Collision Coffee Talk

Ford’s 24-Hour CARFAX Disaster, Insurers Are Writing eBay Parts?! & the DRP Problem

Kristen Felder — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 10:29:03 -0500

This week on Collision Coffee Talk, we’re looking at some of the biggest red flags hitting collision repair, insurance claims, OEM certification programs, and consumers right now.

Insurance companies are now writing eBay parts on repair estimates — and that raises a serious question: do they really expect shops or vehicle owners to chase used, non-returnable parts from strangers just to complete a proper collision repair?

We also break down Ford Motor Company’s stunning 24-hour CARFAX mistake. Ford announced a program to share repaired-vehicle information from certified collision repair shops with CARFAX, then reversed course within a day after industry feedback. What happened, and why did it matter so much?

This episode also digs into the growing problem of point-and-click estimating, where estimators rely on diagrams instead of true damage analysis — and how that can lead to incomplete repairs, missed operations, and unsafe outcomes.

Then we get into the bigger battle: DRP programs. Insurance companies are not just using DRP shops to control repair severity. They may also be using them to reduce liability exposure, avoid diminished value conversations, suppress OE parts demands, and redirect third-party claimants away from the full value of what they may be owed.

We also cover possible major changes coming to OEM certification programs, BMW’s certified collision repair conference, and the legal concerns around new software tools claiming they can “prevent” total losses. If a shop follows a tool that helps keep a vehicle repairable when it should have been totaled, who owns that liability?

Plus, we discuss new class action concerns involving Safeco, Liberty Mutual, and Progressive, including issues in Arizona and South Carolina, and why claim handling around RTAs may become a bigger legal fight.

And finally, we look at Carvana’s dealership buying strategy — and why this may not just be about selling cars. With access to parts, service, auction infrastructure, and collision-related assets, Carvana could become a much bigger competitor to collision repair shops than many people realize.

This episode is packed with the claims issues, legal risks, repair industry shifts, and insurer strategies every shop owner, estimator, technician, and consumer advocate needs to understand.

Subscribe to Collision Coffee Talk for real conversations about collision repair, insurance claims, OEM procedures, legal risk, and what is really happening behind the scenes in auto physical damage claims.

GEICO Secrets, State Farm Under Fire, DRPs Exposed

Kristen Felder — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:39:27 -0500

We’re talking about GEICO claims handling practices and the internal “secrets” shops and consumers say they are never told while claims are still being denied. We also cover the bizarre California bear suit fraud case, where a group was arrested after allegedly faking animal damage to support insurance claims.

We dig into the growing pressure on State Farm, including new federal attention over Missouri hail claims tied to the May 2025 storm, and why this is just the latest legal and public-relations problem facing the company.

Also in this episode:
Why DRPs will always be wrong for proper repairs
New updates on claims handling, AI, and insurer staffing problems
Why insurers are discovering the system cannot run without enough skilled people
SEMA’s ADAS push and the legal risk it could create for collision repair shops
PPG’s latest price increase
The latest on Aztec, Opus, and the merger controversy
Why viewers may want to sound off
And why the Florida AI bill dying in committee matters

If you work in collision repair, claims, estimating, shop leadership, or advocacy, this episode is packed with real-world issues that affect your business, your customers, and the future of the industry.

State Farm, Progressive, Travelers & Claims Chaos

Kristen Felder — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:33:38 -0500

In this episode of Collision Coffee Talk, we break down some of the biggest issues shaping collision repair, insurance claims, and the growing tension between shops and carriers.

We cover the reported State Farm and Progressive ACV suit settlements, the Travelers $2 billion bad faith suit, and a deeper question that keeps getting harder to ignore: what happened to claims handling?

We also dig into the real-world pressure points hitting repairers right now, including seatbelt repair liability, ADAS-related legal specialization, claim denial appeals, and how systems, processes, and distractions may be changing the way people think and work in both claims and collision repair.

This episode also tackles a major industry idea: do you really need an estimating system, or have problems been engineered into the process around you?

SHOCKING: MSO Insider Admits DRPs Don’t Do Proper OE Repairs? + Claim Committee on Total Loss Fees

Kristen Felder — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 10:04:23 -0500

What if one of the biggest truths in collision repair was said out loud by someone on the inside?

In this episode of Collision Coffee Talk, we break down a stunning admission from a regional manager at one of the nation’s largest MSOs: across 54 DRP locations, not one would be held out as an example of performing proper repairs to OE standards. Let that sink in.

Why does that matter? Because insurers routinely lean on DRP networks as the “reasonable” standard when independent shops fight for OEM procedures, complete repairs, proper documentation, and full billable operations. But if even insiders know those shops are not the model for proper repair, then what exactly has the industry been calling “reasonable”?

And that is only the beginning.

We also dive into one of the most controversial claim handling questions in total loss today:
Should shop total loss fees be deducted from the customer’s settlement?

We take you inside the insurance-company mindset with a “claim committee” style discussion and ask the questions that should make every shop owner, adjuster, attorney, and consumer stop and think:

What does the policy actually say in a first-party claim?
What duty is owed in a third-party claim?
When was the withholding of money explained — before possession or after?
Was the money withheld based on fact, contract language, and disclosure… or based on opinion and internal claims culture?
Has the customer actually been made whole?
If the insurer sells the salvage, keeps the proceeds, and the customer still comes up short, what does that say about fairness?
Could those facts raise questions about conversion or unjust enrichment?

