Industry News

A recent survey by the National Federation of Independent Business revealed a significant lack of awareness among businesses regarding the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) reporting requirements. The CTA, set to take effect on January 1, mandates that businesses with 20 or fewer employees and revenue under $5 million report personal information about owners, board members,…

The U.S. House Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce has approved the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act, marking a significant step forward in the legislative process. The bill, reintroduced in February by bipartisan representatives, including Neal Dunn and Brendan Boyle, aims to ensure a competitive marketplace for automotive and collision…

A recent whitepaper from Decisely, a company specializing in benefits, human resources, and compliance management services, underscores the significance of health benefits in employee retention, emphasizing the positive impact on morale and workplace culture. Decisely contends that investing in attractive health benefit packages can foster a loyal and committed workforce, contributing to the long-term success…

In a legal dispute between Glassco Auto Glass and GEICO, the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals has deferred judgment, sending the case to Florida’s Supreme Court. Glassco filed a lawsuit against GEICO in 2019, alleging that the insurer consistently underpaid claims for auto glass repairs between 2016 and 2019. The dispute centered on GEICO’s…

As first reported in Repairer Driven News, one hundred and nineteen people pursuing careers in collision repair and other segments of the automotive industry have received help paying for their education through the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. The 2022 winners include 103 students who received scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, and 16 employees of…

As reported in Collision Week, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) released a statement in the wake of the California Air Resources Board’s decision to require 100% zero-emission vehicles by 2035, reiterating its concerns that regulators were banning internal combustion engines (ICE) and restricting options for consumers. “SEMA believes that Californians should not be directed…

As first reported in Repairer Driven News, I-CAR has opened a new Chicago Technical Center to serve as a neutral, mission critical resource for inter-industry. Per CEO and President John Van Alstyne, “It’s an intentional step forward to continue our mission to deliver increasingly accessible, on-demand, and relevant education, knowledge, services, and solutions for the…

The vast majority of body shops (85%) are looking to fill at least one position in their facility, up from 79% a year earlier, according to a CRASH Network survey in mid-2022. Job openings for body technicians, including helpers, are the most common, with two-thirds of shops saying they are searching for at least one…

CRASH Network reports that the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows there were slight decreases in 2020 in the number of independent collision repair facilities as well as the total number of employees working in them.  There were about 247,000 employees working in just shy of 35,000 shops across the U.S., a drop…

According to the latest research from AAA, the average yearly cost to own and operate a new vehicle in 2022 is $10,728, or $894 per month. A considerable increase from 2021, when the average yearly cost was $9,666 or $805.50 per month. Not surprisingly, fuel prices are the most significant factor pushing this year’s average…