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Verifacts Ready for 2020 SEMA360 Show to Introduce Expanded Offering of Coaching, Evaluation and OEM Certification Services

Verifacts Ready for 2020 SEMA360 Show to Introduce Expanded Offering of Coaching, Evaluation and OEM Certification Services

VeriFacts Automotive, which provides the highest level of collision repair process consulting services across North America, will introduce an expanded offering of coaching, evaluation, verification and OEM certification services at the 2020 SEMA360 Show.

Verifacts AutomotiveToday, VeriFacts Automotive provides skilled coaching and verification services for thousands of collision repair facilities across North America. These services help shops adopt advanced technologies, deliver higher quality repairs, showcase their quality with a third-party review process, and ultimately provide higher customer satisfaction. Every year, VeriFacts Automotive provides coaching, verification or OEM certification impacting thousands of collision repair technicians and several million vehicle repairs.

Vehicle manufacturers work with VeriFacts Automotive because the right repair protects their customers and their brand value. VeriFacts Automotive has created a verified network of excellent collision repair facilities so that OEMs can trust their repair procedures are being followed. For collision repair facilities, VeriFacts Automotive helps them achieve critical OEM certifications. The VeriFacts Automotive coaches conduct thorough assessments of equipment, processes and training against OEM repair standards, and help facilities plan their investment in technology and training to achieve and maintain these certifications.

VeriFacts Automotive is located in the SEMA360 Collision Repair and Refinish area here and invites SEMA attendees and VeriFacts customers to see all the new exciting developments and solutions from the company.

Join VeriFacts Automotive for Online Educational Roundtables:

  • Vehicle and Shop Sanitization Safe Practices: Cory Balsitis, Wednesday, Nov. 4, 11 a.m. ET
  • Are You Ready to Repair Hybrid and Electric Vehicles: Mike Miller, Thursday, Nov. 5, 11 a.m. ET
  • Powering Your Shop with Advanced Technology: Fred Iantorno, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2 p.m. ET

“The SEMA Show always a tremendous opportunity join all of the leaders in the collision repair and automotive aftermarket industry to look at opportunities ahead, see new products and technologies, and connect with our loyal customers and partners. This year with virtual SEMA360 we can share this opportunity around the world without boundaries or borders,” said Farzam Afshar, CEO of VeriFacts.  “We continue to evolve and improve our coaching, evaluation, verification and OEM certification resources, and look forward to sharing these with the world.”

New VQ Shops

Two More Collision Repair Facilities Achieve VeriFacts Automotive Verified Quality Designation

Ultimate Collision & RV and Tucker Auto Body & Towing Join the Top Shops in America as VeriFacts VQ Facilities

VeriFacts Automotive announced that two new repair facilities have earned the Verified Quality (VQ) designation for their consistent performance to the highest of automotive repair standards.

The VeriFacts Verified Quality (VQ) program ensures that a repair facility has all the resources to achieve a safe and proper repair. The VeriFacts Automotive coaches not only teach and train, but also perform unannounced, on-site visits to verify technician repair skills, methodologies, and overall quality processes. Collision repair facilities that achieve the VeriFacts Automotive VQ designation are recognized for their commitment to the highest standards in collision repair.

“Ultimate Collision & RV and Tucker Auto Body & Towing have both worked very hard at producing the safest, highest-quality repairs for their customers and deliver excellent service,” said Bill Romaniello, Vice President, Operations for VeriFacts Automotive. “The VeriFacts Automotive VQ designation is testament to their commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.”

Ultimate Collision & RV, Peoria, AZ

Tino Escobedo started his shop with his father in 2014. Soon after, they decided to pursue Honda Certification. That is when they called on VeriFacts Automotive to provide the training and coaching needed to earn certification.

“VeriFacts Automotive provides a valuable service to our team,” said Scott Amrine, Director for Ultimate Collision and RV in Peoria, AZ. “It’s a big benefit to have a third party provide the training and inspect our repairs for us. They can go a lot further than our production management team can go.”

“VeriFacts Automotive has helped us create a weld testing process,” said Escobedo (pictured L-R with partner Sunny Singh who manages the RV business). “This ensures that every weld we make is done correctly and documented. They have worked with our technicians on using the proper products for corrosion protection to meet each OEMs requirements and proper application techniques. Their coaches even inspect our paint quality. All of this makes our technicians the best that they can be, ensuring the safest, highest-quality repairs for our customers.”