This episode goes straight at the uncomfortable gap between what the industry says, what consumers are told, and what is actually happening inside claims and collision repair.

If you care about:
DRPs, proper repair, OEM standards, total loss handling, claims ethics, consumer rights, insurer tactics, AI in claims, and the future of collision repair — this is an episode you do not want to miss.

This is not theory.
This is not consultant talk.
This is the real collision between repair reality, claim economics, and the truth shops see every day.

Topics include:

DRP shops and proper OE repairs
MSO insider perspective
Total loss fee deductions
Claim committee thinking inside insurers
Made whole doctrine questions
Conversion and unjust enrichment concerns
State Farm and claims culture
AI and claim manipulation concerns
Mark-up fights and estimate quality
The larger battle over who controls the repair

Watch. Comment. Share.
Because the industry cannot fix what it refuses to say out loud.

Gerber Trouble, Tesla Lawsuits & Why AI Is Making Estimating Worse

Kristen Felder — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:27:28 -0500

In this episode of Collision Coffee Talk, we’re diving straight into the issues everyone in collision repair, insurance, and claims should be talking about right now.

We break down more Tesla lawsuits, why some industry messaging is really an insult, and how AI estimating subtraction is quietly reshaping repair conversations in ways shops cannot afford to ignore. We also look at why Gerber’s financials are not exactly great, expose the “culture” lie that gets used to dodge real operational problems, and discuss GM’s new position statements and what they could mean for repair planning and liability.

We also tackle AI “term” mapping errors and how bad language, bad assumptions, and bad data can create very real downstream claim and repair problems. Then we get into a major workforce issue: only 56% of technicians reporting fair compensation. And finally, we discuss why workplace discrimination claims appear to be increasing and what that says about the broader business environment.

This is the episode for shop owners, estimators, technicians, adjusters, appraisers, attorneys, and anyone trying to keep up with where this industry is headed.

Topics covered:

More Tesla lawsuits
It’s really an insult…
AI estimating subtraction
Gerber financials are not great
The “culture” lie
GM new position statements
AI “term” mapping errors
Only 56% of techs say they receive fair compensation
Discrimination in the workplace increasing

Driven Brands 'Death Spiral" and The Claims Committee

Kristen Felder — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:48:01 -0500

Just when you thought it could not get worse for Carstar Maaco, Fix Auto and ATI.... A new filing asking for time with creditors had AI calling it a 'Death Spiral' and sure failure for the company.
We also throw in a good old fashioned Claims Committee discussing deducting shop total loss fees from customer ACV settlements.
Lots more in this weeks episode of Collision Coffee Talk
If you operate a collision repair shop, tow company, or storage facility, understanding how these claims work can mean the difference between getting paid and being left with thousands of dollars in unrecoverable costs.

This episode provides real strategies shops can use to protect themselves and push back when insurers try to leave them holding the salvage.

🎙 Collision Coffee Talk is a podcast dedicated to the real conversations happening inside the collision repair and insurance claims industry.

BlackRock Drops, State Farm Trade Secrets and GEICO vs Shakespeare

Kristen Felder — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 11:07:44 -0500

In this episode of Collision Coffee Talk, we break down some of the biggest stories shaping the collision repair and auto insurance world right now. From legal battles and industry secrets to financial pressures affecting shops and consumers, this episode connects the dots between claims handling, repair economics, and insurer behavior.

Here’s what we’re discussing this week:

☕ The Secret of the “State Farm Trade Secret”
A deep dive into the controversy surrounding estimating practices and what the so-called “trade secret” could mean for body shops, adjusters, and policyholders dealing with State Farm claims.

☕ More Airbag Deaths and Lawsuits
New lawsuits tied to defective airbags raise serious questions about safety, liability, and the long-term consequences of improper repairs.

☕ Meet Your Adjuster
Who is really making the decisions on your claim? We break down the 7 day training schedule for Allstate

☕ Falling Rocks of Credit Debt Finance
The growing debt pressure across the economy and what it means for insurers, repair businesses, and vehicle owners navigating claims.

☕ Shakespeare and Bad Faith
What classic storytelling can teach us about insurance litigation and how bad faith arguments unfold in cases involving insurers like GEICO.

☕ AI and Your Auto Policy
Artificial intelligence may be adding people to your policy that you've never met. It may be affecting your rates!

☕ Driven Brands Update
What’s happening with Driven Brands and why the company’s financial and regulatory developments could impact the collision repair industry.

☕ Consumer Guide Series
We also preview the upcoming Consumer Advocacy Guide series, designed to help vehicle owners understand their rights, repairs, and the claims process.

Collision Coffee Talk is the weekly podcast where we discuss the real issues happening between insurers, collision repair shops, regulators, and consumers.

If you work in collision repair, insurance claims, auto estimating, or vehicle safety, this is the conversation you need to hear.

State Farm Buying A Good Defense and Adjuster Bad Faith On Display

Kristen Felder — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 10:24:36 -0600

In this episode of Collision Coffee Talk, we unpack several major developments that could significantly impact insurers, adjusters, and collision repair shops right now.

