Kevin Ellison Westway Ford kellison@vtaig.com (972) 584-9033
Brandon Gillespy Park Place BodyWerks bgillespy@parkplace.com 214-443-8250
Chad Kiffe Berli's
ABAT
LOCAL FEATURE by Alana Quartuccio ABAT’s Albert Salinas Gears Up for Retirement After 50-Plus Years in Collision Repair
ASK THE EXPERT by Robert L. McDorman Texas Gets Closer to Mandatory Right to Appraisal
(903) 753-5391
Published by: Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. 244 Chestnut Street, Suite 202, Nutley, NJ 07110
Corporate: (973) 667-6922 / FAX: (973) 235-1963
PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER
Thomas Greco / thomas@grecopublishing.com
VICE PRESIDENT/SALES DIRECTOR Alicia Figurelli / alicia@grecopublishing.com
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Alana Quartuccio / alana@grecopublishing.com
SR. CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Chasidy Rae Sisk / chasidy@grecopublishing.com
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Joe Greco / joe@grecopublishing.com
OFFICE MANAGER Donna Greco / donna@grecopublishing.com
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Burl Richards / Jill Tuggle Robert L. McDorman / Mike Anderson
www.grecopublishing.com
President’s Message Going All the Way!
TTexas’ 89th legislative session is halfway over – it ends on June 2, 2025 – and we’ve seen more progress than ever in our battle to mandate that all Texas insurance policies include the Appraisal Clause.
ABAT’s 2025 Collision Day at the Capitol was a huge success, and it’s clear that our legislators heard what we had to say because the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce unanimously voted to refer the bill to the House Committee on Insurance the very next day! (Flip to page 16 for a recap of the event and an update on the bill.)
Since we first began fighting for mandatory Right to Appraisal during the 87th session, we’ve never stopped pushing – and with the momentum we’ve gained, I’m more confident than ever that we’re going to push it right across the finish line this go-around.
Through ABAT’s collaboration and planning with our lobbyists and the tireless dedication of public insurance adjuster and consumer advocate Robert McDorman (Auto Claim Specialists)
and assistance from consumer advocacy group Texas Watch, we actually saw lobbyists from the insurance industry sit down with our team to discuss the bill and address their concerns. It seems like most insurers agree that this legislation is important, that the Right to Appraisal needs to be included in all Lone Star insurance policy language, for the benefit of consumers, body shops and even insurers.
I want to emphasize that it’s a big deal to have so many carriers supporting this bill! And that comes from having open dialogue and educating the public and our legislators about how the Appraisal Clause protects consumers and ensures they’re being fairly compensated in the event of a loss.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – if your shop doesn’t typically educate your customers about the appraisal process
continued on pg. 23
Burl Richards ABAT President
Executive
You – Not AI –Are Magical
IIf there was one thing we learned throughout the pandemic, it was how important human interaction is. We live in a world that continues to become more and more virtual and artificially enhanced. As I began to type this very message, Microsoft Word asked if I wanted to write with AI Copilot.
Ask AI to produce a realistic photo of a Cowboys fan mermaid riding a donkey with kitchen utensils in her hand, and it will be pretty impressive. When ChatGPT
gets involved, you will magically turn into a wordsmith, firing off emails that are clear and professional. Technology has certainly made vehicle repair more difficult but has also produced safer cars, and for that, I know we are all grateful.
But we are the real magical creatures. Technology has not been able to identify issues in our industry, find new ways to navigate them and implement processes for change. It simply cannot problem solve or emote the way we do.
The past 12 months for ABAT have been marked by a lot more interaction and events. I am seeing us make change and navigate issues like never before, and I do believe it is because of the increase in interaction among us all. I am impressed by Artificial Intelligence, but I am truly inspired by our members.
From our fall celebration in San Antonio to our day at the Capitol in Austin to another successful Skeet Shoot, we have seen so much networking within our group. I can’t wait to see what happens at the Texas Auto Body Trade Show on September 1213! Additionally…we are planning a golf tournament for the East Texas region!
