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Posts Tagged ‘claims’

HD Repair Forum to Showcase OEM and Insurer Involvement

Posted by Jennie Lepore

The HD Repair Forum (HDRF) is in its 6th year and the level of engagement from OEM’s and insurers continues to grow. Previous conferences have highlighted information on new vehicle technology, repair resources, and parts information from several OEMs including PACCAR, Daimler, Ford Motor Company, Rivian, Great Dane, Volvo Group North America, and others.

“As the industry and technology continues to evolve, engaging with the OEM’s and insurers has never been more critical, ” stated Brian Nessen, HD Repair Forum President. 

Isuzu, MCI, Navistar and Prevost will take this stage this year to present during the 2023 general sessions on Tuesday, April 18th and Wednesday, April 19th in Fort Worth, Texas. “Their participation is a continuation of the support the event has received the past few years from the manufacturers.” Nessen continued. Speakers from our OEM supporters will provide insight on the latest in technology for newer model vehicles, where to find repair information for those vehicles, updates on the parts supply chain, and more.

The HD Repair Forum is a platform for all industry stakeholders to discuss common challenges and identify solutions, and that includes involvement from the industry’s insurance partners. “We have had a number of insurance and independent appraiser companies involved with the HD Repair Forum over the years.” Nessen emphasized. “Without their input, we would be missing a big piece of the puzzle.” 

This year’s insurance panel will feature representatives from National General, an Allstate Company, Great American Insurance Group, and Federated Insurance and will focus on challenges experienced by both repairers and insurers with the goal of identifying potential solutions, including audience participation and Q & A. 

Registration for the event is still open, and the opportunity to save on registration rates is still available. To access registration and gather more information go to hdrepairforum.com/event-registration

Those with questions or interest in getting more involved in the industry’s only collision-focused event may reach out to Jennie Lepore JennieL@hdrepairforum.com or Brian Nessen BrianN@hdrepairforum.com.

About HD Repair Group

HD Repair Group offers a dedicated source of focused-information for those involved in collision repair work of heavy-duty, medium-duty, commercial, and non-commercial vehicles in classes 4 – 8. This community is where industry stakeholders such as shop owners, company executives, managers, technicians, estimators, and others can network with industry peers and find the latest news, tips, trends, and best practices in the heavy- and medium-duty collision repair marketplace. The HD Repair Group serves this industry in numerous ways including hosting conferences, distributing a monthly e-newsletter, hosting webinars, videos, social channels, and more. 

Learn more or sign up here to get connected today. 

HD Repair Forum Fall Conference to Tackle Industry’s Biggest Challenges

Posted by Jennie Lepore

The Fall HD Repair Forum will take place September 26th and 27th and it will address the industry’s biggest challenges including staffing issues, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), electric vehicle repair information, new model vehicle technology advancements, and more. The complete agenda can be found here.

The advancement and adoption of electric vehicles and ADAS continues to evolve. As their presence and complexity in the industry grows, it is the HD Repair Forum’s mission to make sure the heavy-duty and medium-duty collision repair industry is prepared to handle and repair these vehicles for safe and proper repair.

Taking the stage in September is a well-known list of companies, organizations, and industry experts who will provide education, training, and insight on these key topics. Organizations represented include: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, Big Rig Alignment, Ford, Great Dane, I-CAR, the RV Dealers Association, Penske, Progressive and many others.

The HD Repair Forum will take place alongsideTMC’s 2022 Fall Meeting and National Technician Skills Competitions, which offers attendees a chance to participate in both events. Those involved in heavy-duty & medium-duty collision repair looking to prepare yourself, your team, and your business for growth and success should make plans and head to Cleveland.

For more information on the organization, event educational sessions, and industry resources sign-up for our e-communications
To register for the event, visit the HD Repair Forum website or go here

PPG Automotive Refinish Commercial Coatings Products – COMMERCIAL COATINGS PPG – to conduct live webinar on PPG ADJUSTRITE commercial estimating system for RVs

Posted by Jennie Lepore

Session on HD Repair Forum will present functions, benefits of system

STRONGSVILLE, Ohio – July 7, 2022 — PPG (NYSE: PPG) today announced that it will conduct a live webinar on August 3 at 12pm to highlight the exclusive benefits of its PPG ADJUSTRITE™ commercial estimating system for recreational vehicle (RV) repairs. The session will be presented by HD Repair Forum, which is an information source for those involved in collision repair of heavy- and medium-duty vehicles, including tractors, trailers, buses and RVs.