We start with State Farm’s $4.6 billion dividend refund to policyholders and why the timing matters. We connect the announcement to the long shadow of the Avery v. State Farm litigation and discuss how historical court findings, ongoing legal pressure, and multiple pending lawsuits in California, Oklahoma, and Illinois may be influencing insurer behavior today. Is this simply a customer goodwill payment — or a risk management strategy?

Next, we dive into a topic many claims professionals don’t talk about enough: what happens when an adjuster approaches a claim assuming fraud from the start. We explain how confirmation bias can turn an investigation into a bad-faith exposure, why courts look at the reasonableness of the investigation, and how documentation and communication — not suspicion — determine whether a file holds up in litigation.

For collision repair shops, we discuss the changing market reality:
Claim frequency is down, total losses are rising, and vehicles are more complex than ever. That environment creates opportunity — but also risk. We talk about why shops should be cautious of companies promising to “send customers” or sell marketing programs built around insurance claims, and what questions to ask before signing anything.

We also break down the Driven Brands SEC filing extension and stock issues, what an earnings delay and restatement can signal, and why it matters beyond investors — including potential effects on consolidation, MSO strategy, and the broader collision repair ecosystem.

Topics covered:
• State Farm dividend refund and litigation history
• Avery v. State Farm and current lawsuits
• Bad faith risk in fraud investigations
• How adjuster mindset affects legal exposure
• Shrinking claim counts and rising total losses
• Marketing and customer acquisition risks for repair shops
• Driven Brands financial reporting concerns and industry implications

Whether you’re an adjuster, shop owner, appraiser, attorney, or simply follow the business side of insurance and collision repair, this episode explains what these developments actually mean — and how they may affect your daily work sooner than you think.

Collision Coffee Talk breaks down the real issues shaping insurance claims and collision repair — without the corporate spin.

Subscribe for weekly discussions on claims handling, estimating, legal trends, and the future of the industry.

Bad Faith, Certified Repairs & Wire Harness Repairs — This Week in Collision Claims

Kristen Felder — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:05:21 -0600

This week we’re covering some of the biggest conversations happening right now between body shops, insurers, and regulators — and why they actually matter to YOU!
We break down a developing bad-faith discussion involving a major insurer, what “certified collision” really means from a legal liability standpoint, and why OEM repair procedures are becoming one of the most important — and most misunderstood — issues in modern vehicle repairs.
We also talk about:
• A fraud warning coming out of Washington and what shops and adjusters should learn from it
• The growing ADAS confusion after recent industry missteps
• Whether insurers can require “kit” repairs on damaged wire harnesses
• A real dispute between a repairer and an insurer — and how each side builds their argument
• Why vehicle contamination, dirt, and filtration issues are starting to affect repair quality
• And a few industry moments you honestly couldn’t make up
If you’ve ever wondered why estimates change, why repairs take longer than expected, or why shops and insurance companies seem to constantly disagree — this episode explains what’s happening behind the scenes of an auto claim.
Whether you’re a vehicle owner, a collision repair professional, or an insurance adjuster, this episode will help you understand how claims decisions are actually made and where the conflict really comes from.
Grab a coffee — and let’s talk collision with Kristen.
If you work in the industry — this will make you better at your job.
If you just wrecked your car — this will make the process make sense.
No corporate scripts.
No shop marketing.
No insurer PR.
Just real claim situations explained in plain English so you understand the system instead of fighting it blindly.
New episodes weekly.
auto insurance claim, collision repair, body shop repair, insurance adjuster, total loss, ADAS calibration, OEM procedures, bad faith insurance, State Farm, GEICO, certified collision repair, DRP, auto accident help, insurance estimate supplement, vehicle repair dispute

Safelite Fraud? From STP to STFU In Claims and Industry Standard Explained

Kristen Felder — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 10:26:05 -0600

It actually was a busy week of making people angry and starting fights online. We'll break down how the MN Department Of Insurance is handing out fines moving STP to STFU. State Farm has a few days left on the discovery mandate in Oklahoma. While we wait to see what new delay tactic they will use, let's talk about how they denied their own employees claim who was dying of Cancer.
Pour a cup..... here we go!

Judge Is ANGRY with State Farm and IA is Arrested for Right to Appraisal File

Kristen Felder — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 12:46:21 -0600

Stop me if you've heard this one. A judge is really angry at State Farm and IA was arrested and booked over his email in a Right To Appraisal Umpire decision.

This is a really good episode!
The REAL National Association , ASA and why it has to be our focus in 2026
Bodyshop ICE
Judge Orders State Farm To Produce
Paint Sales Are DOWN
IA’s Arrested!
LKQ Is On the Block
The Wage Crash of 2025
What Job Is Next?
asTech Keeps Talking…. DOJ
AI and Attorneys
The REAL Fraud In Claims

Crimes Insurance and State Farm's Settlement BONANZA!

Kristen Felder — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 11:08:23 -0600

Put on your tin foil hat and pour a cup of coffee. For this episode we're going down the rabbit hole. Learn how the legal battle in Oklahoma with State Farm actually points to a far deeper intent and problem(s) for collision repair shops. We'll also talk about some scams and ICE problems.

asTech BEGS For Forgiveness and State Farm Is Running SCARED

Kristen Felder — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 10:15:46 -0600

You take one week off and things get crazy!

