The Automotive Service Association’s (ASA) Board of Directors has approved a statement made on technicians being compensated for time spent researching OEM repair procedures, according to a press release.
The Board has approved a policy position statement initiated by the ASA’s Collision Operations Committee as a result of concerns voiced by its members and those in the independent auto repair community of not being fairly compensated for time spent working.
Specifically, criticism has been made that estimating databases do not take into account the time it takes to research OEM repair procedures–which can potentially equal hours of extra labor. The ASA has argued that this is an essential part of vehicle repair and is not optional.
In its official statement, the ASA believes that insurers, estimating databases, and information providers must acknowledge the time needed for technicians to research the necessary OEM repair procedures, which vary from vehicle to vehicle and are updated frequently.
“OEMs should provide clear and consistent access to repair information and procedures for all collision repair facilities, insurers, and consumers,” read the statement. “OEM repair guidance should also reflect common goals of safety, quality, and cost effectiveness to benefit consumers.”