I want to urge you to engage with your local membership group and attend events – we need you to be a part of what we are doing here at ABAT because you, my friend, are more magical than a mermaid on a donkey.
Jill Tuggle ABAT Executive Director
Russell & Smith Logging Big Paint Hours with USI Booths & Prep Station
Buying a paint booth is a huge investment, and there are many factors to carefully consider before selecting one Will the booth work well in a region where there’s a ton of humidity and with drastic changes in the weather? How long do you think the booth will last and will it require a lot of maintenance? Will your painters be comfortable using it ever y day and finally, will the company making the booth provide solid training and reliable customer ser vice?
To answer these questions before acquiring two Chronotech spray booths and a prep deck from USI ITALIA back in 2004, Collision Center Manager Kevin McIllveen at Russell & Smith Body Shop in Houston, TX spent six months studying the market He was looking for the best booths that matched his needs to use in a brand-new 36,000 sq ft facility that the company built from the ground up
Mcllveen, age 56, entered the industr y more than three decades ago as an estimator and has worked for Russell & Smith Body Shop since 1993 His goal with his new spray booths was to improve the efficiencies in his paint department and to accommodate his production, he said, while simultaneously saving time and energy if possible
The vetting process was arduous but worth it in the end. "We did our research so that we could make an educated decision," he said "I went to NACE two years in a row and talked to literally ever yone and asked a lot of questions We knew that this was going to be a ver y significant investment, so we took the time to perform our due diligence to cover all our bases We invested in their prep stations as well, which was another good decision, because my guys can work so much faster and effectively with five different places where we can spray We put a curtain up in the prep booth that provides us two additional spaces that are heated and properly ventilated So, when we are really jammed, we can handle the workload and maintain our cycle time without interrupting or slowing down our production "
After using them for a ver y short time, Mcllveen could clearly see that his Chronotechs were more than capable as they quickly became a centerpiece in his new, high-end, modern shop
"We have four paint teams here, consisting of a painter and a painter’s helper and we consistently log approximately 600-700 paint hours weekly,” he said “We switched to waterborne paint when we opened this facility because we want to provide a healthier climate for our employees and the community as a whole ”
we push these booths and they never let us down ”
Any issues that Russell & Smith Body Shop have encountered with their USI ITALIA booths have been rare and far between But Mcllveen feels good knowing that if called upon, the company will respond and find solutions promptly “If you do your scheduled maintenance and keep ever ything clean, these booths will last you 30 years and maybe even longer The issues that we have encountered with the Chronotechs have been minor and quickly solved, which is impressive when you think that we have been using these booths daily for the last 16 years. I tell people that these booths will be here long after I’ve retired!”
Why was Mcllveen able to improve his numbers by simply adding two USI booths? “In the end, it all comes down to their airflow because we never need blowers or additional air to cure these vehicles The fans in these Chronotechs are exceptional because they feature variable speeds, so we can switch depending on the parameters of each job. Our painters are producing an impressive product day after day, so these booths are saving us both time and money We paint an average of 400 cars ever y month, so
After training provided by USI ITALIA, Mcllveen’s painters were able to start spraying after one day, he said "The Chronotechs are designed to work with waterborne paint, which makes it easier for our painters to do their work After a ver y short time, all of our guys were comfortable and the results were consistently exceptional.”
Mcllveen is also impressed by the Chronotech's sturdy construction and durability "Some booths are just a box, but these are wellbuilt," he said “I know, because I've seen them all and there isn't anything like a USI ITALIA booth "
His career in collision repair industr y has been a great experience and products like his USI ITALIA spray booths and prep station are a part of that, he said “We haven’t had to furlough anybody here and that’s because we value our people and, in the end, our Chronotechs are part of the team ”
Great PULL! For ABAT’s Annual Skeet Shoot and Crawfish Boil
It's easy to see how hard ABAT works, putting their all into everything they do – from advocating for safe and proper repairs to coming together as a community to support others. And ABAT never falls short when it comes to planning a great time for its membership!