On Monday Opus and asTech officially announced their intent to merge the companies after the story had broke back in November during SEMA. Why wait so long? Well the Department of Justice (DOJ) seems to be interviewing half the industry stating they are doing an anti-trust investigation on the merger. Then for some reason..... last week during CIC, asTech felt the need to head to the mic and beg the industry to forgive them for their GEICO deal.

Yeah, this one is good. Pour an extra large glass of coffee and listen up.

Progressive Adjusters Perform Safety Inspections and CCC Antitrust Issues

Kristen Felder — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 11:00:56 -0600

Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction and the latest statements from Progressive are out there.
Can you imagine the field adjuster 4 weeks on the job that can not change a flat tire is now in charge of the inspections after a collision and customer safety?
Don't worry, they send you a picture.

Gerber and State Farm Gets Thick and Are Jobbers Inflating List Price

Kristen Felder — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 10:45:56 -0600

We took a week off and came back to a new year and new problems within the Collision Repair Industry.
Let's kick this year off right:
German Car Manufactures opposite repair strategies
How Can Propaganda Help Shops With Short Pay
Tesla Keeps Taking Hits
What's the greatest lie told to shops?

CCT: State Farm Racketeering and The asTech Circus

Kristen Felder — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 11:44:19 -0600

It's the Christmas episode. Well really it's just the last episode before Christmas and the industry is taking no time off for the Holiday
In this episode:
State Farm Faces Raketeering Lawsuit in Oklahoma
Copart Uses AI To Call Bodyshops... and fails
asTech Circus Expands With Roadtrips
Progressive Adjuster Qualifications Testing
Claims Fraud and Adjuster Bias With Bodyshops and AI

CCT: Is Florida Ending AI For Auto Claims? Walmart Ruins Collision. ADAS Paint Recall Is SERIOUS

Kristen Felder — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 10:00:04 -0600

It seems things are not going to slow down as we enter the last weeks of 2025.
Florida is taking steps to end the way insurers use AI in claims
State Farm Has Comments On AI and How Adjusters Should Adjust
Why are adjusters terrifed of making decisions
Total Loss Strategy or Settlement Negotiation?
Hyundai Paint ADAS Recall Is More Important Than You Think

CCT: State Farm Attorney Makes HUGE Mistake, 3M Admits Truth and Shops Should NOT Write Estimates

Kristen Felder — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 12:03:22 -0600

This industry seems to think that shops will never connect the dots. That has most of the sport coat mafia thinking the answer to every question is to just deny and deflect.
Maybe some of that is starting to catch up to Attorney Generals and Judges.
In this epiosde:
3M FINALLY admits to Amazon Store
State Farm Attorney Makes HUGE Mistake In North Carolina Court Filing
There Is A Reason For Mitchell, PartsTrader and State Farm Connections With AWS from Amazon
Boyd Gerber Is Trying To Trick You With Plastic Repair Council
Shops Need To STOP writing Estimates
Oklahoma Attorney General Wants In On State Farm Discovery
EPC Is Set To Increase In 2026

CCT: State Farm Picks Gerber and Litigation Points At Safety Inspections

Kristen Felder — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 09:56:00 -0600

It's another jam packed episode as the world turns in the drama of Collision Repair
State Farm Singles Out Gerber
Cancel All Your Trade Publications In Protest
Do You Know Your Tools: Estimating Systems
Ford and Amazon Make a Deal
State Farm Says It's Only 96 Hours
Problems With Honda and Aftermarket Headlamps
OEM Safety Inspections and Lawsuits
Insurers Waive Rights In Subrogation
Another AI Fail

CCT: Progressive Has A Reason For Not Paying Material and GECIO Al Capone Connection

Kristen Felder — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 14:01:17 -0600

Happy Thanksgiving Week.
On this episode of Collision Coffee Talk we talk about:
The reasons Progressive Insurance says they will not pay for paint and material expenses proven with invoice
Why do we really do this job of Collision Repair
General Motors Dealers across the USA are revolting over Caliber Collision locations inclusion in certified shop locators
Hyundai makes deal with Crash Champions for warranty refinish work
Sharp increase in workplace violence sparks discussion around HR training
Death and Taxes are the two things you can’t avoid and GEICO is having a hard time with Taxes.

CCT: Gerber Makes Disturbing Announcement and Progressive Sins Again

Kristen Felder — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 09:56:22 -0600

It's another rant filled episode of Collision Coffee Talk and this time she's not holding back.
We'll talk about the VERY disturbing press release that came out from Boyd Gerber that provides some chilling insights to the future of repair.
Insurance companies continue to make errors with policy application and it's presenting some slam dunk Bad Faith suits
There is a new bully in town around total losses
Industry Association brings a pillow to a gun fight in Vegas.

CCT: Insurance Bias Leads To Bad Faith / Is CCC In Trouble? / Tesla Insurance FAILS.