Ultimate Collision & RV is Honda and Ford certified and are working on earning more OEM certifications. They achieved the VeriFacts VQ verified status this past June. This means that repeated, unannounced on-site examinations of their equipment, materials, information, procedures and hands-on repair skills have documented above average levels of repair quality. VeriFacts VQ repair facilities are among the most reputable in the collision repair industry.

“We have been blessed that despite the COVID-19 situation, we have had plenty of repair work and have been able to keep our entire staff working,” said Amrine. “We have a great reputation in our market, which is so important for a family owned business. Our number one goal is always that every customer leaves our shop totally satisfied.”

Tucker Auto Body & Towing, Imperial, CA

Jered Tucker’s father, Jerry, started his towing business in 1986 with two trucks. After a while, he thought “Since I am towing all these wrecked cars in, I might as well get in the business of fixing them.”

Jered Tucker began helping around the shop as early as age 10 and began driving a tow truck at 16. After graduating from high school, Tucker and his father opened a second location in Imperial, their current location.

“In 2019, we decided to become a Ford certified repair facility,” said Tucker. “And we wanted a second set of eyes and a different perspective on how repairs are performed, and that is why we decided to partner with VeriFacts Automotive. We always follow the OEM repair procedures, and sometimes those procedures need interpretation. The VeriFacts Automotive coaches and the VeriFacts Technical Support Team help with that. Our coach helped us create a weld destruction station to test and document our welds.

“We do a lot of things right, but to stay true to returning vehicles to pre-loss state or better we must pay attention to the details,” said Tucker. “VeriFacts Automotive helps ensure we attend to all the details. I always believed that to be the best, you should take advantage of coaching when you can get it, because no one knows everything. We believe in constant improvement, and the training and coaching we receive from the VeriFacts Automotive coaches help us achieve that. The coaches bring a wealth of knowledge to our technicians from their industry experience, their work with the OEMs, as well as from the things they see and learn from the many other shops they visit.

“Individualized training is a valuable benefit for our team, and they appreciate it because they know it keeps them on top of their game,” Tucker continued. “We have always had a philosophy that if we take care of our technicians, they will take care of our customers. As a result, our CSI rating has gone from 90 to 99.”

EV Ready Education Program and A&R Auto Body

VeriFacts Automotive Launches New EV Ready Education Program to Provide Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Repair Guidance to Collision Repair Facilities

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VeriFacts Member Randy Serkey, Owner of A&R Auto Body in Connecticut First to Earn VeriFacts Automotive EV Ready Remote Verification

Are you ready to repair hybrid and electric vehicles? Does your staff know the safety precautions to take during the repair process? Do you have the right tools and equipment for these vehicles? If you aren’t planning for how you will address these repairs today, you’ll likely be playing catch-up or unable to take some jobs as these vehicles flood the marketplace in the coming year.

To help its collision repair facilities customers prepare for hybrid and electric vehicle repairs, VeriFacts Automotive launched the VeriFacts Academy 2020 virtual collision repair classroom, which features the new Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Essentials Course as one of its’ first learning modules.Through this course, collision repair professionals can gain knowledge of the safety protocols and repair processes for hybrid and electric vehicles. VeriFacts Automotive also introduced a new VeriFacts Automotive EV Ready Remote Verification program through which its collision repair coaching customers can earn recognition that their team is prepared to repair hybrid and electric vehicles.

Collision Repair Professionals Say HEV/BEV Readiness Is Critical … and the Right Thing to Do

As people return to the road for work, vacation and daily life, the ability to safely repair these HEV/BEV cars will be critical, and is the right thing to do from an environmental perspective.

“It’s an honor to be the first collision repair facility in the VeriFacts network to earn our HEV/BEV Ready remote verification,” said Randy Serkey, owner of A&R Auto Body. “I’m a believer in hybrid vehicles, and I’ve had once since 2004. Today, I have a Hyundai Kona. I love the mileage and economics, and it’s the right thing to do for the environment.

“That’s why we pursued our HEV/BEV collision repair readiness verification from VeriFacts Automotive – it’s imperative to responsibly and accurately repair these unique vehicles,” he added. “We sent four team members through theVeriFacts Automotive Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Essentials Course to obtain our verification. This — along with our OEM certifications –prepares us for the growth of HEV/BEV vehicles in our market, and makes us the preferred repair partner for local dealerships and vehicle owners.”

