PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT TO ESTABLISH ACTION GROUP TO EXPAND APPRENTICESHIP..

WHAT COLLISION SHOP OWNERS NEED TO KNOW
(or don’t get hit with orders and fines)

• Updates on what to do when the Ministry drops in
• How to handle a MoL or MoE inspection
• Working for nothing- some customers know the new Consumer Protection Act too well
• New environmental rules that you can easily meet
• Also: the latest updates from CISCO and
• Grants and incentives for apprentice and worker hirings for your collision shop

SPECIAL VALUE FOR HARA MEMBERS

Special guest speakers will highlight HARA’s new discount vendor program including discounts and special offers on:

• Shop garage insurance policy • Training discounts
• Up to 70% off on office products from Grand & Toy • Uniform discounts
• Great deals on solvent purchasing • Vehicle history searches
• Collision repair equipment • Gasoline discounts
• Special promotions items for your shop • Phone line cost discounts
• Hardware and software discounts from Carrus and ADP
• Engineering help to get those permits
• Special forms and invoice discounts from NEBS
• Discounted legal help for storage and liens, pre-paid services or MTO problems
• Free health and safety audits and assistance and discounted isocyanate inspections
• Credit programs for cash-pay customers that return 102% of the invoice value to you

Admission: FREE for HARA members in good standing

$10.00 for members with unpaid membership dues
$20.00 for non-members

Please call for reservations and more information on how become a HARA member
1-866-309-4272

P.O. Box 47594, Centre Mall Hamilton, ON L8H 7S7
E-mail: info@ciia.com Web: www.ciia.com and www.autobodyhelp.ca

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New to I-CAR online training! I-CAR introduces the latest addition to its online training library – the 2004 Dodge Durango Front Frame Tip, Upper Fender Rail, and Shotgun Rail Replacement procedure. In this procedure, you will learn the specifics of structural part replacement. Similar to other vehicle-specific online training programs, this program covers multiple model years. Refer to your estimating guide for to determine which model years are covered by this procedure.

Topics covered in this training program include:

- underhood measurements.
- parts identification.
- adjacent part removal and installation.
- front frame tip replacement guidelines.
- upper fender rail and shot gun rail sectioning guidelines.
- application of corrosion protection.

Click here to learn more about this program.

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Royal & SunAlliance, Western Assurance and Ascentus Insurance have entered into a new agreement with Enterprise Rent-A-Car, as their preferred car rental supplier.

Under the current Royal & SunAlliance, Western Assurance and Ascentus Insurance Valet Claims Service Guideline, the repair facility handles the car rental portion on all claims. The repair facility arranges the rental and accepts the billing and then submits a Car Rental Invoice Summary to the claim representative for payment.

Under their new agreement with Enterprise Rent-A-Car, all Royal & SunAlliance, Western Assurance and Ascentus Insurance claims will utilize the Enterprise Rent-A-Car network. Shops will no longer be invoiced for the rental and the billing will be forwarded directly to Royal & SunAlliance, Western Assurance and Ascentus Insurance.

The number of rental days will be continue to be calculated by multiplying the number of labour hours by 0.3 as stated in the guidelines. If the repairs are completed before the number of allocated rental days, then Enterprise will only invoice Royal & SunAlliance, Western Assurance and Ascentus Insurance for those days. If there are issues with the repairs that will take longer than the allocated days, it is up to the repair facility to contact the Image Desk or Appraiser for an extension prior to completing the repairs. Any rental over the allocated number of days that have not been authorized by Royal & SunAlliance, Western Assurance and Ascentus Insurance will be invoiced to your facility.

These changes will be in effect as of October 10, 2005.
The announcement was sent by:

Domenic Convertini
National Auto Physical Damage Manager

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Join your association for a special NWOCRP workshop presentation
Tuesday, October 25th, 2005 6:30 p.m.
DaVinci Centre, 340 Waterloo Street South, Thunder Bay, ON

WHAT COLLISION SHOP OWNERS NEED TO KNOW
(or don't get hit with orders and fines)

· Updates on what to do when the Ministry drops in
· How to handle a MoL or MoE inspection
· Working for nothing- some customers know the new Consumer Protection Act too well
· New environmental rules that you can easily meet
· Also: the latest updates from CISCO and
· Grants and incentives for apprentice and worker hirings for your collision shop

