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NYSACT LOBBY DAY
NYSACTA LOBBY
DAY 2007
Press
Release: The New York State Auto Collision Technicians Association,
(NYSACTA) held its annual Lobby Day in the State Capitol on May 1.
Lobby Day is one day a year where auto body shop owners and managers
from all over NY descend on Albany and deliver pre-packaged folders
to Assembly members and Senators. This year the focus was over
concerns that some insurance companies are violating state
regulations by systematically engaging in the use of word tracks
aimed at one thing; Bullying consumers into using shops controlled
or owned by insurance companies. This practice is blatantly illegal.
Illegal steering is causing auto body shops to take serious action.
The lobby day participants also distributed a DVD of a local news
story highlighting a consumer who fought for his rights against
illegal steering.
Over 200 Auto Body shops owners, managers and technicians met with
legislators and their staff during the day. The oldest member
attendee aged 75 and the youngest 16. Mike Orso, President of
NYSACTA said, “ it was great to see such a huge turn out and the
more than three generations of shops represented. Our trade is not a
big box trade and is for the most part still represented by
generations of family owned and locally operated businesses that are
deeply rooted to communities across NY. Our legislators know us by
name and trust our integrity as we do theirs.”
NYSACTA members met with over 100 members of the New York State
Legislature to express concerns of unfair claims practices. Ed
Kizenberger, NYSACTA Executive Director, said, “ the illegal
steering is so blatant that consumers are being mislead as soon as
they call the claim in by some insurers. It has to stop. While we
are very concerned over unfair caps and labor rate suppression the
steering is out of control. “ This year you feel the energy of the
new administration and that gave the whole day a new feeling of
optimism.” NYSACTA has made a number of attempts to move the NYS
Insurance Department to take action against insurers who participate
in unfair claims practices over the years and has put pressure on
lawmakers to create legislation intended to protect consumers from
unfair insurance tactics.
NYSACTA has long believed that the NY auto body shop owners could be
a stronger industry voice united under a single message and illegal
steering seems to be that common thread. No matter whether a shop is
part of a direct repair program or non-DRP, illegal steering is a
big concern.
Orso said, “while steering is perpetuated by the DRP arrangement
shops cannot be on all of them and sooner or later a shop loses a
few jobs to illegal steering and gets mad. That's when we get a
call. Only then does the issue hit home.” NYSACTA is a huge group of
united owners.
Kizenberger said, “Every participating member understands the
importance of these issues. Today I think we got our point across, I
think they are listening now.”
Orso said, “Every single law maker was responsive to our goals and
has offered to work with us. “Assemblyman William Magnarelli and
Senator John Defransisco who actually sit on opposite sides of the
aisle have each sponsored legislation that is aimed at putting a
stop to illegal steering and capping claim allowances. “Orso said, “
there is no good reason for insurers to steer consumers or to cap
claim allowances other than control and greed. If insurers control
the claim consumers more than likely will lose.”
Additional meetings are also planned with the NY State Insurance
Department and the N.Y. State Attorney General
NYSACTA pointed out the cost of lost tax revenue related to short
changing consumers. The sales tax and income tax alone lost is in
the $60 million dollar range says Kizenberger.”
For additional Information call Ed Kizenberger 631-941-9647
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