The PPG AdjustRite system features an extensive database of RV repair information that includes Class A motor homes, Class C motor homes, fifth wheel trailers and travel trailers. The system provides a unique ability to quickly generate detailed and accurate RV collision repair estimates that can be shared electronically.

“Given the complexity and huge number of RV chassis variables on the market, the PPG AdjustRite system is an attractive asset for repair facilities and claims operations,” said Doug Orr, PPG AdjustRite manager, Automotive Refinish. “Anyone looking to streamline the RV repair estimating process will definitely want to attend this event.”

Orr will conduct the one-hour presentation, which will include how to load an RV database, prepare a detailed estimate, use linear and dimensional body and paint calculators, and apply logic (overhaul, overlap, included operations, additional operations and add-on parts). Orr will close out the event with a Q&A session.

To participate in the live webinar, visit the HD Repair Forum registration page .

For more information about the PPG AdjustRite commercial estimating system for RVs, visit www.adjustrite.com or call 941-391-1001.

 

 

Commercial Collision Claim Trends – Q1 2022

Posted by Jennie Lepore

The following data provides benchmarking insights and trends compiled from the PPG ADJUSTRITE® Commercial Estimating system for the 1st quarter of 2022. This data reflects information compiled from both insurance and shop estimates from the United States and Canada. For all metrics, this information excludes known total losses, estimates with only one line item, and estimates <$100. Severity for Q1 2022 averaged $12,499—a 31.4% increase over Q1 2021.

 

The Sales Mix Percent for Q1 2022, shown in Table 1, reflects percentage increases for Parts and Sublet, compared to the same quarter last year.

Table 1.  Sales Mix Percent for Q1 2019 – 2022

 

Referring to the Labor Mix Percent in Table 2 for Q1, you’ll notice there were increases in  Mechanicial and Frame Labor compared to Q1 2021.
Table 2.  Labor Mix Percent for Q1 2019 – 2022

Average Labor Dollar categories, reflected in Table 3, all experienced increases in Q1, relative to 2021—with the exception of Miscellaneous.  Body and Paint had the largest increases.
Table 3.  Average Labor Dollars for Q1 2019 – 2022

The chart for Average Dollars by Quarter shows year over year increases  for Sublet, Paint Materials and Shop Supplies. Shop Supplies had the highest percentage increase, compared to Q1 2021.   

Thank you for your continued interest in following the latest trends for commercial collision claims.

About PPG ADJUSTRITE®:
The PPG AdjustRite Commercial Estimating system is an industry-leading platform in the medium-to-heavy-duty equipment repair and claims industry. This system is a web-based, fully mobile application, driven by a comprehensive database of commercial vehicles and equipment including: tractors, trailers, trucks, boxes, motor coaches, RVs, and buses. To learn more about the PPG AdjustRite Commercial Estimating System, visit www.adjustrite.com .

The PPG Logo and Adjustrite are registered trademarks of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc. © 2022 PPG Industries, Inc. All rights reserved.

2021 Year-end Trends for Commercial Collision Claims

Posted by Jennie Lepore

The following data provides benchmarking insights and trends compiled from PPG’s ADJUSTRITE® Commercial Estimating system for the 4th quarter, 2021. This data reflects information compiled from both insurance and shop estimates from the United States and Canada. For all metrics, this information excludes known total losses, estimates with only one line item, and estimates <$100.
Severity for 2021 averaged $9,965—a 13.3% increase over 2020.  Severity for the 4th quarter experienced the largest increase, up 20.6% relative to Q4 2020. 

When looking at Sale Mix Percent for the past four years, the only year-over-year trend is that Sublet percent is increasing. Comparing 2021 to 2020, Parts and Sublet percentages increased, while Labor and Paint Materials decreased. All Sales Mix dollars categories saw increases in 2021.  The annual average for Parts dollars had the highest increase of 14.6%, while the lowest increase was for Paint Materials dollars at 10.1%.  