SPECIAL VALUE FOR NWOCRP MEMBERS

Special guest speakers will highlight NWOCRP's new discount vendor program including discounts and special offers on:

· Shop garage insurance policy · Training discounts
· Up to 70% off on office products from Grand & Toy · Uniform discounts
· Great deals on solvent purchasing · Vehicle history searches
· Collision repair equipment · Gasoline discounts
· Special promotions items for your shop · Phone line cost discounts
· Hardware and software discounts from Carrus and ADP
· Engineering help to get those permits
· Special forms and invoice discounts from NEBS
· Discounted legal help for storage and liens, pre-paid services or MTO problems
· Free health and safety audits and assistance and discounted isocyanate inspections
· Credit programs for cash-pay customers that return 102% of the invoice value to you

NWOCRP also now offers front office and rear shop production expert firms who get paid only through your increased profits.

Admission: $10.00 for NWOCRP members (refunded against membership fee)
$20.00 for non-members

Please call for reservation and more information on how become a NWOCRP member
1-866-309-4272

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A third party, the Council of Better Business Bureaus (BBB), was selected to facilitate the meetings between members of the Coalition for Automotive Repair and Fair Information Xchange (CARFIX), the Coalition for Auto Repair Equity (CARE), and the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) which took place over the last two months. The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) was also represented in these negotiations.

The goal was to negotiate a non-legislative alternative to H.R. 2048, the Motor Vehicle Owner's Right to Repair Act. "Regrettably, negotiations with CARE and the AAIA - the principal groups supporting the legislation - did not result in an agreement," reported CARFIX.

Despite the outcome of the negotiations, CARFIX and CARE representatives, aided by the BBB facilitators, identified several key issues that could expedite the communication of service and repair information to independent repair technicians. In a letter from BBB President and CEO Steven Cole, to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Cole stated, "Resolution appears to have been possible on many of the core issues, including strengthening and new funding of the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) process; many remedies for a third party resolution framework; rigorous time frames that
would need to be observed; and dispute resolution procedures, among other items."

CARFIX, whose members include the Automotive Service Association (ASA), the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers, supports voluntary efforts - instead of a new federal bureaucracy - to provide access to technical repair data.

CARFIX points out that the automakers are working and will continue to work with members of the service industry through NASTF to resolve any problems involving motor vehicle repair. In 2004, out of an estimated 471 million repairs performed by independent automotive repair businesses, NASTF received only 48 requests regarding the availability of service information or access to diagnostic tools. Auto manufacturers have investigated and
responded to all of the requests.

CARE supports the need for legislation which would place the burden of enforcement on the Federal Trade Commission, rather than the voluntary NASTF. CARE represents aftermarket companies such as NAPA, Midas, CARQUEST, AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, O'Reilly's, Jiffy Lube and CSK (parent company of Checker, Schucks, Kragen).

U.S. Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas), a primary sponsor of the bill, has said he would renew the push for Right to Repair legislation if the talks this summer failed to reach an agreement between the parties. South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham has reportedly committed to supporting the bill in the Senate if it passes through the House by a wide margin.

The fall NASTF meeting is scheduled for 1:30 pm, Wednesday, November 2, 2005, at the Mirage Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada. This will be the 5th anniversary meeting of NASTF. Courtesy CollisionWeek

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CarFixWorld is the new automotive industry event for training, recruitment, technology and sales in the service, repair and collision industries. It will take place September 30 and October 1, 2006 at the National Trade Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto.
Bodyshop, SSGM (Service Station and Garage Management) and Jobber News magazines (all published by Business Information Group) are the sponsoring magazines for the event. "CarFixWorld is designed to be an interactive industry event where service, collision and mechanical repair professionals will learn, share and discover opportunities within their industries" said Carol Bell-LeNoury, general manager of events for the Business Information Group, a division of HCN Publications Inc.

"This national trade event creates a forum for service providers and readers to recruit technicians and apprentices, take part in training sessions on good business practices, new technology and product installation, and purchase products and services that will be displayed at CarFixWorld," explains Bob Telford, publisher of SSGM magazine.

For one action-packed weekend, service providers in the repair and collision industries will gather to host competitive events, demonstrate products, provide presentations and network with industry peers.

