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New claims program could change your workflow. Plus: SCRS stands up dedicated ADAS governance.
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Connected claims arrive; ADAS division launches.
Tuesday, June 30 · #40
~2 min read
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State Farm is rolling out connected vehicle claims to Toyota and Lexus models starting now. Same day, SCRS formalized its ADAS Repair Division with a governing council. Both hit your shop this week in different ways.

INSURANCE

1. State Farm expands connected claims to Toyota and Lexus

State Farm is expanding its connected vehicle claims program to Toyota and Lexus models. The system uses OBD data to speed damage assessments and potentially influence repair scope before your estimate is written. If you work with State Farm customers in Toyota or Lexus, expect claims adjusters to have real-time vehicle telemetry in hand.

Mark says: Brief your team on what State Farm adjusters will see before they walk in; align your initial scan results with their data to avoid scope disputes.

Source: BodyShop Business →

TRAINING

2. SCRS establishes ADAS Repair Division and governing council

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists has officially launched an ADAS Repair Division with a five-member governing council. This marks the first industry-wide governance structure dedicated to ADAS diagnostics, calibration, and repair standards. The council will push for education, advocacy, and standardized practices across North America.

Mark says: Watch SCRS bulletins closely for new calibration standards and best practices coming from this division; they now speak for the industry.

Source: CollisionWeek →

INSURANCE

3. AASP/NJ leans on appraisal rights and customer involvement as claims pressure mounts

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey used a recent meeting to remind shop owners that appraisal rights, assignment of proceeds, and customer involvement are critical tools in a tightening claims environment. The message: use every contractual lever available when insurers deny scope or underpay.

Mark says: Pull your state's appraisal language and assignment rules; include them in your next customer walkthrough for every supplement denial.

Source: CollisionWeek →

INDUSTRY

4. California vehicle sales could halt Wednesday over new legislation deadline

The Alliance of Automotive Innovation warned that new and used vehicle sales in California could be suspended if legislation passed in the state doesn't have implementation rules finalized by July 1. The automakers are signaling a hard line on the compliance deadline.

Mark says: If you're in California, monitor SCRS or your state association for emergency updates on how this affects incoming repair volume starting Thursday.

Source: Repairer Driven News →

TSB

5. Audatex seam sealer labor exclusions: what you can and cannot bill

SCRS published a quick estimating tip on Audatex DBRM Section 4-2, which explicitly excludes body materials and OEM aesthetic sealing labor from standard values. Shops have been undercharging seam sealer work for years because the estimating system doesn't account for it. This is your permission slip to bill it separately.

Mark says: Add seam sealer as a separate line item in your next Audatex estimate; cite DBRM 4-2 exclusion when insurers question it.

Source: SCRS →

If State Farm or any other carrier denies seam sealer, ADAS calibration, or scope based on their estimating system, you can get an OEM-backed rebuttal in 60 seconds. Upload the denied line items and we'll send back the cite.

Get a free audit →
📬 Hit reply. Reply: did State Farm already have Toyota or Lexus telemetry in hand on a claim before you wrote your estimate? What happened?

📤 Know a shop that should read this?

One forward could save them three hours of denial fights this month.

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Published by Absolute ADAS. Mark Fowler, owner. Mobile ADAS calibration in Western Washington. 50,000+ calibrations on the floor.

👀 Tomorrow: watch California's July 1 vehicle sales deadline and whether SCRS's new ADAS council names its first calibration standards target.
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