The “green” approach to vehicle repair is a key component of Serkey’s business strategy.

“Green is lean, and that’s good for business,” he noted. “We’ve updated our equipment and our lighting to be more energy efficient, we spray with nitrogen to reduce overspray and paint waste, and have a central vacuum system to decrease dust and improve air quality. Becoming HEV/BEV collision repair ready through VeriFacts Automotive complements this strategy, and furthers our efforts to be better environmental citizens.”

Electric Vehicles Continue to Grow

Electric and hybrid vehicles passed the one million total sales mark in 2018, and the trend toward hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEV) will continue. The number of EVs on U.S. roads is projected to reach 18.7 million in 2030. This is about 7 percent of the 259 million vehicles (cars and light trucks) expected to be on U.S. roads in 2030. (Source: Edison Electric Institute).

“The trend toward hybrid and electric vehicles will continue, and we will see more and more of these vehicles in collision repair facilities,” said Farzam Afshar, CEO of VeriFacts Automotive. “The repair process is much different when you have a very large powerful battery at the core of the vehicle. If you don’t have the proper training, equipment and repair processes in place, it can be very dangerous to any team member interacting with the vehicle. We want to help ensure that anyone who works on these vehicles is educated about the essentials of electric vehicles and ready to safely repair them.”

This need for safety awareness led VeriFacts Academy to launch the special educational course for its customers on HEV/BEV repair preparation. This special Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Essentials Course is  offered by the VeriFacts Academy 2020 virtual classroom through the new Learning Management System (LMS). This course is designed to complement the OEM repair standards for specific makes and models.

“Becoming a verified repair professional for electric vehicles provides you a competitive advantage in your marketplace and offers your customers assurance that their vehicle will be repaired safely,” said Farzam Afshar, CEO of VeriFacts Automotive. “We are excited to launch the 2020 VeriFacts Academy with this course for our valued VeriFacts customers. And, it helps our customers ensure that consumers receive a complete, safe and total repair on their damaged vehicle.”

The VeriFacts Automotive HEV/BEV Ready Remote Verification also helps collision repair shops meet unique insurance carriers’ needs for specialized services for these vehicles and can provide them preferred repair partner status.

To learn more about the VeriFacts Automotive Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Essentials Course and the new EV Ready Remote Verification program, contact info@verifactsauto.com.

VeriFacts Automotive Congratulates Two San Diego Area Collision Repair Facilities for Earning VQ Medallion Status

VeriFacts Automotive Congratulates Two San Diego Area Collision Repair Facilities for Earning VQ Medallion Status

Lloyd’s Collision and Fix Auto National City Join Ranks of Most Elite Collision Repair Facilities in North America

NEWPORT BEACH, CA (July 23, 2020) — VeriFacts Automotive has recognized two leading San Diego collision repair facilities — Lloyd’s Collision and Fix Auto USA National City — for achieving its elite VQ Medallion distinction, the highest mark of quality in the collision repair industry.

The VeriFacts Verified Quality (VQ) program ensures that a repair facility has all the resources to achieve a safe and proper repair. The VeriFacts Automotive coaches not only teach and train, but also perform unannounced, on-site visits to verify technician repair skills, methodologies, and overall quality processes. The best-performing facilities can earn the Verified Quality Medallion status, putting them among the most elite shops in North America and recognizing that they have what it takes to maintain these exemplary levels of quality structural repair to earn this designation. Collision repair facilities that achieve the VeriFacts Automotive VQ designation receive a certificate to display in their customer lobby and those that earn VQ Medallion distinction receive a beautiful plaque to show customers they are committed to the highest standards in collision repair. Both VeriFacts VQ and VeriFacts Medallion shops are promoted to consumers, insurers and industry partners on the VeriFacts online store locator at VerifactsAuto.com.

“Both Lloyd’s Collision and Fix Auto USA in National City demonstrate the highest commitment to quality repairs and excellent customer service,” said Farzam Afshar, CEO of VeriFacts Automotive. “They represent the top one percent of collision repair facilities in North America and are a role model for the entire industry. We congratulate them on this milestone accomplishment.”

