ADALB Plays Duck, Duck, Dismissed

Published in New England Automotive Report – Thomas Greco Publishing

The way that the Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board (ADALB) reviews complaints at their bimonthly meetings often seems akin to a game of “duck, duck, goose” in the sense that the discussion tends to run in circles, nothing ever actually progresses and one is often left feeling like they’ve been bonked on the head. 

The ADALB reviewed 11 complaints during its most recent meeting, held March 12, resulting in six dismissals, four requests for additional information and one contested complaint which will not move forward. Most of the votes were actually unanimous with Chairman Michael Donovan breaking one tie in favor of shop representatives and creating a tie in favor of insurers on another complaint. 

Three of the dismissed complaints related to the actual cash value (ACV) of a vehicle, which is “where arbitration should be used,” according to Board member Bill Johnson (Pleasant Street Auto; South Hadley/Belchertown). Board member Carl Garcia (Carl’s Collision Center; Fall River) agreed, “This is not our job.”

The other main item discussed during the meeting was the review of proposed amendments to the ADALB’s Regulation, 212 CMR 2.00 et seq. due to the installment of new Board members Garcia and Vicky Wei Ye (Bos Insurance Agency). 

“I know the process has been arduous, but at this point, any additional time spent to review, reflect and contemplate the proposed amendments, in my opinion, will be time well spent,” Board member Peter Smith (MAPFRE) shared. “We have a new, greatly improved and proactive governance administration, unlike the previous administration which seemed to clearly be okay with the status quo, so surely the time we spend on this now is going to make the final improvements much more meaningful and fruitful.”

Smith indicated that he and Garcia will continue reviewing the proposed amendments and hopefully have an update by the ADALB’s next meeting.

The ADALB is scheduled to reconvene on May 14. Don’t miss detailed coverage of the meeting, only available in the February issue of Damage Report, AASP/MA’s members-only newsletter.

AASP/MA members are strongly encouraged to listen to the recording of the March 12 meeting in the Members Only section of aaspma.org for a glimpse into the inner workings of the ADALB. View the meeting agenda at bit.ly/ADALB031224.