Mobileye and Aptiv led the auto-tech names lower today while Nvidia was the lone bright spot in an otherwise red session.
Data via Yahoo Finance
🎯 Carrier of the Week
USAA
USAA is leaning on 'not required', here's how to shut that down
What they're cutting
Denying pre- and post-scan line items as not required or included in labor
Pushing back on sublet calibration invoices, asking for OEM documentation before paying
Cutting R&R time tied to calibration setup, calling it non-reimbursable shop prep
Rebuttal that's flipping it
Pull the OEM repair procedure for the specific vehicle and attach it to the claim, Honda, Toyota, GM, and others explicitly require post-collision scans and recalibration after suspension, bumper, or windshield work, and I-CAR's RTS guidance (triggered by a DEG inquiry this week) reinforces that documented OEM procedures define what is required, not the carrier's internal guidelines.
▶ Play this weekOn your next USAA denial, attach the OEM scan and calibration requirement page directly to the supplement, reference it by name in your notes, and include your calibration sublet invoice with the equipment make, model, and targets used, USAA's adjust
Good morning, {{firstName}}.
Ohio independent shops are mounting a fight against S.B. 306, which could reshape how you handle assignments and insurance claims. Meanwhile, Hyundai is flooding the market with Level 2+ systems by 2028, and that workload is coming to your bay.
INDUSTRY
1. Ohio shops object to S.B. 306; bill threatens assignments and repair terms
The Ohio Auto Body Association raised formal objections to S.B. 306, citing provisions on assignments, storage fees, insurer access, and repair contracts that could restrict how independent shops work with insurance claims. The bill has not yet passed but is moving through the legislature. If it becomes law, shops lose leverage on supplement negotiations and insurer inspections.
Mark says: If you're in Ohio, contact OABA now and track the bill status weekly; it directly affects your estimate control and claim handling authority.
2. Hyundai Motor Group targets 2028 for Level 2+ production; standardizes sensors across brands
Hyundai Motor Group announced it will put NVIDIA-based Level 2+ automated driving systems into production in the first half of 2028, with Level 2++ systems following in the second half. The group is standardizing sensors across Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands. This means higher calibration volume on a tighter OEM timeline and fewer platform variations to learn.
Mark says: Hyundai's unified sensor strategy makes training easier, but you'll need calibration capacity by mid-2028; start recruiting and equipment planning now.
A Data Enhancement Gateway inquiry led the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team to develop comprehensive technical guidance on a specific repair scenario. This guidance helps shops navigate OEM requirements when DEG data is incomplete or ambiguous. RTS continues to be your free resource when manufacturer bulletins are thin on detail.
Mark says: When you hit a DEG gap or OEM bulletin gray area, call I-CAR RTS before you estimate; they're faster than dealer phone trees and free.
eBay announced it will prohibit all airbag and inflator sales on its platform effective September 24, 2026. The move closes off a gray-market sourcing channel shops have used for decades. Counterfeit and salvage airbags have been linked to injury and death; eBay's action aligns with NHTSA enforcement but limits alternative parts sourcing.
Mark says: Audit your airbag supplier network now; validate your OEM and recycled part channels before eBay goes dark in nine days.
5. SEMA ADAS Symposium highlights calibration gaps in OEM documentation
The second annual SEMA ADAS Symposium drew 63 attendees from 47 organizations to discuss calibration, testing, and serviceability. Autel and other tool makers highlighted the recurring problem of incomplete and inconsistent OEM calibration documentation. Shops reported difficulty sourcing clear procedures for newer systems, especially when bulletins conflict with service portal data.
Mark says: Bring OEM bulletins and service portal screenshots to every calibration estimate and attach them to supplements; paper trail protects your denial rebuttal.
When insurers deny your ADAS calibration charges, you need an OEM-backed rebuttal fast. Get a free Calibration Denial Audit at our site: reply with the denied claim and we'll send back a bulletin-cited response in 60 seconds.