Lloyd’s Collision is a two-shop, family owned business, run by Bob Lloyd, and his sons Mike and Robert Jr., and daughter-in-law Brittney.  The senior Lloyd’s love of cars began in a high school auto body class in Wilkes Barre, PA, where he liked taking a bent fender and being able to straighten it. Lloyd then moved to the San Diego area and worked in a collision repair shop for seven years before opening his own in 1984. The business grew from two full-time employees and one part-time employee, to two locations with a total of 28 production employees.

“I was happy with a small operation, but when my children became involved, they saw the direction that the industry was going and knew that if we wanted to stay successful, we needed to grow,” said Bob Lloyd. “In 2012 we bought a larger facility and opened a second location two years later.”

Having grown up working around his father’s shop, Robert now helps manage both locations. He is an active member of the California Auto Body Association board, and the one who pursued the VeriFacts Automotive relationship.

“I viewed VeriFacts Automotive as a partner that would help us get to the next level.” said Robert Lloyd. “We want everyone on our team to continue to grow and learn, and VeriFacts Automotive coaches help us to achieve and maintain that.”

“Ultimately, it is about staying current with approved repair procedures and doing what is best for the customer,” said Robert. “Our customers put their trust in us to repair their cars safely, and we will always work hard to ensure that we are performing the safest possible repairs with the most up-to-date procedures and equipment.”

Fix Auto National City has also recently earned VQ medallion status. National City is the second shop location to achieve this elite status for Dan Greenwald. His Chula Vista location has been a VQ Medallion facility since 2014.

“Having the achieved the VeriFacts Automotive VQ Medallion status gives us a leg up on other repairers in our market,” said Dustin Greenwald, Dan’s son. “But more importantly, it gives us confidence and comfort that we are making the highest-quality repairs and going above the industry standards. It reinforces to our technicians how important it is to follow recommended repair procedures, and it gives us confidence knowing those processes are being followed and verified by an independent source.

“Our technicians really work well with the VeriFacts Automotive coaches,” Greenwald added. “They respect their repair knowledge and look forward to their Lunch and Learn clinics.”

 

Take Time Today to Plan for Tomorrow’s Technology Needs

Take Time Today to Plan for Tomorrow’s Technology Needs

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As automotive businesses have navigated the pandemic and prepared for a return to “normal” business, many have spent time improving their facilities, from painting and organizing to implementing new processes. But one area that many collision repair facilities overlook on their improvements list is their technology.

VeriFacts Automotive, which provides the highest level of collision repair business coaching, evaluation and verification services to collision repair shops across North America, notes that the advanced technology needed to run the shops isn’t keeping up with the advanced technology in the cars they are repairing.

“Today, with the new ‘no-touch’ service, new data-enabled equipment and smart tools, shops need a powerful, integrated technology platform to maximize the benefits of their resources,” says Fred Iantorno, vice president of IoT for VeriFacts Automotive. “Many shops still have the same server and data capacity that powered their front office. This means they can’t meet the connectivity needs of handling virtual estimates, customers’ wireless service, technicians’ data download demands and overall information management required for every vehicle repair.”

Iantorno points to five key areas where collision repair facilities need to evaluate and upgrade their technology:

  1. Connectivity and Bandwidth: The foundation of your technology network is your internet service provider and the bandwidth they can provide. For maximum efficiency, you should determine the availability of adequate signal strength in most all locations within your shop and in outside areas where you will be handling “no-touch” vehicle dropoff and delivery. This can easily be done by downloading any number of apps that you can get from the Apple store or Google Play. You should also consider how many people and devices will be used in your shop to ensure you have enough bandwidth to support everything and everyone.
  2. High-Tech Tools: Most all new shop equipment (scanners, frame measurement, welders, etc.) have internet connections. This allows the ability to upload vehicle data to shop estimating systems, download repair procedures and standards, even monitor equipment performance and repair needs.
  3. Inventory of Internet Connected Equipment: While you are checking the “Connectivity and Bandwidth” above, you should record and keep an inventory of your equipment that is or can be connected to the internet. You do not need an elaborate inventory system or method: a simple spreadsheet or Word document works well.
  4. Data Backup and Recovery: By now everyone knows that they should have a backup mechanism for the data on their PC and on their servers. If you do not, stop right now and get a backup system or software in place. However, this is not enough. You need to periodically (at least once a year, preferably monthly) test the data recovery portion. Make a habit of recovering and restoring and you will find that, if you have a data loss event, you are prepared, confident, and you will recover quicker and with minimal stress.
  5. Data Pumps: Do you know what these are? You or someone installed these on your servers so that you could transmit and receive data. These pumps are vendor specific. Are you still using that vendor? If not, do you know if the data pump has been removed? Was it removed? If you do not immediately know the answer, then it probably is still working in the background. It is time that you remove any data pumps that you are no longer using. If you have IT personnel, get this on their work schedule to check. If you do not have IT personnel, get some outside If you aren’t managing this closely, your shop data and your customers’ data could be at risk for unauthorized use.