For further information, contact Carol Bell-LeNoury, general manager, at 416-510-5197 or
cbell-lenoury@bizinfogroup.ca.

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October 7, 2005

The Collision Industry Information Assistance web site (www.ciia.com) announced today a new benefit program to kick-off the start of regional workshops across Ontario that help local association members and shops.  The 12 workshops will highlight issues such as environmental help, compliance assistance, CISCO updates (Collision Industry Standards Council of Ontario) and help shops meet or exceed standards.  They are being held in response to shop requests.  "ciia.com receives over 100 shop inquiries a week on our 1-866 information line and web sites and we are pleased to be going across the province with our assistance packages and speakers.  Our non-profit group wants to help association clients and their members be more profitable and encourage higher compliance to standards" says President Tony Nigro, a shop owner from Hamilton.

Workshops in Oshweken, Six Nations have been already completed. Future workshops include:

London on October 18 in conjunction with the Organization of Auto Body Rebuilders
Thunder Bay on October 25 with the Northwestern Ontario Collision Repair Professionals
and 10 other locations in Windsor, Sarnia, Oakville, St. Catharines, Guelph, Sudbury, Ottawa, Oshawa and Belleville..

Special products and services also featured at the workshops are discount programs for:

- Shop garage insurance policy offered through Canada Brokerlink
- Training discounts with suppliers
- Uniform discounts from Cintas
- Gasoline discounts offered by Shell Canada
- Phone line cost discounts through Primus
- Vehicle history searches
- Up to 70% off on office products from Grand & Toy
- Great deals on solvent purchasing from Cansol Services
- Collision repair equipment
- Special promotions items for your shop from Jutland
- Hardware and software discounts from Carrus and ADP
- Engineering help to get those permits
- Special forms and invoice discounts from NEBS
- Discounted legal help for storage and liens, pre-paid services or MTO problems
- Free health and safety audits and assistance and discounted isocyanate inspections
- Credit programs for cash-pay customers that return 102% of the invoice value

www.ciia.com also now offers front office and shop production expert firms who get paid only through your increased profits.

For more information, contact ciia.com at 1-866-309-4272 or info@ciia.com.

Tri-Lateral Consultants	Wellington Medical Centre	Legal Solutions & Associates

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Join your association for a special OABR workshop presentation

Marconi Club located at 120 Clarke Road, London

Tuesday, October 18, 2005 at 6:30 p.m.

WHAT COLLISION SHOP OWNERS NEED TO KNOW
(don't get hit with orders and fines)

Updates on what to do when the Ministry drops in
How to handle a MoL or MoE inspection
Working for nothing- some customer know the new Consumer Protection Act too well
New environmental rules that you can easily meet
Also: the latest updates from CISCO and Grants and incentives for hiring apprentices and technicians for your collision shop

SPECIAL VALUE FOR OABR MEMBERS
Special guest speakers will highlight OABR's new discount vendor program including discounts and special offers on:

" Shop garage insurance policy
" Up to 70% off on office products from Grand & Toy
" Great deals on solvent purchasing
" Collision repair equipment
" Special promotions items for your shop
" Hardware and software discounts from Carrus Technologies and ADP Claims Solutions
" Engineering help to get those permits
" Special forms and invoice discounts from NEBS
" Discounted legal help for storage and liens, pre-paid services or MTO problems
" Free health and safety audits and assistance and discounted isocyanate inspections
" Credit programs for cash-pay customers that return 102% of the invoice value to you
" Training discounts
" Uniform discounts
" Vehicle history searches
" Gasoline discounts
" Telephone line cost discounts

OABR also now offers front office and rear production expert firms who get paid only through your increased profits.

Admission: $10.00 for OABR members (refunded against membership fee)
$20.00 for non-members

For more information or on how to become an OABR member, call 1-866-309-4272.

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Awards will be presented at our 6th Annual STARS Technological Education Awards Gala (Thursday, October 20, 2005, The Westin Harbour Castle, Metropolitan Ballroom, Conference Building, One Harbour Square, Toronto).

Awards of Excellence will be presented to:

PERSON OF THE YEAR

Frank Hasenfratz, Chairman of the Board, Linamar Corporation, Guelph, ON.

Local contact: Linzie Brown (519.836.7550; linzie.brown@linamar.com).

