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Plus: NASTF closes OEM info gaps. GM locks recycled parts stance. DEG updates estimating rules.
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ADAS repair planning shifts the whole estimate game
Thursday, August 20 · #75
~2 min read
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Mobileye$9.10+2.59%YTD -12.84%
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Good morning, {{firstName}}.

ADAS is rewriting how you blueprint vehicles before you touch them. Today we cover what that means for your estimate, plus three solid industry moves on OEM data, parts policy, and estimating labor.

OEM

1. ADAS is changing the repair blueprint

Post-ADAS collision repair requires a different approach to vehicle assessment and repair planning. ADAS systems add complexity to what you document before cutting metal or replacing panels. This affects labor, sequencing, and what gets disclosed to insurance. Your blueprint is no longer just structural.

Mark says: Review your intake process this week. Add ADAS system documentation to every vehicle blueprint before the estimate goes out.

Source: BodyShop Business →

TRAINING

2. NASTF resolves gaps between repairers and OEMs on service data

The National Automotive Service Task Force identifies and fixes missing or conflicting information in OEM service bulletins, tool lists, training, and security access. NASTF acts as the bridge when repairers and automakers disagree on procedure language or requirements. Their work directly affects how you cite TSBs and justify calibration labor.

Mark says: Bookmark NASTF bulletins when you're stuck between conflicting OEM language. Use those resolutions to back up your supplement requests.

Source: Repairer Driven News →

INSURANCE

3. GM strictly prohibits recycled OEM parts in collisions

General Motors updated its collision position statement to bar the use of recycled OEM parts in repairs. The Automotive Recyclers Association disagrees with the policy. This is a direct conflict between OEM mandate and cost-control pressure from shops and insurers. Expect supplement denials if recycled parts appear on estimates for GM vehicles.

Mark says: Document GM's recycled parts ban in writing on every GM estimate. When insurers push back, cite the OEM position statement directly.

Source: Repairer Driven News →

OEM

4. DEG updates estimating labor rules for welds and labels

The Database Enhancement Gateway released new estimating guidance on label replacement labor, welded seams, weld zone repair and refinish, data access fees, and bumper masking. These updates affect how you justify labor on supplements and change what insurers should reimburse. Review the full DEG bulletin before your next estimate cycle.

Mark says: Pull the latest DEG tips and attach them to supplemental requests. Insurers can't deny weld or label labor if you cite current DEG guidance.

Source: Repairer Driven News →

TRAINING

5. I-CAR raises training prices 5% starting 2027

I-CAR announced a 5 percent price increase on select training products and services effective next year. The organization cited cost pressures while working to maintain program stability. Plan your training budget now if you have certification deadlines in 2027.

Mark says: Lock in any I-CAR courses you need before the 5% hike hits in January. Budget training spend now.

Source: Repairer Driven News →

Hit a denied supplement on ADAS calibration or parts replacement? Use our free Calibration Denial Audit. Reply with the claim, get an OEM-cited rebuttal in 60 seconds, no charge.

Flip a denied claim →
📬 Hit reply. Reply: did a carrier deny a calibration line on a GM vehicle this month, what reason did they give?

📤 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 ARA's next move against GM's recycled parts ban and whether DEG's new weld labor guidance triggers supplement fights.
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