“Now is the ideal time to upgrade your shop’s total technology platform and empower your productivity and efficiency for years to come,” adds Iantorno. “Not only will you be able to maximize the return on your investment in advanced equipment, your team members will be better able to deliver a ‘no-touch’ approach to vehicle repair for your customers.”

VeriFacts Automotive Announces Partnership with the CARS Cooperative to Provide Coaching and Support

VeriFacts Automotive Announces Partnership with the CARS Cooperative to Provide Coaching and Support

NEWPORT BEACH, CA (July 8, 2020) – VeriFacts Automotive announced today that it had been selected as the provider of independent, third-party collision repair business coaching, evaluation and verification services for the CARS Cooperative and its members.

Through the partnership, CARS Cooperative members will receive special pricing on new services with VeriFacts Automotive, including:

  • Third-party, independent in-shop review and quality calibrationto help collision repair facilities improve repair quality and process efficiency
  • Technicians receive customized on-the-job evaluation and coaching
  • Repair Clinicson key industry processes and advancements
  • Review of the shop’s equipment, processes and training credentialsto better meet the needs of OEM certifications and vehicle technology
  • Monthly performance measurement to help collision repair facilities maintain the highest levels of KPI performance and customer satisfaction
  • VeriFacts Automotive technical support assistance following completion of initial research
  • VeriFacts Automotive Topic of the Month newsletteroffers technical advice, tips, product solutions and more
  • Monthly webinarsfor live information sharing on timely topics
  • Participation in VeriFacts Academy, the new online learning center that offers 24/7 educational opportunities

“We’re proud to partner with VeriFacts Automotive as our exclusive provider of independent, third-party coaching and verification services,” said Matt H Boyles, PhD, Executive Director for the CARS Cooperative. “Only VeriFacts Automotive provides the full portfolio of services and hands-on coaching that will help our CARS Cooperative members achieve the highest levels of quality and customer service. And through the partnership, our members will benefit from special pricing and value-added services as part of the CARS Cooperative family.”

VeriFacts Automotive is committed to coaching its members to the highest possible standards in collision repair and providing technical assistance to help shops repair vehicles properly. The VeriFacts Verified Quality (VQ) Program provides independent, third-party verification of repair quality using the VeriFacts Automotive patented technology for unbiased, consistent measurement and reporting.

When CARS Cooperative members are verified by the VeriFacts Automotive coaching team, they can receive VeriFacts Verified Quality designation. The best-performing facilities can earn the Verified Quality Medallion status, putting them among the most elite shops in North America. Collision repair facilities that achieve the VeriFacts Automotive VQ designation receive a certificate to display in their customer lobby and those that earn VQ Medallion distinction receive a beautiful plaque to show customers they are committed to the highest standards in collision repair. Both VeriFacts VQ and VeriFacts Medallion shops are promoted to consumers, insurers and industry partners on the VeriFacts online store locator at VerifactsAuto.com.

 

Webinar Educates Collision Industry on Counterfeit Parts

Webinar Educates Collision Industry on Counterfeit Parts

To read on BodyShop Business, click here.

VeriFacts Automotive held a webinar on June 11 to educate the collision repair industry on counterfeit parts.

The webinar brought together four leaders battling counterfeit parts to discuss the growing challenge, how government organizations and OEMs are working to eliminate them and what collision repair professionals can do to protect themselves and their customers:

  • Abe Jardines – Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center
  • John Lancaster – Subaru of America, Inc.
  • Teena Bohi – Toyota Motor North America
  • Andy Forsythe – Nissan Group of North America

As collision repair facilities see repair jobs begin to increase, one concern is sourcing the parts to fix those vehicles in a timely, affordable manner that meet insurance carrier, OEM and industry repair standards.

