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We Repair to Spec — And That Includes Time to Prove It
Let’s set the scene. You repair a car correctly.You follow the manufacturer’s documented procedures.You calibrate, inspect, scan,...
Apr 2, 20252 min read
Dear Body Shop Owner: How to Charge a Research Fee Without Apologizing for It
So now you’re ready to charge a research fee. Good. Let’s talk about how to build it into your process , how to explain it (without...
Apr 2, 20252 min read
Dear Body Shop Owner: “It Doesn’t Have the OEM Logo” — Oh, Sorry, Is This a Fashion Show or a Repair?
There are few things more irritating than this line from an adjuster: “We can’t accept this unless it has the OEM logo on it.” Oh, my...
Apr 2, 20252 min read
Dear Body Shop Owner: You’re Not a Librarian. You’re a Collision Repair Professional.
Every other industry charges for research. Accountants charge if you ask for IRS guidance Lawyers charge for reading case law Even your...
Apr 2, 20251 min read
Dear Body Shop Owner — Stop Giving Away Your Research for Free
Let’s set the scene. You add a line to the estimate for SWS zeroing, post-seatbelt inspection, or an ADAS calibration. The insurer...
Apr 2, 20251 min read
Dear Body Shop Owner: Why Your Shop Needs a “We Repair to OEM Spec” Policy — And Why You Should Hand It to Every Adjuster
There’s a moment in every repair when things go sideways. You write the estimate, include the OEM-required calibrations, inspections, and...
Apr 2, 20252 min read
Understanding OEM Guidelines: A No-Nonsense Guide for Insurance Adjusters
So you’re reviewing a repair plan, and there it is: a calibration line item, an SRS scan, a seatbelt pretensioner replacement. You’re...
Apr 2, 20252 min read
Dear Insurance Company: Stop Redefining "Collision" to Dodge Responsibilities
So, you've mastered the art of redefining "collision" to sidestep paying for post-repair calibrations. Impressive. But here's the thing:...
Apr 2, 20252 min read
Dear Insurance Company — You Don’t Get to Redefine “Collision”
“Collision” Is Not Your Interpretation — It’s the Manufacturer’s Call Here’s the thing: Many manufacturers have very clear instructions...
Apr 2, 20252 min read
Think Your Car Was Calibrated? 5 Signs It Wasn’t.
So you just got your car back from the body shop. The bumper looks good. The paint matches. The insurance paid their part. Everything’s...
Apr 2, 20252 min read
The ADAS Technician Hiring Guide: Questions to Ask Before You Trust Someone With Your Customer’s Life
You wouldn’t let just anyone replace a frame rail. You wouldn’t trust a random tech to straighten suspension by “feel.” So why are people...
Apr 2, 20252 min read
How to Spot a Real ADAS Expert (and Avoid the Ones Who Just Think They Are)
So after all that, here’s the big question:How do you know who’s legit? Because everyone calls themselves an expert now.But if you want...
Apr 2, 20251 min read
There Are Manufacturer Requirements — So Why Isn’t Anyone Enforcing Them?
You know what’s fun? Reading an OEM procedure that clearly says: “Recalibrate after any removal, replacement, or alignment of the radar...
Apr 2, 20251 min read
You Need a License to Cut Hair — But Not to Calibrate a 4,000 lb Missile on Wheels
Think about this: to legally cut hair in most states, you need to: Go to school Pass a state exam Get licensed Maintain continuing...
Apr 2, 20251 min read
Owning a Tablet Doesn’t Make You an ADAS Technician
Let’s be honest. Tablets are cool. They beep. They scan. They spit out colorful graphs. But owning one doesn’t make you an ADAS...
Apr 2, 20251 min read
ADAS Is New. So Why Is Everyone Suddenly an “Expert”?
You know what’s wild? The second someone buys a scan tool and downloads a calibration app, they start calling themselves an ADAS expert....
Apr 2, 20251 min read
Seat Belts Aren’t Just There to Make Your Dash Light Go Away
Let’s talk about one of the most “out of sight, out of mind” safety features in your car — your seat belts . You know, the thing that...
Apr 2, 20252 min read
Your Seat Weight Sensor Isn’t Psychic — It Needs to Be Zeroed After a Collision
You know what’s cute? Thinking your car magically knows when someone is sitting in the front passenger seat after it’s been in a...
Apr 2, 20252 min read
Dear Vehicle Owner: Rebuttals Every Vehicle Owner Can Use When Insurance Denies a Repair
“That system is just a driver aid. “It may assist, but it also takes action — and if it acts incorrectly, I could be in danger.” “We’re...
Apr 2, 20251 min read
Dear Vehicle Owner, You’re Not Being “Difficult” for Asking for Safety
Insurance companies love using phrases like: “It’s not necessary.”“The system’s just an aid.”“That’s not part of your coverage.” They’re...
Apr 2, 20251 min read
Dear Vehicle Owner, If a Safety System Isn’t Verified, Your Repair Isn’t Complete
Would you let your mechanic give you back a car with untested brakes? Of course not. Then why let them give you back a car with...
Apr 2, 20251 min read
Dear Vehicle Owner, The Shop Can Still Do the Right Thing — Even if Insurance Doesn’t Pay
Here’s something insurance companies won’t say out loud:They don’t repair cars. They don’t test systems. And they certainly don’t sign...
Apr 2, 20251 min read
Dear Vehicle Owner, “There’s No Light On” Isn’t a Good Enough Answer
We’ve all been trained to trust warning lights. But here’s the twist: Your car’s most important safety systems — like automatic braking...
Apr 2, 20251 min read
Dear Vehicle Owner, You’re Allowed to Push Back When Insurance Says “No”
We know what it’s like. You’re in a collision, you just want your car fixed, and the insurance company seems confident when they say:...
Apr 2, 20251 min read
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