Table 1:  Sales Mix Percent for 2018 – 2021

In Table 2, the 2021 Labor Mix Percent shows an increase in Mechanical over 2020, while Body Percent continued to slightly decline.

Looking at Table 3, all Average Labor Dollar categories show an increase in 2021 relative to 2020, with the exception of Frame.  Body and Paint had the largest increases of 11.2% and 8.6, respectively.

Table 3: Average Labor Dollars for 2018 – 2021

Please note that a correction to Sublet was made for trends reported Q3 2021 and has been applied to all years. 

Average Dollars for Sublet, Paint Materials and Shop Supplies show a year-over-year increase. Compared to 2020, Shop Supplies had the highest percent increase of 14.8%. 

 

Thank you for your continued interest in following the latest trends for commercial collision claims.

 

About PPG ADJUSTRITE®:

The PPG AdjustRite Commercial Estimating system is an industry-leading platform in the medium-to-heavy-duty equipment repair and claims industry. This system is a web-based, fully mobile application, driven by a comprehensive database of commercial vehicles and equipment including: tractors, trailers, trucks, boxes, motor coaches, RVs, and buses. To learn more about the PPG AdjustRite Commercial Estimating System, visit www.adjustrite.com .

Latest 2021 Trends for Commercial Collision Claims

Posted by Jennie Lepore

February 7, 2022 – The following data provides benchmarking insights and trends compiled from our PPG ADJUSTRITE® Commercial Estimating system for the 3rd quarter, 2021.  This data reflects information compiled from both insurance and shop estimates from the United States and Canada. For all metrics, the information excludes known total losses, estimates with only one line item and estimates <$100. 

Severity for the 3rd Quarter averaged $10,172—a 13.5% increase over the previous quarter.  

This average is 16.4% higher than Q3, 2020 and 22.2% higher than Q3, 2019. Severity data for October and November 2021 indicates that Q4 severity average dollars should climb even higher.

All Sales Mix dollars for Q3 saw double digit increases over Q3 2020.  Parts dollars saw the highest increase of 20%.

Table 1: Sales Mix Percent for Quarter 3 of 2019, 2020, & 2021

The Mechanical and Frame Q3 Labor Mix Percent increased compared to the same quarter in 2020. Mechanical Q3 Labor Mix Percent trended up, while Body and Paint Q3 Labor Mix Percent continued its downward trend over the last 3 years.

Table 2:  Labor Mix Percent for Quarter 3 of 2019, 2020, & 2021

Table 3:  Average Labor Dollars for Quarter 3 of 2019, 2020, & 2021

All average dollar categories in Q3’s Labor Mix showed increases compared to same quarter last year. Body and Miscellaneous had the largest increases of 11.4% and 16.4% respectively.

We revisited our previously reported value of approximately $700 for Average Sublet Dollars and discovered a calculation error within the aggregated data set.

Our updated table now reflects year over year increases for Sublet, Paint Materials and Shop Supplies and  double digit growth compared to 2019.

Thank you for your continued interest in the industry metrics provided.  

About PPG AdjustRite:
The PPG AdjustRite Commercial Estimating system is an industry-leading platform in the medium-to-heavy-duty equipment repair and claims industry. This system is a web-based, fully mobile application, driven by a comprehensive database of commercial vehicles and equipment including: tractors, trailers, trucks, boxes, motor coaches, RVs, and buses. To learn more about the PPG AdjustRite Commercial Estimating System, visit www.adjustrite.com .

April Conference to Focus on EVs, ADAS, and Calibrations for the Heavy- & Medium-duty Collision Repair Industry

Posted by Jennie Lepore

Katy, Texas, February 16, 2022 – Electric vehicles, alternatively fueled vehicles, and those equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are posing new challenges in the collision repair industry. The challenges extend beyond repair and include concerns with safety and proper handling. Collision repair shop owners and managers, particularly those dealing with Class 5-8 vehicles, are finding their technicians and insurance partners with more questions than answers. Most are not clear or are challenged with the required repair procedures, estimating accuracy, needs for scanning, diagnostics, calibrations, and more.

