Thread by Thread: How Ideas Unravel at Industry Events
Larry Cernosek Deer Park Paint & Body lcwrecker@comcast.net (281) 930-1539 Chevy Corn Corn’s Collision chevy@cornscollisioncenter.com (979) 279-3310
Kevin Ellison Westway Ford kellison@vtaig.com (972) 584-9033
Brandon Gillespy Park Place BodyWerks bgillespy@parkplace.com 214-443-8250
Chad Kiffe Berli's
LOCAL NEWS by Alana Quartuccio
Mike Anderson Delivers Good Industry News to ABAT Community
IN MEMORIAM by Alana Quartuccio
Collision Educator Jeff Wilson Remembered for his Passion and Dedication
ASK THE EXPERT by Robert L. McDorman
Exploring the Texas Mandatory Binding RTA Rule Making Phase and Appraiser and Umpire Qualification Criteria
Published by: Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. 244 Chestnut Street, Suite 202, Nutley, NJ 07110
Corporate: (973) 667-6922 / FAX: (973) 235-1963
PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER
Thomas Greco / thomas@grecopublishing.com
VICE PRESIDENT/SALES DIRECTOR Alicia Figurelli / alicia@grecopublishing.com
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Alana Quartuccio / alana@grecopublishing.com
SR. CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Chasidy Rae Sisk / chasidy@grecopublishing.com
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Joe Greco / joe@grecopublishing.com
OFFICE MANAGER
Donna Greco / donna@grecopublishing.com
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Burl Richards / Jill Tuggle
Robert L. McDorman / Mike Anderson
www.grecopublishing.com
President’s Message
Time to Get Back to Class!
IIt’s almost time for the 2025 Texas Auto Body Trade Show (get the scoop on page 16), and while I’m always excited for ABAT’s annual event, I’m truly looking forward to getting back in the classroom and having the chance to learn from some of the greatest minds in our industry!
Hopefully, you caught the webinar with Mike Anderson last month because he shared a ton of great information (recap on page 10) – and you can bet your boots that he’ll have even more valuable insights to offer during the Trade Show! Unfortunately, while ABAT normally hosts pretty frequent meetings virtually or in person, we haven’t done as much of that this year because we’ve been so focused on getting legislation passed to require all insurers include the Right to Appraisal (RTA) in their Texas policies.
Don’t get me wrong; the effort was well worth the reward! But now that we’ve got that notch in our belt, it’s time to return our focus to providing shops with the training they need to succeed in their businesses. That’s exactly what our educational agenda delivers with topics covering everything from best repair planning practices and communication tips to overcoming a low workload and even exit strategy.
Wondering whether you should sublet ADAS or bring it in-house? Join “The Industry Over a Pint” for a transparent talk on this topic featuring specialists as well as shops who’ve gone both routes. And if you’re curious about everything that went into getting RTA legislation passed in Texas and what it means for your shop, you won’t want to miss Robert McDorman’s (Auto Claim Specialists) and my deep-dive into “The New Right to Appraisal Law” on Friday morning.
Our trade show floor offers everything you could possibly need to run a successful shop with our world-class vendors showcasing everything from tools and equipment to refinishing options, ADAS calibrations software and services to help you take things to the next level. No matter where you’re at in your business, we’ve got you covered!
While handling the business is at the forefront of everything ABAT does, we also like to have a good time, so be sure to partake
continued on pg. 26
Burl Richards ABAT President
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• World Class Color Match Scan to get in on
Executive Director’s Message
Thread by Thread: How Ideas Unravel at Industry Events
II just got back from the Collision Industry Conference in Philadelphia, and I can honestly say I walked away with more valuable information than I’ve ever picked up at an industry event. The presentations were incredible, and the seminars were packed with insight – but that wasn’t even the best part. What really stuck with me were the in-between moments. The casual conversations in the hallways, the one-liners during a session that sparked deeper thoughts – those little threads you pull that unravel into big ideas. One moment that stands out was during Andrew Batenhorst’s presentation on ceramic coatings. He mentioned that his facility, Pacific BMW Collision Center, offers free coating inspections as part of their post-collision marketing. That phrase – post-collision marketing – caught my attention. What does that even look like? I walked up to him afterward, asked the question, and ended up having a fantastic conversation that got my wheels turning.
Later, at our state affiliate conference, we talked about industry challenges, and I brought up how we need more mentorship opportunities. Turns out, others were having that exact conversation in different corners of the room. What I thought was a small idea
turned out to be a real need shops across the country are feeling. And just like that, new initiatives started taking shape, from a single spark.
That’s what these events do. They’re more than just sessions and networking – they’re a place to pull on threads that can lead to brand new ideas, unexpected connections and even answers to questions you didn’t know you had. Sometimes it’s asking the right person the right question. Sometimes it’s speaking up and realizing others feel the same way. Sometimes it’s voicing a concern to someone who can actually do something about it.
The value of showing up in person can’t be overstated. No big event ever really goes to waste if you show up curious and ready to engage.
