What’s New: In brief (March 08, 2006)

Tony Boobier has been appointed to head Marshall & Swift / Boeckh’s newly created London-based international solutions division. Boobier will develop the use of MSB’s claims and underwriting systems within the U.K. and European insurance and reinsurance arenas. Initially, Boobier will focus on companies in the U.K. with books of property insurance business in the U.S. Peter M. Wells, president of MSB, says the international solutions division and the appointment of Boobier is a strategic step in MSB’s move to communicate its message outside North America. “One of his top priorities will be to demonstrate how use of MSB’s analytical and data management expertise provides insight into how books of property business remain profitable while reducing claims severity and claims leakage,” Wells says. Most recently, Boobier served as the director of building services at Capita Insurance Services in London and prior to that as the manager of building solutions and program director for subsidence at Royal & SunAlliance in London. Currently, Boobier sits on a number of property claims forums dealing with flood, subsidence, restoration and underground services. Boobier was awarded a Fellowship of the Institution of Civil Engineers for his work on partnering in the construction industry, is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters, and a Chartered Supply Chain Manager. MSB provides building cost data and estimating technology to the P&C insurance industry.

Collision Industry Information Assistance (CIIA) is offering its basic estimating collision repair training course for the 10th year in a row. The course is geared towards shop or office employees, new estimators and insurance company staff who may need assistance in estimating collision damage on cars and light trucks in Ontario. Jim Miles, apprenticeship instructor, will lead the six-night course, which includes: an introduction to estimating; understanding vehicle construction; fundamentals of estimate writing; understanding collision manuals; additional charges; and collision damage analysis. Beginning March 20, the first course will be held during the evenings for three weeks. Locations this year are Hamilton, Mississauga and London, Ontario. The course will also be held in Alberta and for more information contact Cliff Riehl at Carlson Body Shop Supply at 780-237-0005. Students can register by calling the Association and www.ciia.com office at 1-866-309-4272 or by e-mail at info@ciia.com or registering online at www.ciia.com/estimating/html.