COMPANY OF THE YEAR

Valiant Corporation, Windsor, ON. Accepting for Valiant Corporation will be Michael G. Solcz, Chairman.

Local contact: Mike Moore (519.974.5226; mike.moore@valiantmachine.com).

PROGRAM OF THE YEAR

Ford Centre for Excellence in Manufacturing (FCEM), St. Clair College, Windsor, ON. Accepting for FCEM/St. Clair College will be Dr. John A. Strasser, President.

Local contact: Ann Hetherington (519.972.2727, ext. 2775; ahetherington@stclaircollege.ca.

Academic Awards will be presented to:

1. OUTSTANDING INNOVATION IN EDUCATION (COLLEGE LEVEL)

Award Patron: Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA)

Recipient: Northern College of Applied Arts and Technology, Kirkland Lake, ON

“School of Welding Engineering Technology”

Local Contact: Chad Plant (plantc@northern.on.ca; 705.567.9291, ext. 751)

2. INNOVATIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM (UNIVERSITY LEVEL)

Award Patron: DaimlerChrysler Canada Inc.

Recipient: Faculty of Engineering, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON

“University of Windsor Mechanical Engineering Program (Automotive Engineering) and Industrial Engineering Program (Automotive Manufacturing Systems Engineering)”

Local Contact: Christina Allsop (callsop@uwindsor.ca; 519.253.3000, ext. 4140)

3. PROGRESS TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY LEVEL)

Award Patron: Shell Canada Limited

Recipient: Faculty of Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON

“University of Waterloo Alternative Fuels Team (UWAFT)”

Local Contact: Martha Foulds (mfoulds@engmail.uwaterloo.ca; 519.888.4567, ext. 2544)

4. TECHNICAL RENEWAL (HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL)

Award Patron: The Woodbridge Group

Recipient: York Region District School Board, Newmarket, ON

“Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program”

Local Contact: Lucia Cascioli (lucia.cascioli@yrdsb.edu.on.ca; 905.727.0022/416.969.7170, ext. 2340)

5. OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM (COLLEGE LEVEL)

Award Patron: Linamar Corporation

Recipient: Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Kitchener, ON

“Women in Skilled Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program”

Local contact: John Sawicki (Jsawicki@conestogac.on.ca; 519.748.5220, ext. 3336)

The Awards recognize those academic institutions, individuals and businesses that best exemplify the vision of the late Yves Landry, Chairman, President and CEO of Chrysler Canada (1990-1998), of forging a link between business, education and government, and promoting technological education and skills training in order to address the upcoming shortages that industry will be facing.

MEDIA:

To attend the STARS Gala, please RSVP to Teri Hastings (thastings@apma.ca)

416.620.5464, ext. 240; 866.232.4411. Registration begins at 5 p.m. and the program officially begins at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 20.

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The owner of Ace Automotive, an automobile repair business in Oakville, Ont., was sentenced to seven days in jail and six months probation on September 21, 2005 for preventing Ministry of Labour inspectors from conducting a routine inspection, contrary to the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

On January 9, 2003, two Ministry of Labour inspectors arrived at Ace Automotive to conduct a routine, unannounced inspection of the premises. The owner of the business prevented the inspectors from entering the workplace, as is required by the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The owner was verbally abusive and intimidating toward the inspectors.

The owner was convicted on May 3, 2005 for obstructing an inspector, contrary to Section 62(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Justice of the Peace Lina Mills of the Ontario Court of Justice in Burlington, imposed the sentence of seven days in jail and six months probation.

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"We are encouraged that the Justice Minister is moving ahead on this file. By amending the Criminal Code to specifically deal with Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) tampering, the federal government is sending an important message that it is taking the violent offence of auto theft seriously. These amendments are a crucial first step to creating a separate section of the Criminal Code dealing specifically with auto theft," says Rick Dubin, Vice-
President, Investigations, Insurance Bureau of Canada.

More action, however, is needed on further amendments to the Criminal Code. Insurers are seeking specific amendments that would impose tougher penalties including mandatory minimum sentences for auto theft to send an even stronger message that auto theft is treated more seriously than property crime.

"Right now, auto theft is seen by criminal organizations as a relatively low-risk, high-profit activity to raise funds for additional activities. Far from being a victimless crime, auto theft is an inherently violent criminal offence that has a devastating impact in communities right across the country in terms of fatalities and injuries, not to mention the cost to insurance policyholders," Dubin added.