So come pull a few threads this year at the
Jill Tuggle ABAT Executive Director
Russell & Smith Logging Big Paint Hours with USI Booths & Prep Station
Buying a paint booth is a huge investment, and there are many factors to carefully consider before selecting one Will the booth work well in a region where there’s a ton of humidity and with drastic changes in the weather? How long do you think the booth will last and will it require a lot of maintenance? Will your painters be comfortable using it ever y day and finally, will the company making the booth provide solid training and reliable customer ser vice?
To answer these questions before acquiring two Chronotech spray booths and a prep deck from USI ITALIA back in 2004, Collision Center Manager Kevin McIllveen at Russell & Smith Body Shop in Houston, TX spent six months studying the market He was looking for the best booths that matched his needs to use in a brand-new 36,000 sq ft facility that the company built from the ground up
Mcllveen, age 56, entered the industr y more than three decades ago as an estimator and has worked for Russell & Smith Body Shop since 1993 His goal with his new spray booths was to improve the efficiencies in his paint department and to accommodate his production, he said, while simultaneously saving time and energy if possible
The vetting process was arduous but worth it in the end. "We did our research so that we could make an educated decision," he said "I went to NACE two years in a row and talked to literally ever yone and asked a lot of questions We knew that this was going to be a ver y significant investment, so we took the time to perform our due diligence to cover all our bases We invested in their prep stations as well, which was another good decision, because my guys can work so much faster and effectively with five different places where we can spray We put a curtain up in the prep booth that provides us two additional spaces that are heated and properly ventilated So, when we are really jammed, we can handle the workload and maintain our cycle time without interrupting or slowing down our production "
After using them for a ver y short time, Mcllveen could clearly see that his Chronotechs were more than capable as they quickly became a centerpiece in his new, high-end, modern shop
"We have four paint teams here, consisting of a painter and a painter’s helper and we consistently log approximately 600-700 paint hours weekly,” he said “We switched to waterborne paint when we opened this facility because we want to provide a healthier climate for our employees and the community as a whole ”
we push these booths and they never let us down ”
Any issues that Russell & Smith Body Shop have encountered with their USI ITALIA booths have been rare and far between But Mcllveen feels good knowing that if called upon, the company will respond and find solutions promptly “If you do your scheduled maintenance and keep ever ything clean, these booths will last you 30 years and maybe even longer The issues that we have encountered with the Chronotechs have been minor and quickly solved, which is impressive when you think that we have been using these booths daily for the last 16 years. I tell people that these booths will be here long after I’ve retired!”
Why was Mcllveen able to improve his numbers by simply adding two USI booths? “In the end, it all comes down to their airflow because we never need blowers or additional air to cure these vehicles The fans in these Chronotechs are exceptional because they feature variable speeds, so we can switch depending on the parameters of each job. Our painters are producing an impressive product day after day, so these booths are saving us both time and money We paint an average of 400 cars ever y month, so
After training provided by USI ITALIA, Mcllveen’s painters were able to start spraying after one day, he said "The Chronotechs are designed to work with waterborne paint, which makes it easier for our painters to do their work After a ver y short time, all of our guys were comfortable and the results were consistently exceptional.”
Mcllveen is also impressed by the Chronotech's sturdy construction and durability "Some booths are just a box, but these are wellbuilt," he said “I know, because I've seen them all and there isn't anything like a USI ITALIA booth "
His career in collision repair industr y has been a great experience and products like his USI ITALIA spray booths and prep station are a part of that, he said “We haven’t had to furlough anybody here and that’s because we value our people and, in the end, our Chronotechs are part of the team ”
Local News
Mike Anderson Delivers Good News to ABAT Community
All too often, it can feel like the collision repair world is in a constant state of flux. Whether it’s wondering why workloads have declined, feeling the sting from tight gripped insurance companies or crumbling from pressures to keep up with technology, Lone Star shop owners – and those across the nation – are scratching their heads, wondering where this industry is headed.
ABAT welcomed Mike Anderson (Collision Advice) to share some good news for the industry during their “Good Morning with Mike” webinar on July 21. Anderson perked up the Lone Star collision repairer audience with tons of industry insight to consider on how to get ready for and manage the current tide of the industry.
Shops around the country are feeling a slowdown in work, Anderson confirmed; however, despite it appearing like it’s a new thing – “it’s not a new normal. It’s the old normal. I’ve been to 32 states this year, and I can tell you that with the exception of Indiana and Nebraska, the next appointment for most shops is either tomorrow or as soon as one hour from now. Smaller shops doing about $200,000 in sales may be booked out about a week. Larger shops doing $400,000 to $500,000, their next appointment is tomorrow. Is this the new normal? No. We just went back to the way things were before COVID; we just forgot what it was like.”
There are several contributing factors that brought the industry to this point. Yes, accidents are happening less frequently due to ADAS functions, 30 percent of claims are total losses nowadays because the average vehicle age is 14.7 years old, and fewer customers are filing claims due to raised premium fears, but according to Anderson, all this means is “we have to get back to basics. We have to get back to selling. We spent two years just being order-takers. We need to sell.”
He suggests shops absolutely need to be open to customer pay as more consumers are choosing to pay out of pocket. “If less than 20 percent of your RO is customer pay, you are scaring off
customers as they will think that you only want to do insurance work.”