The collision industry uses a variety of parts types which include aftermarket, recycled and reconditioned parts. Aftermarket parts compete in the marketplace, while counterfeit parts whose material, performance or characteristics are knowingly misrepresented by a supplier in the supply chain.

Unknowingly, some collision repair facilities may end up with counterfeit parts when ordering what they believe are OEM parts. According to the Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council, it is difficult to trace what percentage of parts are counterfeit.

To more effectively counter the flood of counterfeit/hazardous products by coordinating and leading the U.S. Government’s response to this threat, the ICE-led National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) has been restructured and moved into a new “state of the art” facility in Arlington, Va. The center operates in a “task force” like setting with all 25 partners focusing on Interdiction, Investigation and Outreach & Training to combat IP theft.

“We are working to promote national security by protecting the public’s health and safety, the U.S. economy, our war fighters, and to stop predatory and illegal trade practices that threaten the U.S. and global economies,” said Jardines. “This whole of government approach brings to bear all the regulatory, civil and criminal authorities of the partner agencies to fight counterfeiting and piracy. This approach lays the foundation to partner with Industry, other Law Enforcement Agencies and provide education amongst them and the public of the dangers and effects of IP theft.

“The bottom line is, can you trust the people that you are getting your parts from,” he added.

The Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council is a collaboration among automakers and their partners that strives to eliminate counterfeit automotive components that could harm U.S. consumers.

“Every type of part can be counterfeited, from keys to airbags, brakes, airbags, headlights and suspensions,” said Lancaster. “Not only do these counterfeit parts violate the OEM intellectual property, they can be incredibly dangerous for the repair professional and the consumer. We have reached out to law enforcement offices, ports and branches all throughout the U.S. and have found great success thus far, but counterfeit auto parts are a problem that requires more help…your help.”

Bohi cited several key initiatives the Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council is pursuing to address the issue:

  • Increase accountability and responsibility of e-commerce platforms in preventing sales of counterfeit goods
  • Marketplaces should promote consumer awareness and implement a simple way for consumers to report bad actors to those who can take proper actions
  • Increase seller, supplier and product vetting to combat the presence of bad actors online
  • Marketplaces should improve vetting of sellers, suppliers and products by implementing more stringent requirements that validate seller credentials and product authenticity
  • Strengthen penalties for repeat offenders of health and safety products (i.e. auto parts)
  • Implement standardized parameters and more stringent penalties be imposed on sellers, especially those offering products like auto parts that impact health and public safety.

According to Forsythe, there are several signs to look for when evaluating the veracity of the parts ordered:

  • Labels that do not match or have conflicting information
  • Labels hiding other labels
  • Unrealistic production dates
  • Misspellings
  • Poor packaging, nested boxes, empty boxes and shrink wrap

“Genuine OEM parts are properly tested, reliable and offer great quality,” said Forsythe. “Meanwhile, counterfeit or illicit parts are untested, have an increased potential for failures, and can negatively impact safety, reputation and liability. To protect your collision repair shop and your customers, you should know your source in procuring parts for repairs, flag potential counterfeit parts and report counterfeit parts to the IRC at www.iprcenter.gov/contact-us.”

The Dangers of Counterfeit Parts Presents Challenge for the Collision Repair Industry

The Dangers of Counterfeit Parts Presents Challenge for the Collision Repair Industry

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Guild 21 Offers Guidance on Avoiding, Recognizing and Reporting Counterfeit Parts 

As collision repair facilities see repair jobs begin to increase, one  concern is sourcing the parts to fix those vehicles in a timely, affordable manner that meet insurance carrier, OEM and industry repair standards.

The collision industry uses a variety of parts types which include aftermarket, recycled and reconditioned parts.  Aftermarket parts compete in the marketplace, while counterfeit parts whose material, performance or characteristics are knowingly misrepresented by a supplier in the supply chain.

Unknowingly, some collision repair facilities may end up with counterfeit parts when ordering what they believe are OEM parts. According to the Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council, it is difficult to trace what percentage of parts are counterfeit.