"The evidence of the impact of auto theft is clear. We look forward to working with government to develop clear, comprehensive and decisive measures to toughen the Criminal Code."

Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national trade association of the private property and casualty insurance industry. It represents more than 90% of the non-government home, car and business insurance in Canada. To view news releases and information, visit the media section of IBC's website at www.ibc.ca.

For more information: John Karapita (416) 362-2031 extension 4351

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Despite a recent announcement by DuPont in the United States that the company is raising prices in the performance coatings market, DuPont Refinish Canada has stated that Canadian users will be spared a price increase for the time being. In Canada, DuPont implemented a price increase in August to offset some of the high energy and feedstock costs which were cited in the current round of increases.

"We are committed to our body shop and industrial customers and understand the cost pressures they are facing with their insurance companies, customers and the general public," says Brian Edwards, Refinish Canada business manager. "While we are attempting to mitigate the effects of these cost increases, we do not anticipate any near term relief."

DuPont Canada's Refinish business will continue to monitor raw material, oil and energy costs on a monthly basis to determine if price increases are needed to counteract soaring costs.

The company states that raw material costs have increased 15% in the past 18 months. At the same time, the costs of oil and gas for production and transportation continue to increase at an even faster rate.(courtesy of www.bodyshopbiz.com)

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The AIA says that access to the diagnostic and repair codes on some vehicles is now being denied to aftermarket repair technicians. Some original equipment manufacturers are also refusing to supply the required tools and training to repair newer vehicles the AIA said.

It is hoped that a voluntary agreement will improve the situation.

On August 11th, AIA Canada held a meeting with members of the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) and the Canadian associations that represent vehicle manufacturers regarding the issue of access to diagnostic, repair and service information, OEM tools and training, commonly referred to as the "Right to Repair".

AIA approached NASTF and the Canadian automobile manufacturers to investigate the possibility of creating a Canadian Automotive Service Task Force (CASTF). The meeting discussed the steps involved in creating CASTF and proposed changes to the existing model that would improve complaint reporting procedures and resolutions to those complaints.

As a next step, AIA Canada will formally present to the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association (CVMA) and the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers of Canada (AIAMC) its desire to create CASTF by providing a proposed outline of structure and functions.

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At CCIF Fredericton in June, participants were consulted on the idea of establishing a national training data base and on the feasibility of industry self-management. They were also given insight on the "Right to Repair" issue. At the upcoming CCIF Regina there will be updates on these issues, as well as news from the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum on new ways to attract young people into the skilled trades. The Provincial trade association, SAAR, will talk on the issues facing the industry in Saskatchewan and how they are being faced.

CCIF will be held at the Hotel Saskatchewan Radisson Plaza. Further information about CCIF and registration details for the Regina meeting can be found at www.ccif.net or by calling Mike Bryan at 905 726 9027.

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Government Committed To Partnership To Achieve Goal of 26,000 New Apprentices

TORONTO, Sept. 13 /CNW/ - The Ontario government is establishing an action group to provide advice on achieving the province's goal of registering 26,000 new apprentices each year, Chris Bentley, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities announced today.

"The brains and know-how of a skilled workforce are the competitive edge of the 21st century and will ensure prosperity for our people," Bentley said.

"We are committed to increasing the number of new apprentices by 7,000 to a total of 26,000 each year by 2007-2008."

The action group will be comprised of key participants in the apprenticeship training system, including employers, labour, community leaders, educators and trainers. It will complement the important work performed by industry advisory committees. The first meeting will occur in October.

The group will be asked to identify successful apprenticeship programs and how to support them. They will also identify apprenticeship barriers and recommend ways to remove them. Other key areas will include encouraging more people and businesses to consider apprenticeships, and increasing completion rates.

To support growth in the apprenticeship training system, the government has:

- Implemented the Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit to encourage more employers to hire and train apprentices
- Announced the Apprenticeship Training Scholarship and Employer signing bonus to support training and employment for youth who have left school but require academic upgrading to be eligible for an apprenticeship

- Expanded delivery of the Co-op Diploma Apprenticeship Program, which allows students to obtain a college diploma while training as an apprentice, to 18 colleges and 1,000 spaces

- Increased funding for apprenticeship classroom training to reach $11.7 million each year by 2006-07.