Shops also need to view their customers as shoppers. “I’m all about fixing cars safely and properly, but in today’s world, consumers are shopping. Consider giving them good/better/ best options without ever sacrificing the car being fixed right. Maybe a customer can live with some texture damage in the paint. If 40 percent of customers are paying out of pocket, we need to start educating them about the benefits and pros and cons of paying out of pocket versus using insurance.”
Anderson pointed to opportunities shops can take on to bring more work in: “You will want to do glass work in-house. Quit subletting that out.”
OEM certification is ultimately the way to go as more and more manufacturers are rolling out accident apps. “Our industry has been waiting for this. OEMs can influence where the customers go versus the insurance company telling them where to go. You can get more work sent to your shop.”
ADAS is here to stay, but its gold rush is over. Anderson believes the next gold rush will lie in “doing mechanical work on EVs. EVs need tires every 15,000 miles. The average internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle needs about $7,000 worth of service work over a 10-year period while EV vehicles amount closer to $10,000. Position yourself to do mechanical work for the OEMs that sell directly to consumers.”
He also got shop owners to think about how to utilize tools and resources to capture the work that happens when the shop is closed. “Car accidents happening outside of normal business hours increased by four percent. Forty-seven percent of consumers have accidents outside of business hours. You have to have a way for consumers to be able to make an appointment off hours.”
At the close of the webinar, ABAT Executive Director Jill Tuggle shared updates about the upcoming Texas Auto Body Trade Show September 12-13 where Anderson will return to give a deeper dive into the state of the industry with “Stay Humble, Stay Hungry.” See page 18 for a full schedule. TXA
Mike Anderson (Collision Advice)
In Memoriam
Collision Educator Jeff Wilson Remembered for his Passion and Dedication
Jeff Wilson will long be remembered as many things: passionate educator, dedicated colleague, rodeo lover, beloved father and husband. During his 55 years, Wilson touched the lives of many, especially in the collision repair world where he devoted more than 30 years to educating students in collision repair at Humble High School and Kingwood Park High School and making friends within the industry at large.
Tragically, the devastating Hill Country Flood this past July claimed his life and the lives of his wife and son. Wilson’s industry colleagues have called his passing a huge loss.
“He will be terribly missed,” shares Petra “Collisionista” Schroeder of the Collision Industry Foundation (CIF). “Jeff was just a wonderful person who was very involved and passionate about everything he did.” She recalls meeting Wilson back in 2018 when another tragedy, Hurricane Harvey, struck his school district and CIF stepped in to assist.
He stayed in touch with CIF following the hurricane devastation and attended the foundation’s event in 2020 to personally thank everyone involved, Schroeder remembers.
“He was always in his cowboy hat. The last time I saw him was at SEMA 2024. Someone that passionate about what he does just stood out. He had a welcoming personality. We waved to each other from across the room. He then came over and said, ‘Petra, I can’t just wave hello. I need to give you a hug and greet you in person.’ That’s who he was.”
“He was a selfless individual,” reflects Michael Quinn (AirPro Diagnostics). “I was shocked and saddened when we heard of this tremendous loss. This is a loss for his extended family as well as the collision industry.”
Like Schroeder, Quinn also began interacting with Wilson following Hurricane Harvey.
“After Hurricane Harvey hit and CIF mobilized to help, Jeff reached out on behalf of Kingswood School. He was the lead instructor of the collision program. The school lost equipment in the subsequent flooding, and there was no budget to replace items. Many CIF board members came forward from the paint and equipment side to replace damaged items. When I spoke to Jeff about helping individuals, he said many of the students’ families were hit and indicated it would be great if we could help them.”
Quinn recalls how Wilson always put others first.
“Over the course of a few months and many conversations and email communications, he was more concerned about the school, the students and their families than himself and his family. We encouraged him to accept our help and finally he did.”
“He was a great guy and a great teacher,” shares Chris Ryland, I-CAR chairman for the state of Texas. “He did his best to give the kids a good background in what the collision industry truly is like. He tried to give them real world scenarios and stressed how hard we work to repair vehicles properly and according to manufacturer specifications.”
Ryland called Wilson “a great friend. We became friends when working on the Houston I-CAR committee. He was a dedicated member and worked tirelessly to help other programs in the Houston area.”
Ryland noted his friend’s unending devotion to his family. “He was so proud of his son and the hard work he was putting forth into learning the rodeo. He definitely put his wife on a pedestal when he talked about her. You could just tell the love was there. We traveled to several conferences
together and enjoyed talking about the industry and his family. He asked me to serve on the advisory board for his program, and I enjoyed those meetings with him.”
“He had a huge heart,” recalls Adan Ibarra (Leading Edge Collision; Houston and Houston/Galveston I-CAR committee chair). “His students meant everything to him. When he sought out shops for his students to apprentice at, he’d go out of his way to make sure it would be a good fit. If he had any inclination it wasn’t, he would not send his students to those shops.” Wilson will be remembered for many things, especially his dedication to “advocating for his school and his students and for doing the right thing,” according to Ibarra.
Wilson worked tirelessly, putting in time after hours to secure materials and grant funding from CREF to give his students the best experience possible.
