The Independent Truck Repair Group (iTRG) has partnered with an insurance company to create a national insurance program for iTRG members. The industry association plans to roll out the program nationwide before the end of the year.
According to John Stoeckinger, president of iTRG, the rising cost of insurance plans drove the association to take action.
“The Independent Truck Repair Group was formed to help independent truck repair shop owners to build and sustain thriving businesses. Our members have reported approximately 20 percent or more increases in workers’ compensation and payroll, so we decided to use our collective power to negotiate for better coverage, for a better price,” he says.
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The association says it began the process of working with an insurance company to bring down the cost of payroll and workers’ compensation earlier this year. Independent truck repair shop owners will be able to sign up for the program beginning today.
“The sign-up process will be remarkably simple for our members,” Stoeckinger says. “The last administration created the opportunity for groups and associations to create their own insurance plans, and this policy remains in effect today. This allows independent repair shops to offer employees a national healthcare plan that is an alternative to the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare. As an association, we are using the power of our group to provide a captive, self-funded, national healthcare plan."
He adds, the plan will “empower independent truck repair shop owners to function as Fortune 500 businesses, offering attractive benefits to technicians. Our members will have access to benefits that had previously only been available to large corporations.”