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G&M Chev in Edmundston has been in business for over 30 years. Luc Ruest Collision Center Manager states that they are on a continuous improvement that includes a new 5000 sq ft facility built in 2002.

Toner Pontiac in Grand Falls was founded in 1960 as a family owned business. Gerald Toner, President of Toner Pontiac is committed to the community with involvement in the Rotary club, Knights of Columbus, and is a founding Member of Mad-Vic Crime Stoppers. The company's 3200 sq ft collision center is managed by Richard Toner.

Gerald Toner President of Toner Pontiac in Grand Falls along with his business partner Maurice Lafrance, (General Manager of G&M Chev Cadillac in Edmundston) states, "We have many goals including putting service above self, going the extra mile to provide reliable service and quality workmanship to their customers. "

Collision Associates/CSN is a Network of independent & dealership collision centers in the Maritimes & Ontario. The objective of the Network is to help independent shops and dealership collision centers improve their operation in terms of image customer service & process management.

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Akzo Nobel Initiative Targets $50,000 for Collision Industry

Katrina Victims Advisory Council members of Akzo Nobel's Collision Industry Advancement Initiative (CIAI) agreed in a special meeting held last week to donate $50,000 in aid toward re-equipping and re-tooling workers affected by Hurricane Katrina.

"The Collision Industry Advancement Initiative will give $50,000 toward helping the owners and employees of collision repair businesses damaged or destroyed in the catastrophe," said CIAI Advisory Council Chair Sheila Loftus. "We urge other collision repair-related businesses to give as generously as they can to the Collision Industry Foundation, a non-profit overseer of relief funds for the industry. Indeed, we'd love to see our $50,000 matched or exceeded by other businesses. Our industry is known for its generosity. Now, more than ever, is the time to show it."

Like so many others, technicians and shop owners have lost everything. Costly tools and equipment must be replaced. Many do not have a business or home to return to. The funds for new equipment will be used for those seeking employment elsewhere as well as those who choose to return and start over.

"Although we cannot replace everything that has been destroyed and the other intangibles like the years of hard work of shop owners, technicians and painters, we can attempt to ease the pain by providing assistance to those in our industry that have been so deeply affected," added Tom Moreland, Director of National Accounts for Akzo Nobel and member of the Collision Industry Foundation Board.

The funds will be given to the Collision Industry Foundation's (CIF) Katrina Relief Fund. CIAI advisory council members Geralynn Kottschade, Russell Thrall and Tom Moreland are presenting the $50,000 check this week to the Collision Industry Foundation in San Francisco.

The CIF has established a website for giving and is tracking the needs of displaced workers. For additional information, visit http://www.collisionindustryrelief.com/

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Never tried online training?

I-CAR offers a free demo of the their online training programs. To try a free demo visit the I-CAR online training site and click on the "free demo" link. You will be taken through an entire training program at no charge.

"We've made great strides in the past few years increasing the number of I-CAR Live programs and reducing travel time for students. Online self-study training goes one step further to reduce the barriers to training and improve employee knowledge and productivity," said Tom McGee, president and chief executive officer of I-CAR

The training can be purchased immediately online or business owners can purchase "redemption codes" for use at a later date by their employees, similar to the way I-CAR training coupons are purchased. The price of online training programs is the same for all businesses regardless of the purchase method.

The courses, that are approximately 30-60 minutes in length, provide unique content not found in traditional I-CAR Live training classes and are designed to supplement programs in the I-CAR training paths.

The programs available at www.i-caronlinetraining.com include:

2002 Mazda 626 Quarter Panel Replacement at Factory Seams (MZD01)
2002 Mazda 626 Roof Panel Replacement (MZM02)
2003-2004 Saturn ION Upper and Lower Rail Replacement (ION01)
2003-2004 Saturn ION Rocker and B-Pillar Replacement (ION02)
2003-2004 Saturn ION Rear Rail Replacement (ION03)
2004 Ford F-150 Radiator Core Support and Partial Front Frame Rail Replacement (FOR01)
2004 Ford F-150 Frame Replacement (FOR02)
Keyless Entry (KEY01)
2002 Oldsmobile Alero Inner/Outer Quarter Panel Replacement (OLD02)
2002 Oldsmobile Bravada Front Frame Assembly Replacement (OLD01)
2002 Saturn VUE Lower Front Rail Partial Replacement (VUE01) - FREE DEMO

After completing an online training program and passing the online post test, one-quarter (0.25) of a Gold Class point will be awarded, which can be applied to both the Gold Class Professionals and Platinum Individual designations.