The June 2020 Guild 21 webinar, hosted by VeriFacts, brought together four leaders in battling counterfeit parts to discuss the growing challenge, how government organizations and OEMs are working to eliminate them and what collision repair professionals can do to protect themselves and their customers. The participants included:

  • Abe Jardines – Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center
  • John Lancaster – Subaru of America, Inc.
  • Teena Bohi – Toyota Motor North America
  • Andy Forsythe– Nissan Group of North America

To more effectively counter the flood of counterfeit/hazardous products by coordinating and leading the U.S. Government’s response to this threat, the ICE-led National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) has been restructured and moved into a new “state of the art” facility in Arlington, VA. The center operates in a “task force” like setting with all 25 partners focusing on Interdiction, Investigation and Outreach & Training to combat IP theft.

“We are working to promote national security by protecting the public’s health and safety, the U.S. economy, our war fighters, and to stop predatory and illegal trade practices that threaten the U.S. and global economies,” said Jardines. “This whole of government approach brings to bear all the regulatory, civil and criminal authorities of the partner agencies to fight counterfeiting and piracy. This approach lays the foundation to partner with Industry, other Law Enforcement Agencies and provide education amongst them and the public of the dangers and effects of IP theft.

“The bottom line is, can you trust the people that you are getting your parts from,” he added.

The Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council is a collaboration among automakers and their partners that strives to eliminate counterfeit automotive components that could harm U.S. consumers.

“Every type of part can be counterfeited, from keys to airbags, brakes, airbags, headlights and suspensions,” said Lancaster. “Not only do these counterfeit parts violate the OEM intellectual property, they can be incredibly dangerous for the repair professional and the consumer. We have reached out to law enforcement offices, ports and branches all throughout the U.S. and have found great success thus far, but counterfeit auto parts are a problem that requires more help…. your help.”

Bohi cited several key initiatives the Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council is pursuing to address the issue:

  1. Increase accountability and responsibility of e-commerce platforms in preventing sales of counterfeit goods
  2. Marketplaces should promote consumer awareness and implement a simple way for consumers to report bad actors to those who can take proper actions
  3. Increase seller, supplier and product vetting to combat the presence of bad actors online
  4. Marketplaces should improve vetting of sellers, suppliers and products by implementing more stringent requirements that validate seller credentials and product authenticity
  5. Strengthen penalties for repeat offenders of health and safety products (i.e. auto parts)
  6. Implement standardized parameters and more stringent penalties be imposed on sellers, especially those offering products like auto parts that impact health and public safety.

According to Forsythe, there are several signs to look for when evaluating the veracity of the parts ordered:

  • Labels that do not match or have conflicting information
  • Labels hiding other labels
  • Unrealistic production dates
  • Mis-spellings
  • Poor packaging, nested boxes, empty boxes and shrink wrap

“Genuine OEM parts are properly tested, reliable and offer great quality,” said Forsythe. “Meanwhile, counterfeit or illicit parts are untested, have an increased potential for failures, and can negatively impact safety, reputation and liability. To protect your collision repair shop and your customers, you should know your source in procuring parts for repairs, flag potential counterfeit parts and report counterfeit parts to the IRC at www.iprcenter.gov/contact-us.”

About Guild 21
Guild 21 started at the 2012 VeriFacts Fix it Right, Fix it Smart Symposium, when Dale Delmege and collision repair leaders saw a need to recommit to serving the public. Together with other industry professionals, they developed a Hippocratic Oath for those in the collision repair industry. More than just developing an oath, the industry leaders of Guild 21 sought to innovate the way information is shared throughout the industry. With the use of cloud and VOIP technology, Guild 21 began holding monthly meetings with speakers in 2014, and each month it presents the latest and most valuable information collision repair leaders can use. For membership and more information, email info@guild21.com.

How To File A Car Insurance Claim From Your Couch

How To File A Car Insurance Claim From Your Couch

Forbes.com
Jason Metz

To read on Forbes.com, please click here.

Even if you’re staying at home to help flatten the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic, you might get unexpected car damage and need to file a car insurance claim. For example, a large branch could fall on your car, or you could get into a fender bender on the way to a curbside grocery pickup.

What to do at the Scene of an Accident

If you get into a car accident, maintain at least a 6-foot distance between the driver of the other vehicle and their passengers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

You can verbally exchange information from a safe distance, or you can take a photo of your insurance card and exchange it through text messages. If you need to call the police to the scene, you can wait in your car and the police officer can help facilitate the exchange of insurance information.

If your car is undrivable because of the damage, you may need to call for a tow truck. If possible, try to arrange a ride home with a family member or someone you live with. If you need to ride home in an Uber or with someone else, be sure to practice the CDC’s guidelines to protect yourself and others.

