Certified Standards

The Standards outlined below serve as the minimum criteria for becoming a Certified member of the network. All Network participants must comply with these Standards and continuously adhere to them. These standards have been developed based upon generally accepted requirements for operating a collision repair facility in today's business environment.

A) Business Requirements

The "Certified" repair facility must:

  1. Be an established collision repair facility that has been in business for a minimum of five (5) years or have the ability to demonstrate its credit rating and service history.
  2. Provide a written lifetime warranty against defects in workmanship.
  3. Offer a lifetime paint warranty that is backed by their paint vendor.
  4. Possess Garage Keepers Liability insurance.
  5. Obtain prior customer authorization for all repairs performed, additional or supplemental repairs, and any adjustments to the final bill.
  6. Have a preferred rental car provider that offers complimentary customer pick-up and delivery.
  7. Have a clean and presentable company vehicle to conduct valet "pick-up and delivery" service for its customers.
  8. Measure its Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) by using a CSI service provider and/or by conducting Customer Satisfaction surveys.
  9. Have a website that identifies its hours of operation, location, and provides basic contact information.
  10. Have the ability to process credit cards.
  11. Have the ability to send and receive e-mails, FAXes, and other electronic image files.

B) Customer Service

The "Certified" repair facility must:

  1. Have an adequate parking area. Customer parking areas must be well-lit and on a suitable surface of either pavement or concrete.
  2. Have conveniently located restrooms available for customers and separate from associate restrooms.
  3. Have an adequate, well-kept customer reception area.
  4. Have an adequate, well-kept customer waiting area.
  5. Post the hours of operation in a location that is clearly visible from the primary shop entryway.
  6. Clean vehicle interiors and exteriors before delivery.

C) Technical Capability

  1. Have the ability to generate computerized estimates that utilize a recognized parts and labor database.
  2. Have the ability to fully raise a vehicle for inspection (vehicle lift or hoist).
  3. Have a repair bench or measuring system capable of providing simultaneous three-dimensional measurements.
  4. Have vehicle dimensional reference specifications covering the current and past ten model years.
  5. Have a vehicle anchoring system that can secure the vehicle in at least four separate locations.
  6. Have body alignment equipment that allows technicians to make simultaneous body and structural alignment corrective pulls.
  7. Have a spray enclosure with force drying capabilities that meets local, state, and federal requirements.
  8. Have a paint intermixing system with a full inventory of toners.
  9. Use an enclosed, automated paint gun cleaner. If it requires venting, the exhaust duct must lead to the outside or to an exhaust vent that leads outside.
  10. Have at least one 220-volt Gas Metal Arc (GMA) or Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welder.
  11. Have at least one Squeeze-type Resistance Spot Welder that meets the technical specifications for vehicles being serviced.
  12. Have all collision repair technicians who perform welding tasks complete and pass the I CAR Steel GMA (MIG) Welding Qualification Series.
  13. Have an R134a refrigerant recovery and recycling system.
  14. Have proof of Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Section 609 certification for all technicians that service automotive air conditioning equipment.
  15. Provide proof of painter certification from their refinish material vendor that at a minimum, the lead refinish technician has been trained in the proper application procedures of the refinish materials being utilized.
  16. Provide proof that staff members have successfully completed technical training from the vehicle manufacturers, I-CAR, paint vendors, equipment manufacturers or others, that is appropriate for their job.
  17. Have a training program that includes job-specific skill level guidelines such as the I-CAR Professional Development Program.
  18. Have collision repair technicians receive adequate training to properly operate vehicle dimensional measuring equipment.
  19. Have the ability to conduct and verify four-wheel alignment either in-house or through a sublet provider.
  20. Have the ability to remove and replace, or reinstall steering and suspension components, engine and power train units, either in-house or through a sublet provider.
  21. Have the ability to service both active and passive restraint systems, either in-house or through a sublet provider.

D) Regulatory Compliance

  1. Have at least one eye flushing and washing station.
  2. Assure that Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) can be readily accessed by all employees and emergency responders.
  3. Provide appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to all of its technicians including but not limited to painter's coveralls, painter's gloves, cartridge and supplied air respirators, hearing protection, leather gloves, eye protection, dust masks, and any other type of PPE that may be required for a particular working environment.
  4. dentify the employee(s) responsible for monitoring use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as eye protection, respirators, solvent resistant gloves.
  5. Identify the employee(s) responsible for assuring the proper disposal of hazardous waste materials such as waste paint, anti-freeze, and motor oil, and complying with all record-keeping and documentation requirements.
  6. Identify the employee(s) responsible for compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal requirements.
  7. Identify the employee(s) responsible for compliance with the EPA NESHAP 6H rule.
  8. Assure that hazardous waste containers are installed and all hazardous wastes are disposed of by a licensed and bonded waste hauler. Shops will maintain manifests and any other documents required by federal, state, or local regulations for the storage, use, and disposal of all materials classified as hazardous.

POLICY STATEMENT:

ASSURED PERFORMANCE MEMBERSHIP CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY

Assured Performance zealously protects your right to privacy. All of your data is protected and shall remain your sole possession and property. Your membership information and participation is also private and protected accordingly. No third party may capture, data-mine, or use this data or any confidential information in any way without your specific authorization. None of your data is being "pumped" or extracted without your consent. Further, your business profile or performance metrics are never shared with any vendor without your explicit consent. Your business and personal information are not shared with any vendor for solicitation purposes. Assured Performance membership lists are never shared with vendors or made available for commercial solicitation purposes.

With your permission, dealers and vendors that you designate will be provided with a means to communicate with you specific to the products, services and programs you elect to use. This is an integral part of the Co-Op and necessary to earn your rebate reward. This information is treated as confidential and will be treated as such by Assured Performance and our vendors. The terms of any vendor agreements and any special Co-Op pricing, terms, or discounts are also confidential and must be treated as such at all times. Further, your customer information is available for your use only and will not be shared with outside entities without your express and explicit consent. All member data is protected using the best available data security available.

As your Co-Op and advocate, we champion your privacy rights, the ownership of your data, and zealously support you.

Assured Performance Co-Op Network Management