With vehicle production, sales, and on-the-road appearances of these types of vehicles increasing daily, accidents involving these vehicles are beginning to ramp up. This year’s HD Repair Forum will focus on the impact of new vehicle technology and prepare the heavy- & medium-duty collision repair industry for the ever increasing number of electrified and ADAS equipped vehicles on the road today. 

Taking the main stage in April is a well-known list of companies, organizations, and industry experts who will help the industry with these challenges. Organizations represented include: PACCAR, Rivian, I-CAR, the RV Industry Association, NGVAmerica (Natural Gas Vehicles for America), TEXA and many others.

Attendees of the two-day conference will gain valuable insight on the latest trends with electric, LNG and CNG vehicles, ADAS, repair safety, best practices relative to alternative fuel vehicles and new vehicle technologies, as well as provided with staffing solutions. For more information on the educational sessions, sign-up for our e-communications and visit the HD Repair Forum website to review the event agenda. 

The HD Repair Forum is the only event dedicated to serving collision repairers and their industry partners in the heavy- & medium-duty markets via education, information, and networking opportunities. The HD Repair Forum is scheduled for April 5th-6th at The historic Hilton in Fort Worth, Texas.  Early bird registration ends this Friday and sponsorship opportunities are filling up. Companies interested in having a presence at the HD Repair Forum are encouraged to book now as sponsorships are limited. More information can be found on the sponsorship page of the website or by contacting us at 281-819-2332. 

Latest Quarterly Trends for Commercial Collision Claims

Posted by Jennie Lepore

The following provides benchmarking insights and trends compiled from our PPG ADJUSTRITE® Commercial Estimating system. This data reflects information compiled from both insurance and shop estimates from the United States and Canada. For all metrics, the information excludes known total losses.

Severity for the 2nd Quarter averaged $8,644— a 7% decline over the previous quarter. However, this number is 1.8% higher than Q2, 2020 and 6.2% higher than Q2, 2019.
July 2021’s severity data indicates that Q3’s severity average dollars will climb back closer to Q4 2020 numbers.
The Sales Mix for Q2 saw a slight percentage increase in labor dollars over 2020, primarily due to a decrease in parts dollars. Sublet dollars also increased slightly.

Table 1. Sales Mix Percent for Quarter 2 of 2019, 2020, & 2021
Body and Paint categories in Q2’s Labor Mix showed slight increases compared to same quarter last year. Mechanical labor percentage experienced its first decline in a year, but still remained higher than Q2 2019.
Table 2. Labor Mix Percent for Quarter 2 of 2019, 2020, & 2021
Over the past four quarters, none of the average labor costs indicate clear trends, up or down. Given the decline in Q2’s average severity dollars, all average labor costs, with the exception of Mechanical Labor, declined from Q1. The average Miscellaneous Labor cost experienced the largest dollar decline. Compared to same quarter last year, Miscellaneous, Paint, and Body Labor costs increased, while Frame and Mechanical Labor costs showed a decrease.

Table 3. Average Labor Dollars for Quarter 2 of 2019, 2020, & 2021

 

 

 

Compared to last quarter, decreased severity in Q2 unavoidably led to average dollar decreases in Sublet, Paint Materials, and Shop Supplies.

Both Sublet and Paint Materials were down 5%, with Shop Supplies down 3%. Yet, Q2 2021’s average dollars for Sublet, Paint Materials, and Shop Supplies remained higher compared to Q2 2019 and 2020, with the latter showing the highest % increase of 9.0%.

Compared to Q2 2020, average Total Supplement Dollars were down 12.3%.

 

 

 

Thank you for your continued interest in the industry metrics provided.

About PPG AdjustRite:
The PPG AdjustRite Commercial Estimating system is an industry-leading platform in the medium-to-heavy-duty equipment repair and claims industry. The system is a web-based, fully mobile application, driven by a comprehensive database of commercial vehicles and equipment including: tractors, trailers, trucks, boxes, motor coaches, RVs, and buses. To learn more about the PPG AdjustRite Commercial Estimating System, visit www.adjustrite.com .