“It’s a huge loss,” Ibarra continues. “Our industry needs more instructors like Jeff who had such passion for teaching and cared about the industry, always staying on top of trends to make sure his students had the best information possible to help them succeed in this industry.”
When news of the tragedy hit, colleagues and former students flooded social media with photos and tributes about the beloved instructor. As one former student stated, “Students loved auto collision class, but we loved you more. Yes, we learned about mechanics and paint jobs, but what we treasured most were the morals and values you poured into us.” TXA
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Cover Story
A 2025 Texas Auto Body Trade Show Preview Sowing the Seeds for Success:
The 2025 Texas Auto Body Trade Show is just a month away, and ABAT has been busy sowing the seeds for another successful, rewarding event!
On September 12-13, collision repair professionals from Texas and beyond will gather at the Marriott Dallas Allen Hotel and Convention Center in Allen to learn, network and enjoy some Texas-sized fun!
“Be ready to enjoy the same high-quality education, exhibitions and overall good time that’s come to be synonymous with the Texas Auto Body Trade Show – all under ONE roof,” ABAT Executive Director Jill Tuggle expresses her excitement about the show’s new venue. “All of this year’s offerings will be accommodated by our host hotel and convention center, so you can avoid the Texas heat by taking advantage of the on-site amenities…but if you feel like venturing out, there’s plenty to do nearby, including an entire shopping center just across the street.
“We’ve got something for everyone,” Tuggle promises. “Training sessions from the industry’s leading experts, exhibitors showcasing their latest and greatest tools and equipment, our Fifth Annual BIG SHOTS Competition and plenty of networking opportunities that will allow you to connect with industry peers. And we’ve always got a few surprises up our sleeves each year to
keep things fresh and exciting. It’s the most fun you’ll have all year in collision repair!”
Classes start early both days, featuring crowd favorites like Mike Anderson of Collision Advice as well as some fresh faces. (Flip to page 18 for the full training agenda, or learn more about each session at grecopublishing.com/txa0725coverstory.) But plenty worth seeing will take place on the trade show floor, open 1-8pm on Friday and 10am-6pm on Saturday.
Think you’re the best at what you do? Join the competition and show off your paint, body, glue pull or estimating skills at the Fifth Annual BIG SHOTS Competition for a chance to win $1,000 cash and other great prizes! “We’ll have both live and virtual contests taking place on the show floor as estimators, painters and technicians compete for big prizes and – more importantly –bragging rights,” Tuggle teases. “Whether you’re in paint, body, paintless dent repair (PDR) or estimating, there’s a contest waiting for you, and you absolutely must plan to compete in our BIG SHOTS Competition!” (Stay tuned for more details about BIG SHOTS in next month’s edition.)
The best of the best will walk away with the title of ABAT Painter of the Year, Estimator of the Year, Body Tech of the Year or PDR Tech of the Year, and winners will be featured on the cover of
by Chasidy Rae Sisk
an upcoming edition of Texas Automotive
But everyone will have a chance to see themselves on the cover of Texas Automotive at this year’s show with the introduction of a giant magazine photo box on the show floor where you can snag a picture to envision yourself as a cover model.
With the right tools and equipment, you just might build your business to make it on a future cover, so be sure to visit the dozens of vendors exhibiting their tools, equipment, software and services –and keep an eye out for some special surprises. This year’s exhibitors are already looking forward to the show.
“I’m excited for the new venue and really looking forward to all the fun we’ll have at this year’s show,” says Laura Gay (Consolidation Coach), whose booth will feature an opportunity to win a gift card to Chic-fil-A or Starbucks. “Pick a color on our Wheel of Fortune, spin, and if you land on the color you picked, you win a prize!”
Bill Park (Crunchit Financial Services) is excited for the opportunity to “interact with body shop owners and let them know how we can help them.” With 30 years of experience owning shops and having exited different businesses four times, Park can offer unique insights by “listening to their stories, understanding their pain points, sharing best practices and letting them know they have a trusted ally who understands what they can do. I’ll consider the show a success if I can impart a tip or two that someone can do something positive with!”
Killer Tools is also “looking forward to interacting with Texas collision repairers and educating them on our newest products,” according to Tim Gerhards (Killer Tools), who promises that attendees can enjoy “some ‘Killer Deals’ on scratch and dent tools that we cannot sell through our normal distribution channels.”
“For the upcoming Texas Auto Body Trade Show, Tractable will have a booth with three of our employees there – including our very own ‘industry influencer’ and long-time auto insurance expert, Jimmy Spears,” reveals Mitchell Anderson (Tractable). “We're looking forward to connecting with shops within Texas to understand if or how they are changing their process to account for the new Right to Appraisal bill and to understand different behaviors we're seeing with consumers in the southern US region. We’ll also offer free demos of our technology, where you can run any vehicle through our AI to get an instant damage analysis and repair quote, and we’ll even be giving shops the ability to sign up for our tool at the booth with an extended free trial for coming to those who visit us in person!”
Bob Stevenson (Celette) also looks forward “to connecting with Texas shop owners and technicians and networking with industry experts and fellow vendors,” and he notes that their display will include “the New Lucid Gravity EV on our New Carbon Fiber 3D Printed Jigs.”