Kristen Felder — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 09:59:41 -0600

The best part of any industry event is the amount of gossip and drama that unfolds. In the middle of everything, some interesting information was released. But the desert of Las Vegas was not the only place the industry gathered. The insurers were in Orlando, FL to discuss claims technology and process.
In this episode of Collision Coffee Talk:
Tesla Insurance Fails in Claims again
Insurance Claims Training Leads to Bad Faith
State Farm and Politics
Is CCC In Trouble?
OEs Continue To Deal Shops and Consumers Away in Certification Programs
Literacy and OE Procedures, The Real Hidden Liability

Collision Coffee Talk: State Farm Sued By DOI and Bodyshops Sue Governor of Oklahoma

Kristen Felder — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 09:13:00 -0600

It's industry tradeshow week so we're going to throw some shade and talk about some news in this weeks episode.
State of Illinois Files Suits Against State Farm
Bodyshops of Oklahoma sue the Department of Insurance and Governor
Voice Activated Measuring
Should Insurers Be Kicked Out of Industry Meetings
The Bankruptcy Disrupting the Auto Industry
Michigan Towing Laws Hit The House
Are Insurers Out of Control?

Collision Coffee Talk: Credit Crash for Industry Champions and The Waffle House of Collision Repair

Kristen Felder — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 10:16:32 -0500

A trucking company, Waffle House, and the collision industry are connected in surprising ways, including a potential warning for the industry.
We discuss concerns over specific terms in the State Farm Select Service agreement that have many worried.
An insurer lost three lawsuits to a bodyshop due to their attorney’s reliance on ChatGPT for drafting documents, which proved incorrect.
Additionally, Carlyle recently warned about credit risks that could impact Crash Champions and other MSOs in the sector.

Collision Coffee Talk: Liberty Biberty Bad Faith and Alcohol In Collision Repair

Kristen Felder — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 10:06:24 -0500

We spent last week up in the Northeast visiting New York and New Jersey, but there was a few things of intrest and a claims conferecne to review.
In this weeks episode we'll discuss:
Liberty Mututal and Pre-Meditated Bad Faith?
State Farm and Elitek Pricing Agreements
Insurer Tech Conference 2025
Alcohol and Collision Repair?
We Launch a New Service That Is 100% Guaranteed To Get Us Sued!
AAA Studies Nighttime Pedestrian ADAS

Collision Coffee Talk: State Farm Sued For Using AI in Claims and BASF Sell Is Complete

Kristen Felder — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 12:25:43 -0500

We have a lot to cover this morning in the industry! It was only a matter of time, but State Farm is facing multiple class action lawsuits over their use of AI in claims handling. How will this effect shops that also use AI tools to complete estimates and look up procedures?
Tesla total loss issues and problems created with how they handle vehicles damaged and use of their owned charging stations. We also find cars all over the world that were sold through USA salvage auction providers.
Other News:

BASF Sell Is Complete
Jeep Pushes Software Update The Shuts Down Wranglers
Insurers Are In A Race To The Bottom, you wont believe what insurance consultants have to say!
How do you best utilize AI Estimating in collision repair shops?
Amazon is at war against jobbers and MSOs. What happens when they partner with Insurers?
What does a labor rate reduction mean?
Are TikTok and YouTube videos of collision repair ruining the industry?

Collision Coffee Talk: Tesla Slapped By DOI Progressive Makes Legal Mistake State Farm Drops Labor

Kristen Felder — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 10:28:18 -0500

It's been a busy week for our industry. Lets talk about a few growing stories
Automomous Car Gets Traffic Ticket
AirPro Takes Another Court Loss
Tesla Is Slapped By The California DOI
State Farm Drops Labor Rates Across The USA
Is ADAS a Financial Cliff For Investors

Collision Coffee Talk: DRPs Are Bad Faith! Shops Cross The Legal Line & Toby is Back!

Kristen Felder — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 10:20:17 -0500

It's a long episode be we have some exciting things to talk about!

Understanding "Sticker Shock" in Collision Repair
DRP's Are Bad Faith
Toby Chess is BACK!
Rules and Regulations for RTA
Claim Volume Takes HUGE Dip
Shops Cross The Line In Supplement Handling
We're Going on the Road!

Collision Coffee Talk: Tesla Admits Problem! DRP Nightmare and Insurer Premeditated Actions TPA

Kristen Felder — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 12:43:04 -0500

You have got to hear the latest developments across the world of insurance, OEM and collision repair. Grab your cup, this one is a bit crazy!

GM Website Revels Deeper Issues with Certification and Locator
The Consolidation Game Has Ended, or Is it Now Just Being Played With Independent Shop Owners
Dramatic Changes On The Horizon For DRP Contracts That Will Effect EVERY Bodyshop
3M Gives Award To Employee For Innovation
Tesla Admits Problem After NHSTA Opens Investigation Into Door Handles
Have an Insurer and TPA Entered Into A Premeditated Subrogation Collection Strategy Against Collision Repair Shops
What Does Calibration Successful Actually Mean

Collision Coffee Talk: Tesla Is Burning and Copart Declares WAR on Bodyshops

Kristen Felder — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 10:33:13 -0500

As Fall approaches, major developments continue in the Collision Repair Industry.
Tesla faces new legal challenges, hackers target original equipment manufacturers, and Copart intensifies its stance against bodyshops and repairable vehicles.
Meanwhile, Michigan has issued strong guidance to insurers regarding claim handling in a recent total loss case.

