The CEI Group Inc. (CEI) has earned Gold Class designation for excellence in automobile collision repair appraisal expertise from the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), a non-profit education and training organization, the company has announced.

I-CAR says Gold Class status is the highest role-relevant training achievement recognized by the collision repair industry, and has been awarded to only 10% of the industry's repair shops. I-CAR was founded in 1979 as a non-profit alliance representing the six segments of the collision industry, including repair, insurance, manufacturing, education, suppliers and related industry services.

CEI provides accident repair management services to automotive fleets all across North America. The I-Car designation was earned by CEI's Quality Control Department, lead by Greg Neuman, which consists of 15 licensed physical damage appraisers who review every repair estimate for savings on parts, labor and ensuring that the repair is safe and meets industry standards.

To earn Gold Status, appraisers must take courses in the latest repair techniques and technology in I-CAR's professional development program and pass a rigorous series of tests. The courses cover every aspect of collision repair, including repairs on hybrid vehicles, advanced materials like aluminum and high-strength steel, safety restraint systems, electrical damage, refinishing , identifying loss recovery potential, and assessing and repairing damage due to hail, theft and vandalism.

"We're proud that I-CAR has confirmed what CEI and many of its fleet customers have long believed," said John Wolford, CEI director of client and vendor services. "And that is that we are among the best in our industry in helping fleets save time and money while delivering high-quality, safe repairs."