On April 17, ABAT hosted its eighth annual Dean Griffin Memorial Skeet Shoot & Crawfish Boil at Elm Fork Shooting Sports in Dallas.
“It was another huge success!” exclaims ABAT Executive Director Jill Tuggle of the event, held in the name of former Board member Dean Griffin who passed away in 2019. Since the event was renamed in his honor, ABAT has also made the annual event a fundraiser for Dean’s daughter Natalie’s college fund. This year, Scholarship Sponsor Texas Towing donated $3,500 to Natalie’s college fund!
The popular event brings out ABAT members, nonmembers, sponsors and more for a fun day of friendly competition tournament style on the 100-clay sporting course. Attendees also enjoyed the opportunity to network, scarf down some cajun lunch and sit back with a Cuban cigar.
Congratulations to Ty Fair (Texas Towing), who was the Top Shooter, Expert Level; Curtis Jordan (Jordan Towing), who came in as the Top Shooter, Intermediate Level and Ron McDowell (Global PDR), the Top Shooter, Beginner Level.
ABAT took the opportunity of community togetherness to hold a moment of silence to honor the memory of Jim Clay of Texas Towing who was Dean’s good friend and an annual participant of the Skeet Shoot and in memory of John Spencer of English Color, an advocate of ABAT and friend to many in the industry. TXA
ABAT would like to thank the following sponsors for making this year’s Skeet Shoot a success:
TITLE SPONSORS:
Moritz Dealerships
Jordan Towing
SCHOLARSHIP SPONSOR:
Texas Towing
LUNCH SPONSOR: All Clear Diagnostics and Calibrations
CIGAR SPONSOR: Auto E Solutions
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ABAT’s Albert Salinas Gears Up for Retirement After 50-Plus Years in Collision Repair
After over 50 years in the auto body business, Albert Salinas has decided it’s time to hang up his toolbelt.
Last month, the veteran collision repair professional announced his retirement from South Houston Nissan where he’s been at the helm of the collision center for more than four decades. He will also depart the ABAT Board of Directors, where he’s been an advocate for safe and proper repairs for many years.
“I’ve been in the business since I was 16 years old when I wrecked my Mom’s car,” recalls Salinas about getting into the field literally by “accident.” His mother put him to work at her cousin’s body shop, and the young Salinas was so taken with the work experience that he wound up with a career that would last the next five decades.
He relished in a great career that began with working at several independent body shops and eventually finding a permanent home at what has been known as South Houston Nissan for the past six years; it was
David McDavid Nissan for 35 years prior.
“I’ve been at this same location for 41 years with an outstanding crew who have been with me for 25-30 years,” Salinas reflects.
The downturn in the economy added fuel to his decision to retire, but ultimately, “at 70-years old, I decided I’ve had enough.”
Salinas’ passion for the collision world extended beyond the shop as he dedicated
many years to advocating for safe and proper repairs on behalf of consumers via his work with the Houston Auto Body Association (HABA) and later with ABAT. His work with HABA began nearly 20 years ago. According to Salinas, when members and non-members came together at those meetings, they were all technically competitors in the market, but when in the same room fighting for what’s right for the consumers, “the competition stayed at the door. When we were in a meeting, we were neutral, and we helped each other out.”
HABA eventually merged with ABAT in 2019. Salinas recalls the first time Burl Richards witnessed a HABA association meeting and was amazed to see shop owners coming together in that way. It eventually led to the formation of ABAT, which Richards still serves as president. Salinas came on as an ABAT Board member in 2022.
“We volunteered ourselves, our information, knowledge and education. It didn’t matter if a member was with a dealership or an independent shop, or if they were next door or 100 miles away, we just advocated for the consumer and for the
by Alana Quartuccio
shop to get paid for what’s right and the work that needs to be done.”