Collision Coffee Talk: She Started A Fight and It's Bad! Shop Sued For ADAS! DRP Fails…… Again

Kristen Felder — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 11:19:04 -0500

It’s Labor Day and we know it’s not just us who is working in the collision repair industry. This morning we’re going to tackle some uncomfortable topics and call out a few problems.
0:00 Welcome
5:19 DRP Fails Post Repair Inspection… Shocker
22:02 EV Sales Are Dumping
24:26 Michael Jordan Sued For NASCAR Text Messages???
25:37 OEs Stop ADAS Level 3 Production As Stocks Fall
27:58 Tesla Fails To Report Accidents, NHSTA Opens Investigation
33:32 US Government Defines “Crash”
37:11 Ford Reports Most “engaged” Driver Assist Feature On Trips Less Than 20 min
40:37 Level 2 ADAS Regulation and Collision Repair
42:36 Bodyshops Sued For ADAS Issues. Requires Pre-Measure
55:09 Celette Builds Solution For Shop Liability and Pre-Measure
1:02:49 General Motors Deletes Dealerships From Certified Collision Website
1:04:37 Amazon and Hertz Partner To Sell Cars
1:08:16 Collision Hub Starts Fight Online Over Repair
1:17:07 The Legal Definition of Repair
1:23:10 Trust Yourself To Fail. It’s Time We Change What We Are Sold
1:27:26 FTC Sues AI Company For False Promises As Customers Lose $250,000
1:30:03 UK Wants Buttons Not Touchscreens For Cars To Get 5 Star Rating

Collision Coffee Talk: Insurance Claims, Mental Health, Tesla Fire, DRP Repair Issues, Industry News

Kristen Felder — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 12:11:24 -0500

Collision Coffee Talk: Insurance Claims, Mental Health, Tesla Fire, DRP Repair Issues, Industry News
• Collision Repair Industry Updates
• Insurance Claims Explained
• Mental Health in Collision Repair
• Tesla Fire Incident Discussion
• Direct Repair Programs (DRP) and Vehicle Safety Challenges
• Consumer Education: Blending in Paint Repair
• Bloomington Collision Center New Neighbor Announcement
• SATA's 100th Anniversary Celebration
• Fire Safety: More Than Just Tesla—Industry Highlights
• Homeowners Association Issues Affecting Collision Professionals
• Negative Equity Trends in Total Loss Claims
• Progressive Insurance Reports 34% Net Profit for July
• Market Conduct Studies and Rental Tracking Agreements (RTA)
• Auto Parts Grading: The Pros and Cons of “A” Parts

Collision Coffee Talk: Mr. Bad Faith Interview and Allstate Makes HUGE Email Mistake

Kristen Felder — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 09:45:29 -0500

It's no secret how we feel about legal issues and Bad Faith situations. You'll want to check out this interview and see how it effects collision repair.
We're also going to talk about some of the comments left lately on past episodes.

Collision Coffee Talk: The Champion’s Crashing? ADAS Is Terrifying and Ransomware Attacks Increase

Kristen Felder — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 14:44:23 -0500

Collision Coffee Talk: Are The Champion’s Crashing? ADAS Is Terrifying and Ransomware Attacks Increase
It’s true, we are the best at what we do, and this week’s Collision Coffee Talk says it all.
We’ll dive into the Moody’s financial downgrade of Crash Champions from stable to Negative. What does that mean, not just Crash, but for every MSO or DRP dependent shop in the industry. What are the outlooks and potential consequences of reliance on Insurance Companies.
Also in this episode:
ADAS Testing Is Terrifying (Get Link to Whitepaper Below)
OEM’s Are Demanding Repair Insights
Insurance Companies Closing Files and Rejecting Supplements
Ransomware Attacks Hit Recyclers Across The USA
It’s Official, Body shops Do NOT Have A Staffing Problem

Collision Coffee Talk: Caliber Makes An Exit Plan and Tesla Is Smacked By Jury In Florida

Kristen Felder — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 11:07:31 -0500

It was an interesting week in the world of Collision Repair. As we kick off the first full week of August, lets talk about a few things.
The Absurdity of leaders in this industry
Caliber Files For Intial IPO
Is Journalism In Our Industry A Hoax?
Tesla is hammered by a Jury in Florida and the DMV in California
Are current pay models holding back the industry
State Farm Allows Interns To Handle Auto Claims
AI is officially for dummies, MIT releases a study. Yes AI makes you an idiot.

Collision Coffee Talk: Ford Sucks! Association Issues Apology And Math with Mike Anderson

Kristen Felder — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 12:42:09 -0500

All jokes and memes aside, it is now official from the US Government... Ford officially sucks at making vehicles.
No reallly, they now hold the record for most recalls issued in a single year by any OE EVER and it's only July. Still plenty of them to raise that number to something that most likely no OE will ever take from them.
But, how does that effect the way bodyshops approach collision repair, especially those that are Ford Certified Collision Centers?

In other news, Association issues an apology and retraction, Math lessons from Mike Anderson and the Collision Hub team suffers a great loss.

Collision Coffee Talk: Progressive Makes Class Worthy Legal Error and The Just Jack Awards!

