll

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©thinkstockphoto.com/Ancika

THE IMPORTANCE OF GIVING INPUT

have three or four repairers call me about the very same thing within a two-day window.

Some issues I get relate to government oversight, finding good technicians, how to purchase the right equipment or get the right educational need met and even getting an insurance question answered from the “higher ups.” There are so many resources shared by our membership that (sorry to sound so cliché) it never hurts to ask about your own issue. What would you lose by calling in and asking the question that nags you? What if someone else who had been in bed staring at the ceiling each night cracked the code and we already have the answer - and sound sleep - for you? Wouldn’t it serve your interest to at least find out? Last question: What are you waiting for?

Participation of any kind in the efforts pushed by WMABA is a way of keeping your voice, even anonymously, included with those who want to see positive change in our industry. That could be by any means in your imagination.

We often put the call out that if you believe passionately about just one thing, whatever its significance, and see it through to resolution, you’ve effectively moved a mountain. Find out if there is already someone working on a door lock that just needs your key to get to the other side. Some things really are just a basic connection for simple conclusion. H&D

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ADVERTISERS’ INDEX Alexander & Cleaver............................23 Alexandria Toyota ................................41 All Foreign Used Auto..........................40

Audi Group ..........................................21 Axalta Coating Systems ......................4

BMW Group ........................................26-27 BMW of Bel Air ....................................IBC BMW of Fairfax....................................3

BMW of Rockville ................................IBC BMW of Towson ..................................IBC CAPA ..................................................15

Chesapeake Automotive Equipment ..50

Empire Auto Parts................................42 Ford Group ..........................................36 Future Cure ........................................39

GM Parts Group ..................................43 Hendrick Honda ..................................41

Honda Group ......................................24 Hyundai Group ....................................32

Koons Ford ..........................................23 Mazda Group ......................................37 MINI Group ..........................................33

MINI of Baltimore County ....................IBC Mitsubishi Group..................................18 Mopar Group ........................................9 Nissan Group ......................................7

NORTHEAST® 2015 ..........................6

O’Donnell Honda ................................42 Packer Norris Parts ............................11

Porsche Group ....................................13

PPG ....................................................IFC P&L Consultants ..................................45 Russel Toyota ......................................25

Safety Regulations ..............................40 Sherwin-Williams ................................8

Steck Manufacturing............................50 Subaru Group ......................................46 Tire World ............................................25

Toyota Group ......................................49

Valspar Automotive..............................OBC VW Group............................................19

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