Looking back on his solid career, Salinas is most proud of “establishing a good reputable shop that’s on its second and third generation” of employees. A career in collision repair left him with knowledge of how insurance companies operate and their efforts to not pay for necessary repairs. “When I tell people about this, they are flabbergasted to hear what shop owners are up against with these insurance companies.” The biggest challenges he’s had to contend with all these years has been “trying to get paid for what’s right for a correct repair.”
As for work with ABAT, Salinas is proud to say, “Our success story is that we got the insurance industry and the consumers’ attention on what needs to be done.”
As he sets forth into retirement, Salinas isn’t sure what exactly will be on the agenda. For now, he plans to “take it one day at a time and see what the good Lord brings us. I’m very pleased to have had a successful career at this facility with a great crew.”
His advice to others in the industry is to “keep up the good work and keep fighting – because if we don’t, we will go backwards.” TXA
Why Join WIN?
WIN offers education, mentoring and leadership development opportunities to build critical skills for success in the collision repair market.
• Local/Regional Networking Events
• Annual Education Conference
• Educational Webinars
• Mentoring Opportunities
womensindustrynetwork.com
• Scholarship Program
• School Outreach Program
• Most Influential Women (MIW) Award
Marching Forward: Right to Appraisal Bill Moves Ahead
Texas legislators are taking significant strides to require the Right to Appraisal be included in every Lone Star insurance policy!
When insurers refuse to reimburse consumers for the cost of safe and proper repairs, policyholders’ best method of recourse is to invoke the Appraisal Clause whereby two independent appraisers attempt to agree on a fair value; if they cannot come to an agreement, an umpire is selected to cast the final, binding decision. The Right to Appraisal (RTA) saves consumers from the need to engage in costly and time-consuming litigation, but tragically, this vital protection is not available to every policyholder in Texas.
Texans first saw this attack against
their rights in 2015 when the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) allowed State Farm to eliminate RTA from its policies in the Lone Star State, and since then, several additional carriers have submitted policy change applications requesting approval from TDI to remove the RTA for repair procedure disputes from their policies.
For the last two legislative sessions, ABAT leaders – along with consumer advocates like Texas Watch, Robert McDorman (Auto Claim Specialists) and others – have been storming the ramparts of the Capitol to educate policymakers on the importance of the Appraisal Clause, urging them to pass legislation that will mandate the inclusion of Right to
Appraisal in every policy.
It finally seems like these efforts are falling in line as this year’s Fair Appraisal bill is parading triumphantly right through the process! Senate Bill 458 (SB 458) seeks to ensure that all Texas insurance policies “must contain an appraisal provision” and specifies that this appraisal provision “is intended to provide a type of dispute resolution process solely to determine the amount of loss when that amount is in dispute between the policyholder and the insurer.” (The bill is available in its entirety, along with updates on its progress, at bit.ly/RTA-SB458.)
Pre-filed in November 2024 by Senator Charles Schwertner (R-District 5), SB 458 includes similar goals and language as the bills proposed in the last two legislative sessions; however, it differs from previous submissions by applying to appraisal processes in personal automobile and residential property insurance policies.
It also diverges from the norm when it comes to the pace it’s setting as it makes its way through the Capitol – and in terms of the various entities voicing support for this endeavor!
The 89th legislative session opened January 14, and SB 458 received its first reading mere weeks later when the Senate
referred it to the Committee on Business and Commerce, which took public testimony in a March 27 hearing.
For the third time, McDorman, a public adjuster, testified in support of mandatory appraisal rights, giving an illuminating explanation of the importance and necessity of the Appraisal Clause. It was no surprise to see him joined by Ches Bostick from the Texas Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (TAPIA) and consumer advocacy group representatives; Texas Watch’s Executive Director Ware Wendell and Ann Baddour of Texas Appleseed both spoke in favor of mandatory appraisal rights.