Kristen Felder — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 09:21:37 -0500

The Just Jack Award(s) Introduced
Progressive Makes Class Worthy Legal Error with DV Letter
OEs Going After Their Own Dealers?
They Don’t Make Em’ Like They Use To! Late Model vs Classic Collision
Replevin Cases Increasing On East Coast
AI Lawsuits Increasing

Collision Coffee Talk: Used ADAS Sensors And Progressive Tactic Backfires!

Kristen Felder — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 14:55:16 -0500

Welcome to Monday July 14, 2025 and Collision Coffee Talk. In this episode we cover

Insurers and LKQ Corporation List Used ADAS Sensors as Parts In Estimating Systems
State Farm Doubles Down On Seatbelt Safety Inspections As Included
Progressive Adjuster Defines A fail in Negotiation With Bodyshop
CARSTAR shop in NY With Repair Fails Found In Post Repair Inspection
Kentucky Updating Total Loss ACV Evaluation Website/Servies in Bill
Fun with Garagekeepers Policy Lawsuit That Involved BMW

Collision Coffee Talk: Clownsultants and AI Are Dumb!

Kristen Felder — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 11:32:48 -0500

It's late but it's here.
In this episode of Collision Coffee Talk we'll Discuss:
Using AI for Vehicle Repair Or Claims Communication
Clownsultants Need To Know Their Role
Driven Brands and State Farm Make Huge Safety Decision
Auto-Owners Allows DRPs Total Loss Charges
Toyota Steps in Legal Nightmare
WA Insurance Commissioner Starts Board To Oversee AI Use in Claims.

Collision Coffee Talk: SCRS Is Wrong, I-CAR Is Right and CCC is Canceling Customers

Kristen Felder — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 09:50:18 -0500

After a miss last week due to court, we're back and taking on some people and organizations in the industry head on.
CCC is Canceling Customer Accounts
I-CAR Does The Right Thing WIth Their Board... Sorry SCRS
Progressive Claims #1 Insurer
Hertz Is Scanning Cars For Damage At Airports
MA Storage Lawsuit Favors Insurer

Collision Coffee Talk: AM Parts DANGER! Shelter Creates Total Loss Unit To Control Bodyshops

Kristen Felder — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 11:55:01 -0500

Overall a pretty peaceful week for us, but more jobs slashed around the industry even in associations.
So we're asking, what do you want to see change? What are you upset about? Fire off your issues!
Ohh yeah, Aftermarket Parts continue to cause more problems and it's putting consumers lives in danger.
Shelter Insurance is re-forming total loss units to bring bodyshops under control. Yeah, you'll get a laugh out of that one as well.

Collision Coffee Talk: Fentanyl, New Jersey and Abandon Ship!!!!

Kristen Felder — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 12:40:50 -0500

While it was a very... very slow week in the collision repair news world it was at least a strange one!
Bodyshop liablity and Fentanyl claims
New Jersey sents RTA bill to the floor
Speeding by Make and Model??
Cargo ship carrying EV and Hybrids catches fire south of Alaska
Mazda Recall is reminder to Estimators to check every time.

Collision Coffee Talk: CCC, CARFAX and BMW With A Liability Twist!

Kristen Felder — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 10:03:22 -0500

As a news week it was slow, but that does not mean there isn’t a lot to talk about. Kristen dives in on some things that have been bothering her and the industry lately.
CCC and Carfax Saga Continues
CCC and BMW Make Announcement
Dangers Of An LLC
Drive By Inspection Liability
Direct Repair As a Weapon

Collision Coffee Talk: DRP Shops Complain About DRP? WTF???

Kristen Felder — Tue, 27 May 2025 10:48:04 -0500

It was a week of double takes.
DRP shops complaining about DRP programs and CAPA complaining that they some people were making knock off copies of their certification. You really just can not make up that amount of comic irony.

In other news;
The former CEO and Chairman of the Board of Progressive dies in a Tesla crash
Tesla seems to want to review shop estimates before the custome can see them or an insuer.
More insurers asking for shop invoices
Mercedes will consolidate US operations into Georgia

Collision Coffee Talk: US Senate Questions Allstate | Tesla Stinks At Insurance and Shops Are Sued

Kristen Felder — Mon, 19 May 2025 14:35:56 -0500

Episode 35 is packed with anger and irony!
What is happening with the Senate hearings questioning State Farm and Allstate? Why shops should NOT be sharing the video or making any comments.
Why are adjusters so hard to deal with these days?
Gerber has a hiring freeze and big plans
Insurers continue to file lawsuits against bodyshops
Tesla is really terrible at insurance claims
Wisconsin releases a compliance tool to help bodyshops

Collision Coffee Talk: MSO Cancels Lease and Why Insurers Say No

Kristen Felder — Mon, 19 May 2025 14:27:42 -0500

Take a week off and there is so much to catch up on!
More MSOs Cancel Leases
asTech Spiral Continues
Teardown and Storage Laws
Why Insurers Say No
OE Credibility
OE Liability
OE Defense
What’s On The Shelf : PPG Pete The Painter

Collision Coffee Talk: She’s BIG MAD With Progressive! Shops Dropped From DRP And OE Programs

Kristen Felder — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 14:22:21 -0500

It’s no secret that Kristen has a temper, but she has never been this mad with an insurer before. Stick around for all of this episode.

