Established 2025

Michigan's Collision Shops
Deserve a Voice
in Lansing

The Michigan Auto Body Association is a statewide professional organization committed to advocating for collision repair shops and the consumers they serve — fighting for fair legislation, ethical standards, and safe repairs.

Become a Founding Member → Our Legislative Agenda
1,000s
Collision repair shops across Michigan
With zero unified lobbying representation in Lansing
$0
Current lobbying budget for Michigan body shops
Meanwhile, insurance companies spend millions annually
0
Statewide associations for collision repair alone before MABA
In the state that built the automobile industry
25+ Years
Rhode Island's ABARI has been winning legislative battles
Their model is our blueprint for Michigan

The Insurance Industry Has a Voice in Lansing. Body Shops Don't.

Every year, insurance lobbyists work to suppress labor rates, steer consumers away from the shops they trust, avoid paying for OEM repair procedures, and cut corners on the repairs that protect Michigan families. Without an organized voice in the state capitol, collision repair professionals have no seat at the table when the rules are written.

Our Mission

Integrity. Advocacy.
Safe Repairs.

The Michigan Auto Body Association (MABA) is a statewide professional association committed to a rigid code of ethics to ensure the integrity of the collision repair industry and to serve Michigan's motoring public through honesty, quality, and service.

Modeled after the Auto Body Association of Rhode Island — the most successful state auto body lobbying organization in the country — MABA exists to give Michigan's collision repair professionals a unified, powerful voice in Lansing. We advocate for legislation that protects both shops and consumers from unfair insurance practices.

Michigan built the automobile. It's time Michigan led the way in protecting the people who repair them.

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Legislative Advocacy

Active lobbying in Lansing for laws that protect collision repair shops and the consumers they serve — following the proven Rhode Island model.

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Consumer Protection

Defending the public's right to choose their own repair shop, demand safe OEM repairs, and receive fair treatment from insurance companies.

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Professional Standards

Advocating for OEM repair procedures and ethical business practices that raise the bar for the entire industry and protect the driving public.

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A Unified Voice

Giving Michigan collision repair shops collective representation on the issues that affect the trade and the safety of every motorist.

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Industry Education

Keeping members informed about legislative changes and industry developments, with education access through included SCRS membership.

Legislative Priorities

Fighting for Fair Laws
in the State Capitol

These are the legislative changes MABA will pursue in Lansing — proven policies that have already transformed the collision repair landscape in states like Rhode Island.

01

Fair Labor Rate Surveys

Require insurers to conduct annual, transparent labor rate surveys of actual shop rates — preventing the use of suppressed DRP contract rates to set the "prevailing rate" that shops are forced to accept.

✓ Enacted in Rhode Island — R.I. Gen. Laws § 27-29-4.4
02

Anti-Steering Protections

Strengthen consumer choice laws to prohibit insurance companies from steering claimants away from their preferred body shop through misleading language, implied threats about warranties, or claims of "preferred" networks.

✓ Enacted in Rhode Island — Consumer Free Choice provisions
03

OEM Repair Procedure Compliance

Require insurers to compensate for all documented repair procedures that are identified as required or recommended by the original equipment manufacturer or paint manufacturer — no more denying safe repair methods to save money.

✓ Enacted in Rhode Island — Senate Bill S0901
04

Sublet & Markup Reimbursement

Codify that insurers must reimburse shops for necessary sublet services — towing, alignments, ADAS calibrations, mechanical work — plus industry-standard markup for coordinating and administering those services.

✓ Enacted in Rhode Island — Unfair Claims Practices Act
05

Direct Payment to Shops

When requested by the consumer, require insurers to directly pay the licensed auto body shop of the consumer's choice for repair work — eliminating delays and payment games.

✓ Enacted in Rhode Island — HB 7507 / SB 2681
06

Unfair Claims Practices Enforcement

Establish that any insurer failing to comply with these standards when settling claims on Michigan-registered vehicles constitutes an unfair claims practice — with real enforcement consequences.

✓ Enacted in Rhode Island — H6324 / S870
Why Now

The Time to Act is Today

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Labor Rate Suppression

Michigan body shop labor rates have not kept pace with rising costs of equipment, training, and certification. Without organized negotiation power, insurers set rates that make it impossible for shops to invest in the technology needed for safe repairs.

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Repair Complexity

Modern vehicles require ADAS calibrations, advanced materials expertise, and OEM-specific procedures. Insurers routinely deny payment for these necessary operations, forcing shops to choose between safe repairs and financial survival.

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Shop Closures

Collision repair shops across Michigan are closing at an alarming rate. Consolidation benefits insurance companies who can negotiate lower rates with fewer, larger operations — at the expense of consumer choice and competition.

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Technician Shortage

Michigan faces a critical shortage of trained collision repair technicians. Suppressed rates mean shops can't offer competitive wages, driving skilled workers to other industries and threatening repair quality statewide.

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Consumer Safety

When insurers refuse to pay for proper OEM repair procedures, consumers unknowingly drive vehicles that may not perform as designed in a subsequent collision. This is a public safety issue that demands legislative action.

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Insurance Lobbying Power

Insurance industry lobbyists spend millions in Lansing every session. Without a unified body shop association at the table, legislation consistently favors insurer profits over shop viability and consumer protection.

Membership

Join as a Founding Member

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Legislative Representation in Lansing

Professional lobbyists advocating for your interests at the state capitol — fighting for fair labor rates, anti-steering laws, and OEM repair procedure compliance.

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Legislative Alerts & Action Items

Real-time notifications when bills affecting your business are introduced, with clear guidance on how to make your voice heard with your local representatives.

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Included SCRS National Membership

Every Regular Member location is enrolled in the Society of Collision Repair Specialists, a $475 annual value, carrying access to SCRS healthcare and 401(k) programs, Repairer Driven News, and more.

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MABA Member Insignia

Display the MABA member insignia and certificate, signaling to consumers that your shop stands with an association working for repairers and the driving public.

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Industry Education

Access to industry education through your included SCRS membership, including Repairer Driven Education and estimating resources.

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Website Directory Listing

A listing on michiganaba.org so consumers can find MABA member shops in their area.

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Member Community

A growing community of Michigan shop owners who share your challenges, with member connection and communication tools developing as the association grows.

Express Your Interest

We're building Michigan's collision repair voice. Fill out this form to be contacted about founding membership.

Membership dues will be announced at launch
Know Your Rights

Michigan Consumer Rights

As a Michigan consumer, you have legal rights when it comes to collision repair. Don't let insurance companies tell you otherwise.

Choose Your Own Shop

You have the legal right to have your vehicle repaired at the body shop of your choice. No insurance company can require you to use a specific shop, despite what they may imply.

Demand Quality Parts

You have the right to request Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts for your repair. Aftermarket parts are not required to meet the same standards as OEM components, and under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, your vehicle warranty cannot be voided simply because non-original parts were used.

Safe, Complete Repairs

Your vehicle should be restored to its pre-collision condition following manufacturer repair procedures. Shortcuts that save the insurer money may compromise your family's safety.

Dispute Unfair Practices

If your insurance company is refusing to pay for necessary repairs, steering you to a specific shop, or engaging in other unfair practices, you have the right to file a complaint with the Michigan DIFS.

Learn More About Your Rights →

Michigan Built
the Automobile.
Let's Protect the
People Who Repair Them.

Join us in building the most powerful collision repair advocacy organization Michigan has ever seen. Together, we'll fight for fair laws, safe repairs, and a real voice in Lansing.

Become a Founding Member → Contact Us