What was shocking was the testimony provided by three individuals representing insurers’ interests – Scot Kibbe (American Property Casualty Insurance Association), John Schnauts (Insurance Council of Texas) and Beaman Floyd (Texas Coalition for Affordable Insurance Solutions) all spoke in support of SB 458!
Moreover, according to Floyd, “Insurers like the appraisal process. That’s why it’s voluntarily in most of the policies in Texas. We think it is a good dispute resolution system and a good way to head off everybody having to spend a bunch of money in the courthouse and get a fair settlement.”
Although the Appraisal Clause resolves disputes between policyholders and their insurance carriers, body shops often seek to educate consumers about this right to ensure their customers are being fairly compensated for their loss, and as such, Manuel Rubio (Miracle Body and Paint; San Antonio) represented the interests of the collision repair community during the public hearing.
The result? SB 458 received 11 ayes and zero nays from the Committee on Business and Commerce!
Upon a second Senate reading on April 9, SB 458 passed to engrossment by a vote of 29:0. Senator Schwertner pressed for the bill to receive its third and final hearing, and upon another unanimous vote, SB 458 passed the Senate and was swept along its way to the House.
Following its first House reading on April 17, the bill has been referred to the House Committee on Insurance, where it
was scheduled for public hearing on April 23, as of the time of this writing. But as quickly as mandatory Right to Appraisal is marching along this legislative session, who knows where it will be by the time this copy of Texas Automotive reaches readers’ hands?!
“I think we’re going all the way this year,” McDorman predicts. “Now that we have unanimous support from the adjusters, ABAT, body shops and the insurance industry, who recognize that the Right to Appraisal is valuable for all parties in the claim process, we’re forging ahead to protect Texas consumers. The Appraisal Clause isn’t anti-insurer – we want insurers to make a reasonable profit, but we don’t want consumers to be taken advantage of.
“Fair appraisal is about more than simply finding a number; on repair disputes, it’s far deeper because it gets into the methodology of repair and often involves safety issues that carriers are refusing to reimburse,” he continued. “If it’s not fixed, corners can get cut,
by Chasidy Rae Sisk
and people can get hurt. So far, it’s progressing quite nicely, and I’m hopeful that legislators will listen to our pleas this session.”
“We’ve seen a lot of progress and garnered increased support for mandatory Right to Appraisal over the last two legislative sessions, but I’ve never seen this kind of rapid movement on a bill!” ABAT Executive Director Jill Tuggle exclaims. “I’m more confident than ever that this is the year – Texas consumers deserve this protection, and it seems like legislators are really stepping up for their constituents!”
Tuggle credits McDorman and his legislative team, Wendell, ABAT President Burl Richards and ABAT Lobbyists Jacob Smith and Jesus Moreno of Longleaf Consulting for the positive momentum. “They’ve been working diligently to protect Texas consumers’ Right to Appraisal for years, and we could have never made it so far on this journey without their tireless devotion.”
Of course, while the aforementioned individuals have been leading the parade, they are not alone in beating the drum for mandating inclusion of the Appraisal Clause in all insurance policies. In fact, dozens of collision repair professionals visited Austin the day before the Senate Committee’s public hearing to advocate on behalf of Texas drivers.
“I was grateful to see so many folks show up – their willingness to take time away from their businesses and drive hours to Austin proves just how important Right to Appraisal is…and it demonstrates their commitment to doing the right thing,” Richards praises those who participated in ABAT’s 2025 Collision Day at the Capitol.
continued on pg. 18
ABAT's Jill Tuggle with Rep. Josey Garcia (District 124)
ABAT leaders and supporters assemble during Collision Day at the Capitol
continued from pg. 17
“It was great to see those who came out,” Tuggle offers, though she admitted to being a little disappointed at the lack of new faces. “We’ve got some great people who are very supportive of ABAT’s goals, but it’s sad that more people don’t participate because these efforts affect all of us. They’re really missing out because it’s so empowering to know that we’re doing something that makes a difference.”
