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.
Every year, insurance lobbyists work to suppress labor rates, steer consumers away from independent shops, 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.
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.
Active lobbying in Lansing for laws that protect collision repair shops and the consumers they serve — following the proven Rhode Island model.
Defending the public's right to choose their own repair shop, demand safe OEM repairs, and receive fair treatment from insurance companies.
Promoting I-CAR certification, OEM repair procedures, and ethical business practices that raise the bar for the entire industry.
Providing a formal process to resolve disagreements between consumers and shops — building trust in the industry.
Keeping members informed about legislative changes, insurance practices, repair technology advances, and business strategies.
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.
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 independent shops are forced to accept.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Independent 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.
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.
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.
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.
Professional lobbyists advocating for your interests at the state capitol — fighting for fair labor rates, anti-steering laws, and OEM repair procedure compliance.
Real-time notifications when bills affecting your business are introduced, with clear guidance on how to make your voice heard with your local representatives.
Access to MABA's formal dispute resolution process, building trust between your shop and customers while protecting your reputation.
Display the MABA member badge — signaling to consumers that your shop meets high ethical and professional standards and works for them, not the insurance companies.
Access to seminars, webinars, and resources covering insurance negotiation, business management, I-CAR training, and repair technology updates.
Connect with fellow shop owners across Michigan who share your challenges. Annual meetings, regional events, and a private member directory.
Stay informed about Michigan MVSRA requirements, FTC guidelines, and evolving insurance regulations that affect your daily operations.
We're building Michigan's collision repair voice. Fill out this form to be contacted about founding membership.
As a Michigan consumer, you have legal rights when it comes to collision repair. Don't let insurance companies tell you otherwise.
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.
Under the FTC's Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, you have the right to choose OEM parts. Aftermarket parts do not have to meet the same standards as original manufacturer components.
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.
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.
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.