How to File A Virtual Car Insurance Claim

In a typical car insurance claim scenario, an adjuster might come to your home to inspect the car damage and give you an appraisal.

But auto insurance companies are adjusting to new norms amid the pandemic. Many urge their policyholders to file and manage claims online or through the companies’ mobile apps. You can also call the insurance company to file a claim over the phone, but wait times may be longer than usual.

Many auto insurers were already investing in virtual-claims technologies before the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s what some major insurers can offer.

Allstate has “Virtual Assist” to expedite car insurance claims. Virtual Assist allows body shops to create an initial estimate and get approved for additional repair as they work on your vehicle. You can submit your initial claim using Allstate’s “QuickFoto Claim” within its mobile app. Allstate can send you payments instantly through its QuickCard Pay. The company expects to handle 90% of its auto insurance claims using virtual tools.

American Family customers can access their accounts online or with the MyAmFam app to make a claim or check the status of a claim.

Amica’s app offers the ability to upload documents, photos and media to file a claim. You can enroll for text messages and email notifications for the claim’s status, and message your claim handler. You can also sign up for direct deposit for claim payments.

Auto-owners insurance customers can connect via the customer center app to upload and view claims documents.

Erie Insurance customers can monitor a claim through their online accounts.

Farmers Insurance has temporarily moved to a “technology first” approach in processing claims, according to Trevor Chapman, a Farmers spokesperson. Customers can file claims remotely through Farmers.com, the mobile app, or by calling their agent or the 24-hour call center.

You can also use Farmers’ photo-estimating tool to get an appraisal. If you need an in-person appraisal, you can remain in your vehicle during the inspection process and communicate via text and phone with the claims representative.

Geico encourages customers to check their claim status through the Geico mobile app or the company’s website.

Hanover Insurance offers online claim handling, and you can file and monitor a claim through their mobile app.

Liberty Mutual says its auto-repair appraisers will not be visiting customer homes or auto body shops except in emergency situations. If you need to file a claim, you can upload photos of your car damage online or through the Liberty Mutual app, which includes an assisted-photo tool and step-by-step guide for taking damage photos.

Nationwide customers can file claims and check status online.

Progressive says you can file a claim online, through the company’s app or by calling the company. Progressive’s website says they will be limiting in-person interactions as much as possible.

State Farm customers can file claims online or through its mobile app.

Travelers Insurance has several virtual options, including virtual inspection tools that allow adjusters to view damage without being on-site. You have the option to utilize real-time video chat and apps to guide you through the claim process. You can also upload photos and videos of damage at Travelers.com.

USAA customers can file a claim through its mobile app.

What About No-Contact Auto Repair?

If your car is in need of repair, you’re going to need to get it over to an auto repair shop. The good news is that many auto repair shops have taken steps to limit person-to-person interaction and reduce the chances of COVID-19 exposure.

“We have been able to quickly launch some new programs to our Carstar franchisees,” says Dean Fisher, president of Carstar North America, a network of independently owned collision repair facilities. Fisher says that these services include increased cleaning and sanitizing, vehicle drop-off and pickup guidelines, and photo-based repair estimates.

It’s a good idea to ask your auto repair shop what steps they have taken to limit in-person contact. If you’re not comfortable with the answers, consider a different shop.

To give you an idea of what types of questions to ask, here are some recommendations from VeriFacts Automotive, a company that offers guidance to collision repair facilities.

  • Limited interaction. Ask about discussing your vehicle using virtual methods, like Skype, Zoom or Google Hangouts. If you do need to visit the shop, ask to schedule an appointment during off-peak hours and maintain at least a 6-foot distance from others.
  • A clean, sanitized environment. An auto repair shop should ensure that its visitors’ area is sanitized, including computer terminals, equipment, counters, entryways and bathrooms. Bring your own pen in case you have to sign any forms.
  • Drop-off and pickup services. If possible, Verifacts Automotive recommends leaving the car in a secure location with the keys in a signed, sealed envelope inside the car. You can also ask your shop if they are able to pick up your car at your house and drop it off after repair.
  • Sanitized vehicles upon arrival and return. Ask your shop if they plan to sanitize your car, including the steering wheel, dashboard, knobs, gear stick, door handles, armrest and cup holder.

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