The president of the Automotive Retailers Association representing British Columbia’s aftermarket automotive repair business is calling on the government and the Insurance Corporation of BC to cut repair costs without sacrificing safety.
Responding to news that ICBC has incurred a $1.3 billion deficit, Ken McCormack says government claims that collision repair costs have risen 30 per cent over the past two years are correct. But he contends it is not the fault of the repair industry. Motorists are purchasing more expensive and technologically-advanced vehicles and the parts to repair these vehicles are more expensive.
“The standards and methodology for repairs and replacement of parts for damaged vehicles have been set by manufacturers. Use of high strength steel and aluminum as well as technology including lane departure warning, automatic braking and adaptive cruise control which continually monitors and, in some cases, controls the vehicle, add to repair costs that collision shops have no control over,” he says.
The ARA recommends saving ICBC money by letting the ARA members do more of the work. “We want to work with ICBC and the government to find solutions that will help ICBC reduce its financial burdens while improving vehicle service availability and quality,” McCormack says.