And these efforts truly have an impact. “Legislators and their staff don’t fully understand how the Appraisal Clause works,” Tuggle notes. “They need us to explain it in terms they can understand, so they can make informed decisions; it’s inspiring to watch the impact we’re making as the light of understanding dawns. When their constituents drive hours to raise awareness about these bills, legislators truly embrace the gravity of what we’re talking about.”
“Everyone gathered to visit the Senators and Representatives from our districts to educate them on why fair appraisal is imperative for their constituents, and we received a lot of positive responses,” Richards recounts the day’s events. “Passing this bill is in the best interests of Texas consumers; if they’re involved in an accident and there’s a dispute about the necessary repairs and their associated costs, this avenue allows them to be made whole without the expense of hiring an attorney.”
“Appraisal ensures that policyholders are receiving fair reimbursement in the event of a loss, and legislators seem to understand that now,” McDorman adds. “The difference between
our first visit to the Capitol to discuss mandatory Right to Appraisal and this year’s event is overwhelming! Legislators were very interested and engaged. They asked a lot of great questions, but many of them already knew a good amount about the topic. Many of them read Texas Automotive, so that’s been helpful in educating them, and I’m excited to report how supportive most of them appeared to be.”
“A lot of folks already knew more about appraisal than when we first started, which just goes to show how much work has already been put forth to make this happen this go-around,” Richards agrees. “The fact that the bill has already been voted out of the Senate speaks volumes!”
“It was exactly the push we needed to make, and I’m so excited to see the success we’re having this year,” Tuggle concurs. But the band hasn’t stopped playing; the march toward passing SB 458 is not yet over.
ABAT encourages collision repairers and consumers to sign the petition at texaswatch.org/insurance-reform and to contact their state representatives and senators, whose contact information can be found at wrm.capitol.texas.gov, to share their concerns and garner their support for SB 458.
Stay tuned to Texas Automotive for more updates on SB 458 and on ABAT’s Safe Repair bill (SB 1429) as they become available!
TXA
Ask The Expert Texas Gets Closer to Mandatory Right to Appraisal
Dear Mr. McDorman,
by Robert L. McDorman
I own and operate a collision facility in Southeast Texas. I have been following the editorials on the Texas appraisal bill and appreciate everyone’s hard work on this important issue. Our clients really need this bill to be signed into law. Can you please provide an update? I am sure a lot of readers are on the edge of their seats like me. Besides updating where we are at in the process, how do you feel things are going?
Thank you so much for keeping up with the journey for mandatory appraisal rights in Texas for all motor vehicle policies. On April 23, I was at the Capitol in Austin to testify before the House Insurance Committee. The hearing went very well, and no one opposed the substitute SB 458 Mandatory Appraisal Bill. It is my understanding SB 458 will be voted on next week. I believe there will be a favorable vote to move the bill forward.
On Thursday, March 27, I was asked to attend the Senate Business & Commerce hearing on the Mandatory Appraisal Bill SB 458. As in the April 23 hearing, all testifying principles agreed to the bill and commended Senator Schwertner for bringing all the principles to the table to agree on this necessary and critical bill. Days later, SB 458 had a unanimous vote to move the bill forward.
Today, as I answer your question about our status on mandatory appraisal rights in Texas, I feel better about the mandatory appraisal bill getting to the Governor’s desk than ever before. I, along with many other individuals, have spent many hours over the last eight years educating law makers, lobbyists and interested parties about why mandatory appraisal rights are best for all parties on motor vehicle claims in Texas. I can clearly see that our hard work has paid off by the interest and questions I receive from lawmakers, lobbyists and interested parties. We should always keep at the front of our thoughts the maxim that “safe repairs save lives.”
