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B.C.’s Automotive Retailers Association says body shops not over-charging ICBC

Click to play video: 'Body shops fire back at allegations of overbilling'
Body shops fire back at allegations of overbilling
WATCH: B.C. body shops are disputing allegations that they’re driving up auto insurance costs by overbilling ICBC. Ted Chernecki reports – Nov 20, 2017

Following allegations that accredited ICBC body shops over-charge the insurance corporation for repairs, B.C.s Automotive Retailers Association says “it’s just not true.”

This is after the provincial government announced it would lead an audit to look into fraud and inflation claims at ICBC.

LISTEN: The Association fighting back against allegations of inflated costs

But the association’s president, Ken McCormack, said there’s no evidence some shops overbill the insurance corporation, adding there is a system in place.

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“[It] has very specific parameters on the cost of parts, the amount of labour that can be attributed to any specific repair.”

McCormack said ICBC ultimately inspects the process to verify the information and costs.

Last week a caller to CKNW said he was quoted $1,000 for a bumper paint job but when he called across the border to a shop in Bellingham he was quoted $275 US.

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Rick Hatswell, chief operating officer with Craftsman Collision says price can vary depending on the work that’s being done.

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“[There are] different ways of fixing a car, whether they took the bumper completely off, moved all of the lights and trim, or where they just going to leave the vehicle with the bumper on the car and spray paint it right there?” said Hatswell.

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He said all of the information on a repair is sent to ICBC for review who will often times ask for more information, such as a picture.

McCormack and Hatswell said they are confident no “significant issues” will come of it, but added they can’t speak for all shops.

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