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GM revises position statements with 'strictly prohibits' language. Plus: insurance data shows paid claims climbing.
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GM gets strict; insurers pay more per claim
Thursday, July 30 · #61
~2 min read
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Good morning, {{firstName}}.

GM has revised its position statements to strengthen language around OEM parts use, and insurance data shows collision claim costs are finally moving up. Both matter to your bottom line this week.

OEM

1. GM revises position statements to add 'strictly prohibits' language

GM has once again tightened the wording in its position statements to strengthen the mandate for OEM parts in collision repair. The revised language uses 'strictly prohibits' instead of softer guidance. This affects how you document parts choices on every GM supplement you write. If you're using aftermarket on any structural or safety-critical piece, you need the OEM citation ready before the adjuster questions it.

Mark says: Pull GM's latest position statement and attach it to every estimate that uses anything other than OEM parts on structural repairs.

Source: Repairer Driven News →

INSURANCE

2. Collision coverage losses rise for first time in 2+ years

Insurance carriers posted higher claim costs in Q1 2026, reversing a two-year trend of dropping losses. Paid claim amounts per accident exceeded the decline in claim frequency, meaning insurers are paying more per repair. This signals tighter underwriting and higher scrutiny on supplements. Expect more pushback on labor rates and material choices.

Mark says: Document every supplement with OEM cites and photos; insurers are tightening approval gates as claims get more expensive.

Source: CollisionWeek →

INSURANCE

3. Massachusetts licensing board backs licensed appraiser requirement

The Massachusetts Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board has adopted a ruling that reinforces the requirement for licensed appraisers on registered repair jobs. This strengthens the case that shops and insurers cannot use unlicensed staff to write estimates. If you operate in Massachusetts or work with carriers that do, this tightens the appraiser standard going forward.

Mark says: If you sublet estimates in Massachusetts, confirm your appraiser holds a current license before sending work out.

Source: Repairer Driven News →

INDUSTRY

4. California glass shop definition narrowed as SB 988 moves through Assembly

California Senate Bill 988, the Motor Vehicle Glass Act, continues through the Assembly with a narrowed definition of what qualifies as a motor vehicle glass repair shop. The tighter language limits who can claim exemptions and may shift scope of work standards. Glass shops and full-service collision centers in California need to track this closely as it moves to final passage.

Mark says: If you do glass work in California, review your current scope and licensing to confirm compliance before the final rule lands.

Source: Repairer Driven News →

OEM

5. Tru-Point integrates alignment with ADAS calibration for camera recall support

John Bean Tru-Point now couples alignment checks with ADAS front camera calibration to help shops handle the rising volume of camera-related recalls. The integration documents both procedures and supports OEM recall workflows. This reduces the chance of a missed calibration step when alignment and ADAS work happen in sequence.

Mark says: If you're getting front-end work with camera recalls, check whether your alignment gear flags ADAS steps automatically.

Source: BodyShop Business →

Insurance denial on a calibration or parts choice? Get a free, OEM-cited rebuttal in 60 seconds. Send us the denied claim at the link below and we'll show you the bulletin language that flips it.

Get a free audit →
📬 Hit reply. Reply: did a GM adjuster challenge a parts choice this week, and did you have the position statement pulled when they called?

📤 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 for carrier pushback patterns on GM supplements now that "strictly prohibits" language is live and Q1 losses are climbing.
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