ADALB Debates Photo Estimating

The Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board (ADALB) held its first teleconference meeting of the year on January 27. The meeting took place after the one previously scheduled for January 19 was postponed due to (in the words of ADALB Chairman Michael Donovan) “technical difficulties.”

The January 27 meeting included lengthy discussion on the possibility of rescinding the Board’s March 2020 Advisory Ruling that temporarily waives the requirement of personal inspection of motor vehicle damage in cases where the amount of loss, less any applicable deductible, is under $3,000. This amount represents an increase from the $1,500 threshold established in current state regulations. The Advisory Ruling was issued in response to Governor Baker’s State of Emergency declaration in Massachusetts as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Board member Rick Starbard (Rick’s Auto Collision; Revere) called for the Advisory Ruling to be called off in light of the “horrendous” photo estimates that are being written due to the new in-person inspection threshold.

“People might as well sketch the damage out with a crayon on a napkin and send it in,” he said. “It couldn’t be any worse.”

Board member Peter Smith (MAPFRE) argued against rescinding the Advisory Ruling, stating he has not seen “any specific examples of actual appraisals that these concerns have been raised on.” The Board will continue its discussion on this Advisory Ruling at its next meeting on March 23 (which will very likely be held via teleconference).

For those who question the efficacy of insurance companies requesting receipts, an Advisory Ruling on the matter is being considered. Please read the latest Damage Report for further details. Audio of the complete January 27 meeting is available in the Members Only section of aaspma.org.