With all that’s happening on the floor and in the classrooms, one might think that’s it, but that’s not how ABAT does things! The best part of the Texas Auto Body Trade Show is the chance for collision repair professionals to network with one another, and ABAT has scheduled these opportunities in spades. During the daily happy hours on the trade show floor, enjoy a cold beer and complimentary appetizers at select booths while chatting with old friends or making some new ones.
Take a break from perusing the exhibitors’ offerings to head
out to the parking lot and check out the English Color & Supply Car Show, a crowd favorite year after year. “English Color has sponsored an AMAZING car show each year,” Tuggle stresses. “Whether you prefer a rat rod, custom build, muscle car or just a nicely restored classic, you will find it all. You might even want to enter your own ride for a chance to win great prizes.”
Before the show floor closes on Friday, be sure to pop by ABAT’s booth to score a free ticket to the After Party, where the real fun begins. It shouldn’t be too difficult to convince Tuggle to extend an invite to this exclusive by-invitation-only celebration which provides a great opportunity to network with industry peers over appetizers and drinks – and this crowd favorite will enjoy a bit of a facelift in 2025 as the association celebrates its HUGE legislative win in securing mandatory appraisal rights in all Texas insurance policies!
According to Tuggle, this year’s After Party will be a “Texas-meets-Hollywood bash” boasting a more upscale feel as ABAT invites attendees to grab a commemorative flute from the champagne-skirt-wearing partyologist as the association raises a glass to the legislative victory. And this year, attendees don’t need to worry about their photo booth pictures being used against them as ABAT’s taking a break from the traditional silliness and classing up the photography by offering an opportunity to snag a shot that may be worthy to use as a headshot.
“Dress to impress, or simply come as you are,” Tuggle extends the invitation. “Although this year’s After Party is a bit of a gala, we don’t want to deter anyone from joining in the fun!”
And that includes the ladies of collision who will have the chance to spend a little time with other women in the field at ABAT’s Fourth Annual Ladies’ exclusive event, taking place in a secret location. Ladies: be sure to grab your invitation at the registration desk, so you don’t miss out on the delicious drinks, snacks and a fun activity while chatting with industry peers. “ABAT loves to give credit where credit is due, and often there’s a woman involved in the business who doesn’t get enough accolades for all she does with grace and strength,” Tuggle shares. “The women in this business are a special breed. We are unique because we chose to be in this business of collision repair. I think there is a lot of power and synergy in what we bring to this industry, and as a female-run association, we want to bring the females in our business together to get to know each other.”
Whether you’re planning to attend the 2025 Texas Auto Body Trade Show for the education, exhibitions, competition, networking or just a break from the ordinary, this show delivers it all, providing plenty of ways to grow your business and yourself.
“We have so much planned to benefit you and your business at the 2025 Texas Auto Body Trade Show,” Tuggle insists. “We pack all the most exciting parts of being in the automotive industry into two days filled with tools, equipment, a Car Show, celebrity appearances and some of the country’s top speakers providing education that you can’t get anywhere else…You CANNOT afford to miss this Show!”
Stay tuned for additional updates on the 2025 Texas Auto Body Trade Show in next month’s Texas Automotive. To learn more about the show and to register, visit abat.us/trade-show. TXA
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
(SHOW HOURS 1pm-8pm)
9am-10am | Location: Moonlight II (Option 1)
How to Create and Achieve Your Post Shop Life
Laura Gay (Founder of Consolidation Coach) and Matt Di Francesco (Principal/Financial Technician, High Lift Financial)
9am-10am | Location: Sunset (Option 2)
The New Right to Appraisal Law
Burl Richards (ABAT President)
Robert McDorman (Auto Claim Specialists)
9am-10am | Location: Moonlight I (Option 3) Collision Advice Class TBD
10:15am-11:15am | Location: Sunset (Option 1)
Overcoming Information Overload
Kyle Motzkus (Missouri Auto Body Association)
Danny Gredinberg (Database Enhancement Gateway)
10:15am-11:15am | Location: Moonlight II (Option 2)
Beat the Slowdown: Winning When Sales Are Down and Dominating the Comeback
Taylor Moss (OEC)
10:15am-11:15am | Location: Moonlight I (Option 3)
From Dent to Delivery: AI tools & Strategies to Reduce Cycle Time
Tom Zobelein (Capture the Keys)
11:30am-1:30pm | Location: Sunrise
Beyond the Wreckage: Proactive Leadership, Better Communication, and Less Stress
Amy Pechacek (Alpstra Training Solutions)
1pm: TRADE SHOW OPENS
4:00pm-5:30pm | Location: Sunrise
The Industry Over a Pint: A Calibration Conversation
Darrell Smith (McDaniels Collision); Burl Richards (ABAT President); Frank Phillips (ADAS Solutions USA); Josh Cascanet (Airpro Diagnostics); Moderated by Mike Anderson (Collision Advice)
8pm: TRADE SHOW CLOSES
8:30pm | Location: Canyon Bar & Grill (Onsite)
Texas Auto Body Trade Show After Party
Hosted by ABAT
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 (SHOW HOURS 10AM-5pm)
9am-10:30am | Location: Sunrise
Rise and Grind: OEM Breakfast Session
9:15am-10:30am | Location: Moonlight I (Option 1) Plan de Reparación para el Éxito: Mejores Reparaciones y Menos Suplementos
Ricardo Garcia (Uptown Automotive)
9:15am-10:30am | Location: Moonlight II (Option 2) Technician Class TBD EN ESPAÑOL
Instructor TBD
10am: TRADE SHOW OPENS
10:45am-12:00pm | Location: Moonlight I (Option 1)
