NORWALK, Conn. – The Connecticut Collision Repair Specialists (CCRS) association recently conducted a panel titled “Insurers and Repairers – Making the Connection” that featured a panel of insurers and repairers who discussed the needs of today’s consumers and the collision repair industry’s responsibility to adapt to those needs through best business practices, enhanced communication, continual education and technical training.
“Part of our association’s objective is to provide an open environment where we can come together with the insurance industry to discuss the issues on both sides – how we can make the process better – for the mutual benefit of the consumer,” says Lisa Siembab, CCRS executive director. “We are pleased to host one of the first discussions such as this in Connecticut.”
Representatives from MetLife Auto & Home, Amica Mutual Insurance, and Travelers were on hand to answer questions from the attendees. In addition, Doug Fernandez, owner of Turnpike Motors, Bob Andrade, owner of Andrade’s Auto Body and Dave Merchant, President of Ray’s CARSTAR represented the repairers.
Panel member Gerry Manuel, vice president, Travelers Claim says,” I applaud CCRS for their efforts to create the best repair experience for the customer. It's a shared goal that we believe can be attained through cooperation between the repairer and the insurer throughout the entire process.”
Among the issues discussed was the role government should play in the consolidation of an industry as well as licensing requirements for technicians.
For more information on CCRS, visit: www.ctcrs.com.
