With more than 200 vehicle-model debuts and redesigns expected by 2016, it’s more important than ever that collision repair shop and insurance professionals keep their skills up to date with programs like I-CAR’s Gold Class™ designation, the industry standard for training that contributes to complete, safe and quality repairs.
I-CAR commends Erie Insurance for its ongoing commitment to ensuring quality repairs for its customers, as the insurer urges the collision repair businesses in its Direct Repair Program (DRP) to earn the Gold Class designation. The initiative builds upon Erie Insurance’s existing status as an Insurance Gold Class business at the corporate level, a reflection of the organization’s companywide commitment to ongoing training of its appraiser staff.
“I-CAR applauds Erie Insurance for encouraging its DRP partners to train to Gold Class level,” says John Van Alstyne, I-CAR CEO & president. “As the industry confronts a tsunami of new vehicle technologies and materials, only the collision repair and insurance businesses that build a culture of learning will be prepared to deliver superior business results as well as complete, safe and quality repairs for consumers over time.”
“Ongoing training is critical to ensure that collision repair professionals keep pace with current and future vehicle technology,” says Jim Brown, vice president of material damage for Erie Insurance. “We encourage our DRP partners to join us as Gold Class businesses because we know firsthand the impact that I-CAR training can have for their technical capability, their business performance, and customer satisfaction and safety.”