Building The Office Team You've Always Wanted
Chuck Baldridge (Collision Center Director, Mike Calvert Toyota)
10:45am-12:00pm | Location: Moonlight II (Option 2)
Unlocking Repairability Beyond Traditional Repair Techniques
Danny Hacker (KECO)
10:45am-12:00pm | Location: Sunrise (Option 3)
Growing the Future: A Conversation Between Future Technicians and Body Shops
Raven Luna (Professor, Collin County College, Allen, TX)
Ask The Expert Exploring the Texas Mandatory Binding RTA Rulemaking Phase & Qualification Criteria
Dear Mr. McDorman,
by Robert L. McDorman
I own and operate a collision facility in Southeast Texas. Like last month’s reader and many before, I have been closely following the articles and editorials about the Texas Mandatory Appraisal Bill journey, and I appreciate everyone’s hard work on this important consumer protection issue. Now that the Mandatory Right to Appraisal Bill HB 458 has been approved to become law in Texas and has moved into the rulemaking and qualification requirements phase, how do you envision the best outcome for all parties based upon your data and professional opinion? Also, I would like to hear what you recommend concerning the appraiser and umpire selection and qualifications criteria.
Thank you and the many other readers so much for keeping up with the campaign for mandatory appraisal rights in Texas for all motor vehicle policies and for everyone’s support in this long but worthwhile journey. We have all worked very hard in the last six years. (Can you believe it? Six years!) The passing of HB 458 will amend the Texas Insurance Code to require each auto policy in Texas to include a binding Appraisal Clause for loss disputes for repair procedure and total loss claims. This requirement will apply to any insurance policy delivered, issued for delivery or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. As I know you understand based on your question, there is still much work to be done, and we all know that the devil is always found in the details. Everyone should remain vigilant and keep a close eye on how the mandates of HB 458 get implemented.
The next step in the Mandatory Appraisal Bill process will be for Commissioner Brown to adopt rules mandating an appraisal for total loss and delineating property damage subject to the appraisal and the period of appraisal. Also, Commissioner Brown must consider the qualifications and selection criteria for appraisers and umpires for the appraisal. We have done an excellent job making legislators problem-aware to give Commissioner Brown the backing she needs for adapting rules and requirements. We now have to make her solution-aware. I am confident that, with the right information and data, she will set the right rules and qualifications in place for motor vehicle loss disputes.
As for rules concerning appraisal-related timelines, I have listed proposed optimal time triggers, as I see them, for repair procedure disputes. These are based upon our internal data from repair procedure appraisals we have been involved in over the years. I have also posted supporting graphs from our files to support my position. Based upon our files, these proposed time triggers listed below seem fair and reasonable for all parties following invocation of the Appraisal Clause.
Proposed Appraisal Timeline
1. 15th day or sooner: No later than the 15th day after the date an appraisal is demanded, each party shall appoint an unbiased appraiser and notify the other party of that appraiser’s identity.
2. 45th day or sooner: The appointed appraisers must agree on the loss within 30 days of both appraisers being appointed. If the appraisers fail to agree on the amount of loss after the 30th day after the date all appraisers are appointed, the appraisers shall select an unbiased umpire.
3. 60th day or sooner: The appraisers have 15 days after they have failed to agree on the loss to appoint an umpire.*
4. 90th day or sooner: If the two appraisers have agreed on an umpire, the appraisers and umpire shall determine the amount of loss no later than the 30th day after the date the umpire is selected.
*If the two appraisers are unable to agree on an umpire on or before the 15th day after the date the appraisers determine an umpire is needed, the insurer or the named insured may request that a court in the county in which the named insured resides select the umpire.
We record the average time it takes for our clients’ repair procedure claims to make it through the entire appraisal process, from date of loss to final settlement date. For repair procedure Right to Appraisal disputes where claims do not require an umpire, our records show that from the date of loss to final settlement takes 280 days on average, broken down as follows: from date of loss until the carrier issues their estimate of record takes 32 days on average; from the estimate of record date until the last supplement by the carrier is issued also takes an average of 32 days; from the date the last supplement is issued by the carrier until the Right to Appraisal is invoked takes another 47 days; from the date the Right to Appraisal is filed until the carrier appoints their independent appraiser takes 48 days; and finally, from the date the carrier appoints their independent appraiser until the appraisers agree on the amount of loss averages 121 days (see graph).
Ask The Expert
continued from pg. 20
Comparing the proposed time triggers listed above to our historical average cycle times, just the decrease in time from filed right of appraisal to the date appraisers are appointed (our historical 48 days versus the bill’s 15 days) and from the date appraisers are appointed to the day appraisers agree on the amount of loss (our historical 121 days versus the proposed 30 days) would drop the total repair claim cycle time by 124 days, which is close to half the current average total cycle time! This would be a huge relief for insureds in Texas.
