IRVINE, CA — Collision Industry News, a service of Assured Performance Network, a non-profit consumer advocacy organization and body shop co-op, officially released the edited videos of the two public meetings regarding a discussion of potential insurance fraud through low-balling estimates.

Participants in the discussions included insurers, repairers, association representatives, reporters, a consumer advocate attorney and more. Viewers will see panelists such as Roger Wright of AIG; Erica Eversman, consumer advocate attorney; Sheila Loftus, reporter and advocate; Chuck Sulkala, shop owner and MC; Darrell Amberson, shop owner and ASA Director; Gary Wano, shop owner and SCRS representative; George Avery, State Farm Insurance; Bob Smith, adjuster, association representative and advocate; Charlie Barone, reporter and industry writer.

The meetings that are covered by the videos were a result of a debate that started during the CIC meeting prior to NACE, November 2006. The debate was ignited by a report given by the CIC’s fraud committee, which addressed the possible incidence of mass consumer fraud based upon low-ball insurance estimates. The validity of the committee’s study was challenged and a debate ensued regarding what constituted fraud, what insurance low-balling is, if it occurs systemically and accuracy of estimate obligations. CIC voted at that time to continue the consideration of the issue at later meetings.

Even though the CIC committee concluded its work in November, the debate raged on for months in a series of e-mails, conference calls, online chat rooms and private discussions. Finally, it was concluded that two public meetings would be held for the purpose of debating the issues openly and between various interested parties. The dates and venues were picked for January and February 2007 following the CIC planning meeting, and again at the AASP Illinois annual conference.

To view the video, go to: www.bodyshoptv.com/media/cic.asx