To purchase online training for immediate use, users can browse the training catalog online and click on the desired program from within the catalog. To purchase the program a user simply clicks on "Add to Cart," and checkout when they are finished browsing. If a redemption code is being used, it may be added at this point.

Redemption codes can be purchased in a similar manner from a link on the training catalogue Web page.

Courtesy of CollisisonWeek

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PPG Canada Inc. recently received technical accreditation from RIBO (Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario) for three of the technical courses the company offers through the CertifiedFirst Network.

These courses are currently offered to brokers and other insurance professionals. Typically these courses are taught at local collision repair centres by owners or managers who have been through a comprehensive training course.

"Not only do the brokers receive credits for attending but they have the opportunity to experience the operation of a collision repair facility first hand," Keith Burns, manager of CertifiedFirst, says.

Collision Repair for Insurers offers a step-by-step guided shop tour, which explains the entire auto repair process. The information taught starts with estimation, moves to repair and refinish and ends with final vehicle delivery.

Also recently accredited is the Vehicle Inspection for Insurers course. This program provides practical information that can help insurers determine insurance issues associated with a vehicle and how those issues relate to safety. The course covers what to look for in the areas of body, frame, glass, identification and repairs as well as possible violations, fraud and other issues that might require a closer look.

The third course is Loss Control - Windshield Repair, which explains repair ratios, how they affect insurance company's bottom line, and how windshield repair can be beneficial to insurer, a repair shop and the policyholder. For more information on these continuing education initiatives, call 1-866-CERT-1ST (1-866-237-8178).

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No-fault insurance is an oxymoron. Fault is determined in every accident, using the Fault Determination Guide as set out in the Insurance Act. To view the Fault Determination Rules, click below:

http://www.insurancehotline.com/scripts/insquote.pl?instype=rr18_2

No-fault insurance actually means that if you get in to an accident, regardless whether or not it's "Your Fault", your own insurance pays for the damage to your vehicle and for your injuries. No-fault insurance was created to increase consumer satisfaction with claims handling, as you only have to deal with your own insurance company, not somebody else's company when paying for your damages.

Accident Forgiveness
(Can not be bought - it can be applied if the insurance company wishes to use it)

Absolute forgiveness - no increase whatever in premiums after an at-fault claim - is available to the best drivers from some companies at no additional cost.

But most companies will increase premiums after the first at-fault claim in five or more years. Most insurers which offer accident forgiveness make their clients do penance. They drop the policyholder to a lower claims-free or star rating, which will result in an increase in premiums for several years. The increase is simply less than drivers would suffer if their
insurers demoted them to a zero star or zero claims-free rating.Some will raise premiums by more than 50 per cent.

Further claims, or a combination of claims and convictions for driving infractions, could result in the insurer refusing to renew your policy.

Convictions for driving infractions can affect a policyholder's right to what insurers call accident forgiveness, as well as the ability to buy the optional claims protection feature.

"Good drivers" should get a break and not be saddled with large premium increases after a small claim. Always check to make sure you are getting the best rate out there by going to www.InsuranceHotline.com.

Claims Protection
(It can be bought - it's also called Premium Protection or Accident Waiver )

Most insurers will sell drivers claims or premium protection. The majority of drivers would qualify to buy it, but many have not bothered. This protection would allow you to maintain your "good standing" with your insurance company after an at-fault accident. The cost is usually around $35 to $50 dollars, which is like "buying insurance for your insurance."

This means your renewal after an at-fault accident will show the same star rating and there will not be an increase in premium, as a result of the claim.

The claims protection is usually removed immediately after the claim and a second accident would not have this protection. Further claims, or a combination of claims and convictions for driving infractions, could result in the insurer refusing to renew the policy. In some cases, claims protection will entitle the policyholder to an extra at-fault claim before
the insurer will refuse to renew the policy. This protection could disappear, however, if the policyholder reported an at-fault loss even if he or she paid for the damages personally.