Latest Quarterly Trends for Commercial Collision Claims

Posted by Jennie Lepore

The following provides benchmarking insights and trends compiled from our ADJUSTRITE® Commercial Estimating system. The data reflects information compiled from both insurance and shop estimates from the United States and Canada. For all metrics, the information excludes known total losses.

Severity over time graph

In Q1 2021, severity averaged 8.1% higher than Q1 2020 and numbered approximately $9,100, similar to the previous quarter. However, taking into consideration seasonal severity, the current trend indicates an increase from quarter to quarter.

Q1 Sales Mix Percentage Graph

Sales mix in Q1 shifted to parts from labor, sublet, and paint materials.  The largest negative swing occurred in sublet, a trend that began in Q2 of 2020 when the sublet percentage was 7.3%. 

 

Table 1 – Sales Mix Percent for Q1 of 2019, 2020, & 2021

 

 

 


Labor mix in Q1 further indicates a growing shift towards mechanical work, a trend noticed since Q2 2020.  Paint experienced the largest negative swing in the labor mix for Q1.

Table 2 –  Labor Mix Percent for Q1 of 2019, 2020, & 2021

 

 

 


Average labor dollars for body and paint in the first quarter saw increases of 7.2% and 4.7%, compared to Q1 2020.  Average labor dollars in the frame, mechanical and miscellaneous categories all experienced declines.

 

 

 

 


Table 3 – Average Labor Dollars for Q1 of 2019, 2020, & 2021

 

 

 

 

Compared to last year’s first quarter, Q1 2021 saw increases in average dollars per estimate for sublet, paint materials, and shop supplies, with the latter experiencing the largest increase of 9.4%.  Sublet in Q1 2021 showed its first percentage increase since Q4 2019.

Thank you for your continued interest in studying the latest industry metrics for commercial collision claims.

About AdjustRite:
The AdjustRite® Commercial Estimating system is an industry-leading platform in the medium-to-heavy-duty equipment repair and claims industry. The system is a Web-based, fully mobile application, driven by a comprehensive database of commercial vehicles and equipment including: tractors, trailers, trucks, boxes, motor coaches, RVs, and buses. To learn more about the AdjustRite Commercial Estimating System, visit www.adjustrite.com.

Addressing HD Wheel Masking & Painting at the Shop Level – Issues and Remedies

Posted by Jennie Lepore

When painting a truck, bus, or trailer, repairers shouldn’t forget to paint the wheels. If the vehicle needs paint, chances are the wheels do too. While wheel preparation for the painting process is similar to the preparations for the cab, body, and chassis, there is one unique, taxing issue in wheel preparation: wheel masking.

The Issue
Traditional wheel masking is very time consuming, as one has to manually tape around each tire, hub, and lug nut. In the past, there were no “wheel masking templates” on the market, so repairers would have to spend time trying to fabricate them. Usually this has been done by cutting cardboard, which is flat and never fits, or by using excessive amounts of tape and paper.

The Remedy
A wheel masking system of pre-formed, reusable plastic maskers that cuts time and labor, and provides a professional finish with minimal clean-up now exists. This solution is known as “Tire Mask”. These wheel masking templates are available in many popular fleet wheel sizes (17.5″, 19.5″, 22.5″, 24.5″) and contour to each tire, wheel + rim component. In addition, Tire Mask users can trim or use extra tape for a custom fit. Each masker is reusable up to 20 times, and “Hubb Capps” last forever. The use of Tire Masks can reduce masking and clean-up by approximately 90%. Freshly painted wheels can drastically improve fleet appearances, while increasing resale value and decreasing DOT fines associated with neglect.

Useful Tips for the Road Ahead
When painting wheels remember, “The better the prep, the better the finish”.
Remove rust and be sure your lugs are properly torqued before painting, as this helps to avoid fresh paint in between the mating surfaces.
Follow FMCSA (DOT) Statute § 393.205 regarding wheels
Follow OSHA guidelines for painting, and the 3.5 mil paint thickness as recommended by the TMC.
As always, safety first.

To ensure the wheel masking process goes smoothly, TM Products, LLC. created a demonstration video for users to view.
For more information on Tire Mask you may visit, www.tiremask.com