November Collision Corner
State Farm is reporting that catalytic converter thefts were down 74% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period last year.
State Farm has launched a pilot program with Opus IVS’ ADAS MAP product in select markets, confirmed Opus IVS CEO Brian Herron in his Facebook and LinkedIn Oct. 8 posts. “ADAS MAP will provide State Farm-affiliated shops with a comprehensive, scrubbed calibration report, helping both parties ensure that every critical safety calibration is properly addressed,” he wrote. He said the product provides guidance on what calibrations are required, which enhances the accuracy and safety of the repair process. Herron was clear in his social media posts that the company would not be involved in negotiating pricing of those required calibrations with the insurer.
Classic Collision, LLC, headquartered in Atlanta, expanded its national footprint with the acquisition of Factory Finish, a key player in the collision repair industry in Bellevue, Washington. Factory Finish, known for its state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to quality, has served King County and its surroundings for more than 75 years.
State Farm has agreed to a $2.09 million settlement to resolve a class action lawsuit claiming the insurer underpaid Washington policyholders by excluding “diminished value” payments for certain vehicle repairs. The settlement benefits individuals whose vehicle repairs were covered under State Farm’s underinsured motorist property damage provision between March 23, 2012, and Feb. 13, 2024. The lawsuit alleged State Farm failed to fully compensate policyholders for diminished value, a legal concept under Washington law that requires insurers to cover losses when a vehicle cannot be repaired to its pre-accident condition. Plaintiffs argued that State Farm did not account for this when covering vehicle repairs after accidents that involved structural damage, deformed sheet metal, or significant body and paintwork. State Farm has not admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement to resolve the claims. Class members eligible for the settlement include individuals whose vehicles were repaired under the underinsured motorist property damage policy provision, where the repair estimate exceeded $1,000, the vehicle was no more than 6 years old, had fewer than 90,000 miles, and suffered significant damage. Eligible claimants can expect payments of around $550, though the exact amount will depend on the number of claims filed and the details of repair costs. To receive a settlement payment, eligible policyholders must submit a valid claim form by Nov. 12. The deadline for exclusion or objection to the settlement was Aug. 28, and a final approval hearing took place on Sept. 27. Claimants can find more information about the settlement
and submit their forms online before the deadline.
