By CRM staff
Toronto, Ontario – March 11, 2019 – The Saskatchewan Association of Automotive Repairers (SAAR) spring conference had a number of special guests speak about issues and trends that are impacting the industry.
One of the key takeaways was the presentation from Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI).
Day two of the event began with presentations by Saskatchewan Government Insurance as they announced their plans for accreditation in the coming year.
“We are hearing from businesses and shops that business and industry decisions have never been tougher than they have been right now,” said SGI vice president Ryan Smith.
SGI went into detail to discuss the three major industry trends: vehicle automation, OEM procedures, and advanced construction materials.
“Over 50 percent of repaired claims in 2018 were 2014 model year and newer.”
The presentation then went over some examples of vehicles that require special training and tools.
With all of that being said SGI raised their point. Starting on March 11, the provincial insurer is implementing a number of changes.
On March 11, all collision repair partners must reference OEM repair procedures as part of the repair planning process on all SGI claims, and document all repairs requiring panel or structural component replacement or sectioning including, photos of undressed welds, any sleeves/backing used to reinforce sectioned panels.
Less than a month later, on April 1, pre/post-diagnostic scans will no longer be considered eligible sublet operations.
Starting in April 2020 SGI will be implementing differential compensation, a tiered accreditation model. In order to be accredited as tier one, shops will have to achieve I-CAR gold class status, purchase the necessary equipment to repair today’s vehicles (resistance spot welder, pulse Mig welder, self-piercing rivet gun, vehicle scan tools, and aluminum repair tools), have welding certification and refinish system product training.
“At this point, we do not know what tier one or tier two labour rates will be. SAAR is committed to doing what we can to assist shops to meet the requirements to be a Tier One shop. Our supplier vendors are also committed to helping you secure the proper tools and training by providing an affordable lease to own programs,” said SAAR executive director Tom Bissonnette.
