It appears that the Collision Repair Industry in our state and some others has become completely controlled by the Insurance Industry and the shops that allow the continued deception of the American Public. The blatant disregard for the laws that protect and provide what little rights the average consumer and shop owners have is astonishing. I am in the court system on a regular basis fighting for the money that we have spent to properly repair a vehicle to its pre accident condition, that’s right, fighting for the money that the insurance companies are responsible for. The insurance companies have influence or lets just say “ Contributions “ in all areas of our state providing them with a blanket of protection to continue to deceive the general public. We all know what is going on and most are afraid to speak out against it, but would not hesitate to prosecute their neighbor if they stole from them. Oh I get it, the neighbor doesn’t own you like the Insurance Companies do therefore there is a reasonable “NOT” justification of some owners continued participation. I know that the list is long to sign on the dotted line and that there are many that can not wait to get into some of your positions and play this manipulative game agai nst the public, but keep this in mind those that are waiting are and will be willing to cut you out in any way possible to be able to sign that contract. There are no loyalties here my friends, none. The practice of underpayments, not paying for necessary procedures, not paying the posted labor rates and the many other things on the list is completely in direct conflict with the policies that are purchased on a daily basis. I have never heard on any insurance advertisement that “ The insurance companies have filled out a survey and all the participating general public should review and determine what they can charge for the policies in that market area” Do you see the rationalization of this.? The independent collision repair facility is involved in an all out war of survival and needs to be prepared to disclose all of these unlawful practices that are being brushed off as a common business practice. I understand that “No one said business is fair “but I also know that no one said that it is okay to be an accessory to the deception or manipulation of the general public for monetary gain, in fact I think that that could be construed as illegal. If your business model was built around the continued participation of the insurance industry for your longevity, then your more than likely to continue business as they instruct you and will cower when the big bad wolf comes into your office to review your files all the while hoping that they do not find anything that they could use to give you the boot or destroy your business. This industry has been completely compromised by the people that participate in the condoning of the well known tactics and manipulation of the public and the shops by the insurance industry, information providers and our elected officials. The Sad Truth of Our Industry in my opinion is that! We are playing against a stacked deck and some of the players are shuffling the cards for the dealer making it almost impossible to have a level playing field.