On repair procedure claims from our files where disputes went to appraisal and ended up requiring an umpire, our records show that from the date of loss to final settlement takes 399 days on average; 119 days longer than claims not requiring an umpire and well over a year altogether! The biggest difference in cycle times between claims requiring an umpire versus those not requiring an umpire is in the period from the date the carrier appoints their independent appraiser until the appraisers and umpire agree on the amount of loss. For claims going to umpire, this takes 233 days on average versus 121 days for claims not going to umpire, a 112-day increase! (See graph.)
As you can see from comparing the proposed time triggers listed above to our historical average cycle times for claims that go to umpire, the decrease from the date appraisers are appointed to the day the appraisers and umpire agree on the amount of loss (our historical 233 days versus the proposed 75 days – 30 for appraisers to agree plus 15 to appoint an umpire plus 30 for appraisers to come to a final determination with umpire) would reduce the total repair claim cycle time by 158 days, a drop of over five months! Again, this would be a huge relief for insureds in Texas.
Robert is a recognized Public Insurance Adjuster and Certified Vehicle Value Expert specializing in motor vehicle-related insurance claim resolution. Robert can be reached by phone at (800) 736-6816, (817) 756-5482 or via email at AskTheExpert@autoclaimspecialists.com.
Of course, the purpose of taking this time for the appraisal process to complete is to get the valuations correct and insureds properly indemnified for their loss. The graph below shows the average repair claim values from the estimate of record to the award from our repair procedure dispute Right to Appraisal files. (VVE stands for Vehicle Value Experts, an appraisal firm we use for most of our required appraisals.) The difference between the average highest amount insurers agreed to pay for a repair versus the average final award is striking.
Finally, the graph on page 23 shows the average settlement increase by carrier on repair procedure claims that went through the Right to Appraisal process with our company.
Conspicuously missing is one of the largest auto insurers in Texas: State Farm. This is because State Farm removed the Right to Appraisal for repair claims from their auto policies back in 2017. Since then, State Farm insureds have had no recourse other than to accept the repair plan and replacement parts as dictated by State Farm, whether OEM compatible or not. Thanks to the passage of HB 458, their deliverance day is their policy renewal date in 2026.
Proposed Rules and Requirements for Appraisers and Umpires
As I have spoken and written about many times, it is my unwavering position that the removal and/or limiting of the Right to Appraisal in a repair procedure dispute would be the nail in the coffin for safe roadways. Anytime there is a loss dispute on these types of claims, the dispute should be handled by (TRULY) independent industry expert appraisers and umpires. It is my position that the appraisers and umpires should be required to list what portion of their appraisal business comes from the insurer or the insured, sending this information to the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) yearly for TDI to publish on their website. Also, I would like to see all appraisers and umpires licensed by the TDI, with the license requiring a minimum of 40 hours continuing education for each licensed period and a minimum $100,000 bond. Finally, I would strongly recommend a requirement for each licensed appraiser and umpire to carry a $1,000,000 E&O (errors and omission) policy. It has always been my position that the
independent appraiser and umpire are liable for the binding repair plan they agree to through the appraisal process. The only way to ensure the appraisal and umpire process is truly independent is to hold the appraisers and umpires accountable and liable.
We must always remember and keep at the front of our thoughts, "Safe Repairs Save Lives." If we allow the appraisal process to be biased, then there is no independent appraisal process. Requiring the appraisers and umpires to be licensed, bonded and insured will help ensure a truly unbiased arena. Legislators have given Commissioner Brown the authority to do just this. We should do everything in our power to make sure this happens. Always, what gets measured gets done!
The under-indemnification in repair procedure claims in Texas is rampant. Most of the estimates and supplements we see for repair claims have many overlooked (by design) safety and OEM-required operations needed to restore the loss vehicle to its pre-loss condition to the best of one's human ability. Now with the passing of HB 458, when a dispute arises over the loss on a motor vehicle repair claim, there will be a binding Appraisal Clause in the policy allowing these disputes to be turned over to industry professionals to determine the loss. And again, as stated above, I believe it is imperative that the appraisers and umpires be held accountable for their decisions and actions.
The spirit of the Appraisal Clause is to resolve loss disputes fairly and to do so in a timely and cost-effective manner by unbiased industry qualified appraisers and umpires. Invoking the Appraisal Clause removes the inexperienced and biased carrier appraisers and claims handlers from the process, undermining their
management’s many tricks to undervalue the loss settlement and under-indemnify the insured. Through the Appraisal Clause, loss disputes can be resolved relatively quickly, economically, equitably and amicably by unbiased, experienced, independent thirdparty appraisers as opposed to more costly and time-consuming methods such as mediation, arbitration and litigation.
In today’s world, regarding motor vehicle insurance policies, frequent changes in claim management and claim handling policies and non-standardized GAP Addendums, we have found it is always in
the best interest of the insured or claimant to have their proposed insurance settlement reviewed by an expert before accepting. There is never an upfront fee for Auto Claim Specialists to review a motor vehicle claim or proposed settlement and give their professional opinion as to the fairness of the offer.
