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Major insurance policy shift and platform consolidation shake the week. Plus I-CAR's equipment readiness guide.
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Rhode Island flips the script on total loss claims
Monday, July 13 · #48
~2 min read
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Rhode Island's total loss threshold just moved to 85% without the governor's signature. That's the second year running they've raised it. Meanwhile, CCC Intelligent Solutions is exploring a sale, and I-CAR released its first equipment readiness best practice.

INSURANCE

1. Rhode Island total loss threshold now 85% effective

The state's Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act amendments took effect June 26. This is the second consecutive year Rhode Island has lifted the ceiling, signaling a clear pattern toward keeping more vehicles on the road longer. If you work RI claims, expect longer supplement cycles and fewer write-offs for marginal damage.

Mark says: Brief your estimators on the 85% rule before next Monday; pull prior RI claims and flag any marginal-loss vehicles you wrote off in 2024.

Source: CollisionWeek →

INDUSTRY

2. CCC Intelligent Solutions reportedly exploring sale

The estimating and claims platform company has hired Morgan Stanley to advise on a potential sale. CCC powers workflows for thousands of shops and insurers. A sale or restructuring could reshape how estimate processing, billing, and insurer communication work across the network.

Mark says: Monitor CCC's status; if acquired or restructured, check your estimating software support and training timelines early.

Source: CollisionWeek →

TRAINING

3. I-CAR publishes equipment readiness best practice

New resource establishes a framework for facility and equipment preparedness to support complete, safe, and quality repairs. This is I-CAR's first formal best practice on equipment readiness and diagnostic capability. It's designed to guide shops on what tools, calibration stations, and checks are non-negotiable.

Mark says: Pull the I-CAR best practice and audit your calibration setup against it; use it to defend equipment costs in supplements to insurers.

Source: BodyShop Business →

TRAINING

4. ASE Education Foundation awarded $25M apprenticeship grant

The four-year Pay-for-Performance grant from the Labor Department pays employers $3,500 for each auto, collision, or truck apprentice hired and retained through the first year. This is federal money aimed at growing the technician pipeline. Shops that enroll apprentices can recoup part of training and wage costs.

Mark says: If you're hiring, check if you qualify for the $3,500 per apprentice rebate through the ASE Education Foundation program.

Source: CollisionWeek →

INDUSTRY

5. Collision Partners acquires K&M Collision in operator-led deal

K&M's Bradshaw family becomes significant shareholders in Collision Partners under a partnership structure rather than a straight acquisition. Operator-led consolidation continues to shape the landscape as multi-shop groups seek affiliated partners rather than pure buyouts.

Mark says: If approached by a consolidator, note the trend toward operator-led partnerships that keep founders invested and engaged long term.

Source: BodyShop Business →

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📬 Hit reply. Reply: has any carrier already used CCC to kick back a supplement this week, what was the line item?

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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 for CCC's Morgan Stanley process to draw bidder names plus how Rhode Island's 85% threshold is already flipping marginal total-loss calls.
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