Nvidia was the outlier today, up 3% while the auto-tech names slid across the board.
Data via Yahoo Finance
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A Wall Street Journal analysis just dropped numbers that will hit your supplement conversations hard: insurers are denying 45% of auto liability and medical claims. Meanwhile, Illinois shops got a legislative win on appraisals that other states are watching.
INSURANCE
1. WSJ: Insurers denied 45% of liability and medical claims last year
The Wall Street Journal analysis shows insurance companies refused to pay on 45% of auto liability and medical claims resolved in the past year. This is the rate shops are fighting against every week on supplements and denials. The trend is getting worse, not better. Front this data into your denial rebuttals and estimator conversations with carriers.
Mark says: Pull the WSJ quote into your next supplemental request. Carriers can't ignore a major outlet calling out their denial patterns.
2. Illinois governor signs right to appraisal bill; AASPI celebrates win
The Illinois governor signed legislation protecting shops' and policyholders' right to independent appraisals in collision disputes. The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Illinois called it a major legislative victory. This is the kind of lever other states are now watching and building on. Know what your state allows before the next carrier argument.
Mark says: If you're in or near Illinois, brief your staff on appraisal rights this week; if not, watch for your state to follow.
3. California Prop 103 regulations now in effect; rate environment shifts
The California Department of Insurance rolled out new Prop 103 regulations aimed at modernizing the state's insurance rate framework. This changes how carriers file and justify rate increases in the state. California shops operate in a heavily regulated market; understand what these rules mean for your labor rates and estimate language.
Mark says: If you're in California, review your labor rate justification language; these regs affect how you defend your estimates to carriers.
4. CIC panel warns: 90% of salvage vehicles still hold personal data
Andrea Amico, CEO of Privacy4Cars, told the Collision Industry Conference that 90% of vehicles at salvage auctions still contain accessible personal information. This is a liability and compliance issue for any shop handling totals or salvage titles. Data breaches can hit shops harder than carriers expect.
Mark says: Add vehicle data wipe to your salvage intake checklist; one breach can cost you way more than the five minutes it takes to prevent.
5. GEICO collision claims up 3-5% in first half of 2026
Berkshire Hathaway reported that GEICO's collision claim frequency increased 3 to 5 percent in the first six months of 2026 versus the same period last year. Higher claim frequency means more cars in the bay and more calibration work. This is the market signal that demand stays strong through year-end.
Mark says: Your workload is climbing; if you're short on scan and calibration capacity, now is the time to hire or sublet smartly.
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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 shops test the new Prop 103 rate language against carriers and whether Illinois appraisal rights spark a copycat bill push.