A Year in Review: A Strategic Shift Toward Industry-Changing Advocacy
by Sean Preston, Coverall Law
Introduction: A Year of Progress and Focus for Coverall Law
In 2024, Coverall Law embraced a transformative approach, building on our commitment to support collision repair shops. This year, the firm made pivotal strides, choosing to focus solely on the collision repair industry while streamlining resources to amplify impact. At the core of this strategy is “Strategic Litigation,” a process aimed at guiding clients through cost-effective, outcome-driven legal actions that prioritize not only individual victories but meaningful, industry-wide changes. This focused approach enables Coverall Law to better protect clients’ rights, secure fair compensation and lead efforts to build a stronger, more resilient future for the industry.
Major Wins and Industry Impact
Securing Payments for Shops Through Strategic Legal Action
One of Coverall Law’s significant successes this year has been the enforcement of unpaid invoices for its clients, achieved through strategic lien enforcement and the use of its signature “Forever Forms.” These tools have become powerful assets, designed to ensure that collision repair shops receive the payments they’re entitled to from insurers. The Forever Forms, backed by a series of legal clauses, have already driven compliance among many insurers, affirming Coverall Law’s effectiveness in protecting client compensation.
Central to these efforts is the shared commitment to “doing the right thing, for the right reasons.” Coverall’s legal strategies reinforce the right of collision repair shops to perform safe, quality repairs without sacrificing ethical standards or procedural integrity.
Landmark Case Against Pro Rata Claim Splitting
A pivotal case in 2024 underscored Coverall Law’s dedication to protecting client rights under Massachusetts law. When an insurer attempted to divide policy benefits among multiple claims, potentially reducing the client’s total compensation, we successfully challenged the policy. This case not only provided full compensation for the client but also served as a landmark precedent, educating the insurer on the boundaries of Massachusetts law. Wins like this underscore our role as both advocate and educator, continuously elevating the standard of fairness and compliance within the insurance industry.
Expanding and Strengthening the Forever Forms Initiative
Growth of the Forever Forms as a Core Tool for Members
The Forever Forms have proven instrumental in providing our clients with a unified legal foundation. In 2024, these forms became a focal point for addressing some of the most pressing issues in Massachusetts, including:
• Counteracting Insurer Steering: Ensuring that insurers do not interfere with clients’ rights to choose a repair shop.
• Addressing Abandoned Vehicle Disposal: Working toward cost-effective solutions for the disposal of abandoned vehicles, an issue affecting many repair facilities.
• Pushing for Timely Appraisals: Advocating for insurers to meet their appraisal obligations promptly, protecting clients from unnecessary delays.
Through the expanded Forever Forms initiative, Coverall Law has provided Massachusetts repair shops with tools to take a proactive stance, protecting their rights against insurer overreach while reinforcing fair practices across the industry.
Strengthening the Statewide Association for United Industry Advocacy
In line with its vision of collective advocacy, we have expanded its support for AASP/MA, aiming to foster a more unified voice for collision repair shops throughout Massachusetts. By strengthening ties within the association, Coverall Law enables members to work collaboratively, creating a stronger, more effective platform for change. As membership grows, so does the capacity to advocate for fairer practices and regulations, amplifying the collective power of collision repair shops statewide.
Strategic Focus on Litigation for Industry-Wide Impact
Pivot to Strategic Litigation for Measured, Industry-Beneficial Outcomes
This year, Coverall Law saw firsthand the importance of measured, impactful litigation. While the firm has always focused on collision repair, an uptick in other types of litigation earlier in the year highlighted the need to streamline resources and sharpen its focus. As a result, we adopted “Strategic Litigation” as a guiding approach, advising clients on when litigation aligns with both their financial interests and the broader industry goals.
Under this approach, Coverall Law assesses each legal action carefully, counseling clients on when pursuing litigation may result in substantial benefits – whether in setting a legal precedent, securing necessary payments or pushing for fair insurer practices. By prioritizing cases that offer sustainable, industry-wide results, Coverall ensures that each action reinforces the core mission of protecting and empowering collision repair shops.
Counseling for Sustainable Results
To further align with the needs of repair shops, Coverall Law’s products, including the Forever Forms and litigation strategies, are built with sustainability in mind. The firm’s goal is to ensure that each legal service pays for itself, representing a reliable investment in the client’s business. With Strategic Litigation, Coverall Law emphasizes that litigation must benefit both the individual shop and the industry, reinforcing a sustainable, long-term advocacy model.
Strengthening Insurer Relationships and Setting Legal Precedents
Positive Engagement and Ongoing Litigation for Precedent-Setting Cases
In 2024, Coverall Law’s work in cultivating constructive relationships with insurers yielded positive results for the majority of its clients. However, ongoing litigation against two particular insurers, who have resisted fair compensation practices, is aimed at setting precedents that will benefit all collision repair shops in the future. Through these select cases, we continues to push for long-term changes that hold insurers accountable, advocating for fair and sustainable business practices.
Supporting Technologically Advanced, Safe Repair Standards
As technology advances, the need for safe, OE-compliant repairs has only intensified, and Coverall Law remains committed to supporting clients’ rights to be fairly compensated for these services. With the rise of ADAS, we Coverall hasve worked closely with facilities specializing in these repairs, reinforcing the importance of safety standards that protect both the shop and the customer. In championing fair compensation for technologically complex repairs, Coverall Law is ensuring that shops are rewarded, not penalized, for investing in the future.
Future Outlook: Infrastructure and Enhanced Tools for Sustainable Growth
Transition to a New Platform for Forever Form Users
Looking forward, Coverall Law is preparing to launch an upgraded platform for Forever Form users. This enhanced system will provide additional functionality, streamlining feedback loops and enabling clients to quickly adapt to insurer strategies. By staying ahead of insurer tactics, the platform will support member shops in remaining protected and sustainably compensated, helping them navigate an evolving landscape with confidence.
Building In-House Legal Expertise for Long-Term Impact
To further support strategic litigation efforts, Coverall Law is also strengthening its in-house infrastructure. The addition of a dedicated attorney to lead litigation will bolster the firm’s ability to oversee and drive key cases, ensuring every action taken is purposeful and impactful. This internal expansion marks a significant investment in long-term sustainability and industry influence.
Exploring Broader Horizons Beyond Massachusetts
Finally, Coverall Law continues to explore potential expansion beyond Massachusetts, studying other states’ legal landscapes for insights and opportunities. As the firm grows, so does its ability to bring valuable lessons back to Massachusetts, enriching local practices with a broader perspective. This outlook reinforces our commitment to high-quality, principled legal service and to fortifying the industry against challenges.
Conclusion: A Vision for Empowered, United Collision Repair Shops
This has been a year of focus, strategic refinement and renewed dedication for Coverall Law. With a mission of helping collision repair shops thrive through smart legal strategies, we continue to develop tools, products and guidance that support client success. Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be a year of growth and innovation, with Coverall Law committed to creating a fair, secure future for collision repair shops. Through every action, we stand by our clients, ensuring they are empowered to succeed and remain united in strength.
Want more? Check out the December 2024 issue of New England Automotive Report!