Tesla led the auto-tech names higher today, while LKQ was the lone red ticket in an otherwise green tape.
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Michigan just moved to ban price optimization in auto insurance. At the same time, the collision industry is short 73,000 techs by 2029. And AASP/NJ is building a formal complaint registry against insurers. Three stories that will shape your shop's next 18 months.
INSURANCE
1. Michigan bans auto insurance price optimization
SB 1013 would prohibit insurers from adjusting rates based on consumer behavior and shopping patterns. The bill targets the practice of charging repeat customers more than new ones for identical coverage. If it passes, Michigan joins a growing list of states tightening insurer rate practices. This matters because lower customer churn could mean steadier volume for collision shops.
Mark says: Monitor the bill's progress; if it passes, brief your estimators on stable customer tenure and adjust cycle planning accordingly.
2. Collision repair needs 73,354 new techs by 2029
TechForce reports the industry is short roughly 140,000 skilled technicians across all trades, with collision repair alone needing over 73,000 new entrants in three years. Retention is a major culprit, not just recruitment. The gap is widening faster than training pipelines can fill it. For shop owners, this signals wage pressure, longer hiring cycles, and competition for talent.
Mark says: Start retention conversations now; the market will force wage and benefit adjustments before 2029 hits.
3. AASP/NJ opens dedicated inbox for insurer complaints
The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey created dobicomplaints@aaspnj.org to collect complaints shops and customers file with the state's Department of Banking and Insurance. AASP/NJ will compile and organize these submissions to present a unified case to regulators. This is leverage building in real time.
Mark says: If you're in New Jersey and have a denied claim or supplement pushback, forward it to AASP/NJ; collective data moves regulators.
General Motors filed a patent for an airbag system that adjusts deployment force and timing based on passenger seating position and body characteristics. The tech could reduce inflation injuries for smaller occupants and children. When this goes into production, shops will need recalibration training on new sensor arrays and deployment logic.
Mark says: Watch for this in GM TSBs within 12 months; add airbag sensor diagnostics to your pre-repair safety checklist now.
The U.S. Department of Commerce issued a 15 percent tariff cap on Taiwanese auto parts. This relieves uncertainty for shops sourcing sensors, cameras, and collision repair components from Taiwan. Parts costs should stabilize, though prices may not drop. Timing is critical as ADAS calibration sensors are increasingly sourced from that region.
Mark says: Lock in supplier contracts now while tariff predictability exists; renegotiate parts pricing with your vendors this week.
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