ABAT lobbyist Jacob Smith has done a wonderful job working with lawmakers and lobbyists over the years to get us where we are today. Our lobbyist at Auto Claim Specialists, Andrew “Drew” Graham, has also done an amazing job educating and working with lawmakers and other lobbyists on the importance of mandatory appraisal rights in motor vehicle policies in Texas. I cannot say enough good things about these two men and their desire to help the insured citizens of our great state guarantee and secure their critical contractual Right to Appraisal. I love them both and commend their dogged determination to watch over and protect the insured Texans’ interest relating to a covered loss.
The under-indemnification in repair procedure claims in Texas is rampant. Most of the estimates and supplements we see for repair
Robert is a recognized Public Insurance Adjuster and Certified Vehicle Value Expert specializing in motor vehicle-related insurance claim resolution. Robert can be reached by phone at (800) 736-6816, (817) 756-5482 or via email at AskTheExpert@autoclaimspecialists.com.
claims have many overlooked (by design) safety and OEM-required operations needed to restore the loss vehicle to its pre-loss condition to the best of one's human ability. Limiting or removing the insured’s right to appraise a repair procedure is a serious safety issue. Limiting or eliminating the Right to Appraisal by the insurance carrier in a repair procedure dispute will be the nail in the coffin for safe roadways in Texas.
Our position at Auto Claim Specialists is that the Right to Appraisal should be a mandatory contractual right in every policy. We, the insureds, are many, and I am confident that if we join forces and all do what we can, we can be successful in securing our rights and our children’s rights to contest insurance settlement offers that would result in underpayment of losses and/or shoddy and dangerous repairs.
The spirit of the Appraisal Clause is to resolve loss disputes fairly and to do so in a timely and cost-effective manner. Invoking the Appraisal Clause removes inexperienced and biased carrier appraisers and claims handlers from the process, undermining their management’s many tricks to undervalue the loss settlement and under-indemnify the insured. Through the Appraisal Clause, loss disputes can be resolved relatively quickly, economically, equitably and amicably by unbiased, experienced, independent third-party appraisers as opposed to more costly and time-consuming methods such as mediation, arbitration and litigation.
In today’s world, regarding motor vehicle insurance policies, frequent changes in claim management and claim handling policies and non-standardized GAP Addendums, we have found it is always in the best interest of the insured or claimant to have their proposed insurance settlement reviewed by an expert before accepting. There is never an upfront fee for Auto Claim Specialists to review a motor vehicle claim or proposed settlement and give their professional opinion as to the fairness of the offer.
Please call me should you have any questions relating to the policy or covered loss. We have most insurance policies in our library. Always remember that safe repair is a quality repair, and quality equates to value. I thank you for your question and look forward to any follow-up questions that may arise.
Sincerely,
Robert L. McDorman TXA
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President’s Message
continued from pg. 4
(though you probably should), this legislation will still benefit you because other shops are explaining this process to their clients and the successful results of invoking their Right to Appraisal is changing the landscape of our industry. By taking the decision about what to pay for a repair out of the insurers’ hands and putting it in the hands of two independent appraisers who determine a fair and reasonable value, we’re seeing insureds get indemnified for processes and procedures that insurers would normally object to paying. And that benefits all of us; it’s a positive for our entire industry!
We’re halfway there…yet we still have a way to go. I’m confident that we can win this fight, but it’s not over yet. It’s not time to hang up our spurs just yet, guys and gals! So, what can you do? Whatever it takes to get SB 458 (and companion HB 4570) across the finish line! And that starts with reaching out to your local state representatives and senators to explain why you support this legislation and why you need them to vote in favor of mandating the Appraisal Clause. Their job is to represent their constituents’ best interests, and if their phones are ringing and the emails keep coming in, they’ll understand how important this matter is to
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us and the motoring public on all Lone Star roadways. Sign the petition at texaswatch.org/saferepairs find contact information for your local legislators. Together, we can go all the way!
