Collision repair standards pass second reading

The controversial act to certify Ontario’s bodyshops has passed second reading at Queen’s Park. The Collision Repair Standards Act 2002 will now go to the committee stage for hearings and then to third and final reading.Some insurers have been against the act, which sets out minimum standards for collision repair shops and requires insurers only to work with certified shops. There is fear that the act will limit insurers’ ability to use direct repair or preferred vendor agreements.However, the Collision Industry Standards Council of Ontario (CISCO) says insurer concerns are misplaced and that the only limit being placed is that insurers must work with shops who meet the minimum requirements for equipment levels, legal compliance (such as with environmental standards) and customer service.Under the bill, an Advisory Board of CISCO would recommend to the government which shops should receive accreditation. In a press release following passage through second reading, CISCO president Alex Szabo says, “This bill will allow the collision and auto body industry to raise the level of professionalism and improve trade standards, encourage higher levels of legal compliance and have a say in the future direction of our industry.”The bill was first introduced by MPP Frank Klees, but with his promotion to Minister of Tourism, its leadership was passed on to MPP Rob Sampson who has also proposed legislative changes to Ontario’s auto insurance system in keeping with insurer concerns.