Here's which Insurance Companies offer Accident Forgiveness and Claims Protection

There is NO clear delineation of what an insurer can and cannot do to you with regards to Accident Forgiveness or Claims Protection. "A uniform standard of forgiveness would undermine the stated goal; to foster a more competitive market" reports the Finance Minister Greg Sorbara. Personally, I don't agree with the Finance Minister on this one, says Lee Romanov.

Here is the most comprehensive chart available indicating which insurance companies offer Accident Forgiveness or Claims Protection and their conditions:

http://www.insurancehotline.com/scripts/insquote.pl?instype=rr18_3

( Courtesy of Lee Romanov, insurancehotline.com )

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Tickets for the Province: 6,629

Seat Belts: 512
Speeding: 5,507
Failed to Yield: 63
Careless Driving: 42
Impaired Driving: 80
12 Hour Licence Suspensions: 125
Ticketing for Unsafe Vehicles: 300 (doubled over last year's campaign)

Ticket break down for ONLY the GTA and Central Region (including the 400): 2,683
Seat Belts: 337
Speeding: 2,236
Failed to Yield: 7
Careless Driving: 24
Impaired Driving: 32
12 Hour Licence Suspensions: 47

If the average ticket increases a driver's insurance rate by $500, this would have put an additional $3,314,500 in the pockets of the insurance companies, over the long weekend. That's a good enough reason for me to be extra careful the next time I'm driving.

Tickets and your driver abstract

Tickets affect your insurance rates differently, from company to company. 50% of insurance companies can increase your rates by $500 for having only one ticket. All insurance companies will increase your rates for two tickets, up to $1,500, while 3 tickets could cause a cancellation.

Tickets stay on your driver abstract 3 long years. Suspensions for 6 years. If you are fighting your ticket, it's good to know that the "date" insurance companies look at is the date you are convicted of the ticket "IN COURT" not the date the ticket was written.

If you get a few tickets back to back, fighting a ticket through the courts will allow you to postpone the date the ticket, or tickets, would show up on your driver abstract, if you lose. Hopefully, that will be enough time for you to work on improving your driving habits.

courtesy Lee Romanov, insurancehotline.com

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Revolutionary ideas on improving cycle times, new training delivery methods, industry self- management. That’s just some of what’s happening at CCIF these days. After stops in Ontario, British Columbia and New Brunswick, CCIF’s last meeting of the year is set for Saturday, October 15th in Regina, Saskatchewan.

At CCIF Fredericton in June, participants were consulted on the idea of establishing a national training data base and on the feasibility of industry self-management. They were also given insight on the “Right to Repair” issue that threatens to restrict access to repair information, OEM tools and training. At CCIF Regina there’ll be an update on these two issues, as well as news from the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum on new ways to attract young people into the skilled trades. The Provincial trade association, SAAR, will talk on the issues facing the industry in Saskatchewan and how they are being faced.

The Canadian Collision Industry Forum has become a “must do” event, not only for local participants, but for industry professionals from every Province in Canada. CCIF is undoubtedly a tremendous opportunity for collision repairers, insurers and other industry people to participate, express their views and influence the actions that will benefit them in their business and the industry as a whole.

There are always plenty of informative and helpful presentations at CCIF, but when the listening’s done, there’s a chance for everyone to speak in Open Forum and during the break-out sessions where they can join the discussion and share ideas on the issues that are important to them.

CCIF is funded entirely by generous sponsor companies who believe in the value of uniting the industry and taking action to help it survive and prosper. CCIF thanks Akzo Nobel Coatings Ltd. ADP Claims Services, Auto Parts Plus/Auto Plus, BASF, Bodyshop Magazine, Budget Rent A Car, Carlson Body Shop Supply, Car-Part.com, CARS, CARSTAR , CertifiedFirst™Network, Discount Car & Truck Rental, The Dominion, DuPont Performance Coatings, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz Canada, Impact Auto Auctions Mitchell International, NAPA-CMAX, SGI, Sherwin Williams, Student Connections, 3M Canada Company.

As always, CCIF will be a professionally run, high quality event in a first class setting – this time at the Hotel Saskatchewan Radisson Plaza. Further information about CCIF and registration details for the Regina meeting can be found at www.ccif.net or by calling Mike Bryan at 905 726 9027.

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