Everything edged up today except Nvidia, which barely dipped, so no big story here beyond a quiet green day across the board.
Data via Yahoo Finance
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Two stories hitting shops hard this week. State Farm faces a class action for refusing scan payments in Montana, and California's airbag safety rules close for public comment Monday. Both affect your bottom line and your compliance posture.
INSURANCE
1. State Farm class action: refusing to pay pre and post scans
Montana courts are hearing allegations that State Farm systematically denies pre and post scan claims statewide. This isn't new complaint noise, it's a class action with traction. If you're in Montana or other states, document every scan denial from State Farm. Attach the OEM procedure to every supplement and estimate note.
Mark says: Screenshot and file every State Farm scan denial you get this month. This lawsuit becomes exhibit A in your next appeal or negotiation.
2. California airbag safety regs open for comment until Aug 24
The California Bureau of Automotive Repair is finalizing proposed airbag safety regulations. The comment period closes Monday, August 24. These rules will shape how shops handle airbag diagnostics, repairs, and parts sourcing across the state. If you operate in California or send work there, read the proposed language now.
Mark says: Pull the BAR proposal today. If your shop or network has California exposure, submit a comment by Monday or flag it to your trade association rep.
3. Massachusetts locks in labor rate advisory board for 2027
Massachusetts approved a permanent auto body labor reimbursement rate advisory board in its fiscal 2027 budget. This caps a years long push by the industry to formalize labor rate negotiations. Massachusetts shops get a formal seat at the table. Other states watching closely.
Mark says: Massachusetts shops: know the board's timeline and submit labor data. Non-MA shops: track what this board sets as a negotiation reference.
New Jersey shops can now fulfill their auto body license renewal through AASP/NJ's vehicle safety inspection training in September. Pre and post scan walkthroughs, sensor diagnostics, and calibration readiness are built into the course. Registration is live.
Mark says: NJ shops: register your team now. This course covers compliance and documents your ADAS prep for audits and insurance negotiations.
5. Boyd Q2 repairable claims flat to down 2 percent year over year
Boyd Group reported Q2 repairable claims volume essentially flat to down 2 percent compared to last year, signaling ongoing market stabilization. Network repair counts have stopped declining but aren't growing. Collision volume remains tight; efficiency and retention matter more than volume.
Mark says: Volume isn't coming back. Double down on throughput, calibration uptime, and supplement accuracy to protect your gross margin.
Denied a scan or calibration claim? Run it through our free Calibration Denial Audit. Reply with the denial, get an OEM cited rebuttal in 60 seconds, no pitch attached.