The auto body repair industry has undergone a significant transformation

 

The auto body repair industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, driven by the increasing complexity of modern vehicles. With the widespread adoption of advanced safety features such as sensors, cameras, and radar, repairing a damaged vehicle is no longer a straightforward process.

Unlike traditional metalwork, these high-tech components require precise alignment and recalibration to function properly. This has led to a significant increase in repair costs, with fixing sensors and cameras now accounting for over a third of post-crash repair costs in new vehicles.

According to Todd Dillender, chief operating officer of Caliber Collision, one of the largest auto body repair companies in the US, "The change that we've seen in the last five years is greater than we've seen, probably, in the last five decades."

The complexity of these repairs is further compounded by the fact that every car manufacturer has a different process for making the repair, and even different models can have different methods and require different equipment.

Hami Ebrahimi, chief commercial officer at Caliber, notes that "even within the same manufacturer, sometimes even the same model, the recalibration procedures are different depending on the systems in the car and what type of system that specific vehicle has."

To perform these repairs, technicians require specialized training and equipment, and buildings must meet specific requirements, including open space, specific colors, and lighting.

The shortage of qualified auto body repair technicians has led to upward pressure on pay in the industry, making it tougher for those who pay for repairs, including insurance companies.

Mike Bundra, director of Allstate's auto repair network, notes that "we've invested heavily into training and development, more than we ever have," to ensure that claim adjusters understand the nuances involved in repairing these automated systems and sensors.

As the industry continues to evolve, it's clear that high-tech repairs are here to stay, and it's crucial for repair shops, manufacturers, and insurance companies to work together to ensure that vehicles are repaired safely and efficiently.