Please call me should you have any questions relating to the policy or covered loss. We have most insurance policies in our library. Always remember that safe repair is a quality repair, and quality equates to value. Thank you for your question and look forward to any follow-up questions that may arise.
Sincerely,
Robert L. McDorman TXA
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Today’s shop is inundated with solicitations; advertising with Greco Publishing breaks through the noise to align your company as an association ally, and get you in front of your next customer.
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President’s Message
continued from pg. 4
in all the fun at the Car Show, the After Party and during our happy hours.
Those of you who know me will not be surprised when I admit that my favorite event is our Fifth Annual BIG SHOTS Competition! We know that this industry wouldn’t exist without the technicians, painters, estimators and PDR professionals who do the hard work, and this is their time to shine by showing what they’ve got and pitting their skills against their peers for a chance to win some great prizes and a little notoriety as they’ll appear on an upcoming cover of Texas Automotive. BIG SHOTS is a great way to recognize the folks who are amazing at what they do every single day, and I’m proud of how the competition has progressed over the past five years – we’re even seeing other shows introduce similar competitions modeled after it! I’m grateful to all the sponsors who help make the competition such a success year after year, and I can’t wait to see who will take the gold this time around.
I’m also really looking forward to the new venue this year and exploring all that’s available around the Marriott Dallas Allen Hotel and Convention Center in Allen on September 12-13, and I’m confident that we’re all going to have a great time this year…we always do! But you can’t participate in the training, networking and fun if you don’t strap on your boots and head to the show, so be sure to register and book your room soon!
Visit abat.us/trade-show
THE ITALIA
burl.richards@proton.me
TXA
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PRESENTS
Join Reliable Automotive Equipment’s Dave Gruskos for conversations with industry leaders sharing their insights and the latest from the world of certified collision repair. This month, Dave sits down with Mike Anderson of Collision Advice.
Certified Collision Repair Q&A With: MIKE ANDERSON COLLISION ADVICE
Dave Gruskos: In your experience, what would you say are the biggest advantages to a repair facility obtaining OEM certification?
Mike Anderson: First of all, with the European manufacturers, the restricted parts sales certainly help to drive more work, which is always a good thing. Another benefit is getting listed on the OEM shop locators. Recently, we’ve seen OEMs like General Motors, BMW, Honda and Acura rolling out things like accident assistance apps, which will also drive more work to certified shops. Another advantage is the access to training; some OEMs even include free subscriptions to their OEM repair procedures, and training on how to properly navigate those. Obviously, if training helps your staff improve their skill set and they become more efficient and knowledgeable, hopefully that results in positive outcomes for the business as well. A lot of people think that if they just get OEM certified, all this work will come to their door. You’ve got to know how to leverage it and how to market it; it doesn’t happen organically. You have to put the work in.
DG: What are some common misconceptions you see among shops regarding the necessity of specific OEM required tools and equipment?
MA: I often see where a shop will go out and buy equipment and then apply for the OEM certification, and they’re not aware of the fact that, sometimes, OEM equipment has to be purchased from a specific vendor. I always tell people, before you go out and buy equipment, do the research; learn which equipment is going to have the most OEM certification requirements. With some OEMs, their equipment requirements are step-based. Others require a very specific brand, or a very specific vendor. I think it’s just always important to do your research before you make any purchasing decisions. Service, support and training are also very important. A lot of the misconceptions are where people just think that all equipment is approved. It will vary based on the OEM, and you’ve got to be careful who you buy from.
ABOUT MIKE
As one of the most knowledgeable people in his field, Mike Anderson is a sought-after speaker, author and consultant. A former owner of multiple collision repair centers in Alexandria, VA, Mike currently owns and operates Collision Advice, an industry research, reference and consulting business. He also serves as a facilitator for Axalta’s highly recognized Business Council 20 Groups in both the US and Canada, as well as independent 20 groups through Collision Advice, and facilitates numerous courses for Axalta, Toyota, Nissan and other OEMs.
DG: Can you share any strategies for shops to effectively balance the investment in pursuing or maintaining OEM certification versus ongoing responsibilities in other areas of the business?
MA: I’ve seen it happen, unfortunately, where shops will go and pursue all these OEM certifications, spending all this money on training and equipment, and next thing you know, they’ve overextended themselves financially. I think you have to be very intentional with what you do. You’ve got to understand at the beginning whether you’re going to lease the equipment, buy it outright, or finance it; you’ve got to know what that payment is going to be, and make sure you’re budgeting for that as well as additional expenses. I always like to build out a pro forma: If I’m going to spend X on training and Y for my technician to travel and Z for equipment, maybe I’ve got to assess my labor rates to ensure we get the ROI. Make sure you’re taking into account the financial implications on your business, which includes managing cash flow and things of that nature.
DG: What advice do you have for navigating potential conflicts between OEM procedures and insurer pushback?
MA: It 100 percent starts with educating the consumer. I just think that is so critical. You can’t just say that you’re going to spend five or 10 minutes with a consumer. I think you’ve got to be spending 45 minutes to an hour with a consumer. It really is about not only educating them, but educating them in a way that they understand it. There is nothing better than a well informed customer and involving the customer in all your communications or discussions with the third party payer.
