Tesla was the only green in the group, up 4%, while Aptiv got hit hardest with a 4.6% drop on a rough day across the board.
Data via Yahoo Finance
🎯 Carrier of the Week
GEICO
GEICO is leaning on 'not required' to kill your ADAS line items
What they're cutting
Denying pre- and post-scans as 'not required' or bundling them into labor ops already paid
Cutting calibration as 'included in alignment' or flagging sublet invoices as duplicative
Refusing R&R time for components that must come off to complete a calibration procedure
Rebuttal that's flipping it
OEM service documentation for most makes explicitly lists pre-scan, post-scan, and calibration as separate, required procedures with individual time allowances. GEICO's 'included in' position has no OEM basis, and I-CAR's position is clear: scanning is a distinct operation with a distinct cost.
▶ Play this weekPull the OEM repair procedure page that lists calibration as a standalone required step, attach it to the claim with your sublet invoice, and send a written request asking GEICO to identify specifically which OEM document supports their position that
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NHTSA confirmed an 11th death tied to counterfeit airbags banned earlier this year. Same week, federal investigators found vehicle technology (not just EV batteries) driving a sharp uptick in park-outside recalls. Collision shops need to know both.
RECALL
1. 11th death linked to counterfeit airbag; NHTSA enforcement ongoing
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirmed another fatality caused by a counterfeit airbag part the agency banned earlier in 2026. The tally continues to climb as investigators track distribution and install chains. This matters: shops that source parts from unfamiliar suppliers or see suspiciously low airbag pricing need to verify OEM compliance and documentation before install.
Mark says: Audit your airbag vendor paperwork this week. One bad install ends a driver's life and your shop's license.
2. Park-outside recalls tied to vehicle tech, not just EV batteries
A Washington Post investigation found that the uptick in park-outside recalls stems from broad vehicle technology issues, including ADAS and infotainment systems, not EVs alone. Federal authorities are flagging software glitches, sensor malfunctions, and autonomous feature failures as drivers. Shops should expect these vehicles to sit in the lot longer while OEM updates deploy.
Mark says: Flag ADAS and infotainment modules in incoming vehicle checks. Consult NHTSA recall portal before committing to timeline.
3. Bipartisan bill targets crash-for-cash fraud as federal crime
Congress has introduced legislation to make motor vehicle collision fraud a federal offense, aiming to improve driver safety and reduce insurance costs. The bill targets organized crash schemes and staged accidents. Passage would give federal authorities new tools to pursue fraud rings and potentially reduce false claims pressure on shops.
Mark says: Document every intake photo and customer statement. Federal enforcement will favor shops with clean, thorough collision records.
4. Farmers alerts customers on ADAS repair complexity and cost
Farmers Insurance is informing policyholders that new safety technology in vehicles, particularly ADAS, may extend repair timelines and increase costs. The carrier is setting expectations upfront with consumers on repair complexity. Shops should expect more policyholder questions and may face tighter supplement scrutiny as insurers defend their cost estimates.
Mark says: When Farmers appraises ADAS work, cite OEM time studies and calibration labor in every supplement before submission.
5. California suspends third LA repair shop over fraudulent safety inspections
The California Bureau of Automotive Repair suspended another Los Angeles repair dealer for issuing fraudulent safety inspections on rebuilt total-loss vehicles. The license suspension signals stepped-up enforcement on rebuilt-title compliance. Shops handling rebuilt vehicles or total-loss reentry work must maintain clean documentation and follow all BAR inspection protocols.
Mark says: If you touch a rebuilt title, triple-check your BAR paperwork and keep records for five years. Regulators are watching.
Denied a supplement for ADAS calibration labor? Run it free through our Calibration Denial Audit. Reply with the denied estimate, get an OEM-cited rebuttal in 60 seconds. No pitch, no catch.
Published by Absolute ADAS. Mark Fowler, owner. Mobile ADAS calibration in Western Washington. 50,000+ calibrations on the floor.
👀 Tomorrow: watch for NHTSA's next move on counterfeit airbag distribution chains and whether Farmers' ADAS cost memo triggers supplement pushback patterns.