Shops Removed From DRP Programs
OE (Tesla) Removing Shops For Insurers
Report Calls For More OE Shops??
asTech Continues Problems
Progressive Supervisor In BIG Trouble!
Progress On RTA Bills
P&M Inflation Continues

Collision Coffee Talk: OE Picks Progressive As Their Insurance and Fight Breaks Out Over Refinish

Kristen Felder — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 14:39:44 -0500

You’re going to be shocked but we’ve got another State Farm Problem!

Collision Coffee Talk: State Farm Labor Rate DRAMA and Shop Executive FIRED!

Kristen Felder — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 14:32:00 -0500

It's a double dose of State Farm Drama this morning as we discuss their recent and sweeping labor rate regression along with some cases of MSO's being assigned claims AFTER customer selects independent bodyshop.
Add to that a bodyshop executive is rumored to have been fired over Post Repair Inspections and the California Insurance Commisioner is eating and drinking his way around the world.

Collision Coffee Talk: State Farm, Paint Companies, OEs, Total Losses and Anti-Trust Issues

Kristen Felder — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 12:30:48 -0500

The water is not the only thing rising around the collision repair industry this week.

The Collision Collective is firing up.
What's the real problem with SCRS Blend Study
State Farm Takes New Low In Total Loss Handling
Should Paint Companies Be Involved in Certified Collision
California Keeps Attacking Shops
Glass Association Files Anti-Trust Complaint Against Safelite

Collision Coffee Talk: Insurer STEALS Total Loss From Shop and State Farm Files Lawsuit vs Shop

Kristen Felder — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 09:18:02 -0500

Isn't always the way it goes. You take a few days off for Spring Break and the whole industry seems to implode!

Kristen came back to an inbox full of emergencies and problems. Some of them will make you think it's April 1st not March 21st.

In this episode:
Who owns a bad calibration?
Collision Collective
Women in Collision
Stolen Total Loss by Insurer
State Farm Files Replevin Suit
Solera is now 'Junk'
AsTech opens their mouths again and it's not getting better
Progressive settles BIG case
Shelter and Unauthorized Practice Of Law
Progressive and Interference with Shop Contract
And we visit with the College Football National Champions

Collision Coffee Talk: Honda Has Privacy Problems and Gerber Just Has Problems!

Kristen Felder — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 09:10:21 -0500

This week:
- Honda Cited For Privacy Violations Could Impact Certified Collision Programs
- The Old Guys in Sports Coats Have Had Their Day, Don't Fit In Move Your Career and Business In A New Direction
- Gerber Lays Out Financial Troubles That Really Are The Whole Industry
- MSOs Are Sending Out Notice Of Non-Renewals On Lease Agreements
- Do We Really Need More Techs?
- Insurers Forget Past Lawsuit Losses With Current Total Loss Handling

Collision Coffee Talk: Adjusters Ask DOI Help Them With Claims, USAA Hit with $114 million Bad Faith

Kristen Felder — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 10:13:05 -0500

Good Morning!
Farmers Adjusters Beg State DOI to help them
ADAS Legal Issues Present new Problems
State Farm and the Tinder Box Date
Missing Total Loss Vehicles
Safelite Settles $31 Million Fraud Case
USAA Hit with $114 Million bad Faith Verdict
California Shop caught in bait trap by the BAR
Arkansas Attorney General sues Allstate
Will Tariffs Affect Collision Repair?

Collision Coffee Talk: Adjusters Practicing Law Without License!

Kristen Felder — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 11:14:01 -0500

It might not be steering and it might not be Tortious Interference, but too many adjusters are engaged in practicing law without a license, lets talk about it.
Also:
- Paint Labor hours going in the wrong direction
- Oklahoma Looking To Pass Bill to Stop bad rebuilds
- STOP looking for easy buttons. It may cost you more than you can imagine.

Collision Coffee Talk: Allstate and Liberty Adjusters In Hot Seat!! Is State Farm Broke?

Kristen Felder — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 09:59:31 -0600

It is better to thought an idiot then to type and prove it!

In this episode we cover the claims and public posting by Liberty Mutual Safeco and Allstate Adjusters.

- State Farm AA rating changed to Negative and placed on credit watch!
- Bodyshops and their Bills continue to march through legislation
- Are bodyshops charging too much for 'teardown'?
- Are you talking to a human or AI when scanning a vehicle?
- ADAS and Radar Compliant Paint

Breaking News: asTech Makes HUGE Statement to Industry Publication Regarding Calibrations

Kristen Felder — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 09:14:29 -0600

The saga around asTech and their agreement with GEICO took a shocking turn on Monday February 24, 2025.

In an email sent to Repairer Driven News (RDN), asTech Senior Vice President of Marketing Kennedy Taylor stated information shared in a video by Mike Reynolds, Mobile Automotive Services Solution President in December of 2024 around a radio interview that also featured Chris Chesney, Repairify Vice President of Training and Organization was outdated due to a company policy change on November 5, 2024.

And it went downhill, very fast from there.

Read the full article from RDN:
https://www.repairerdrivennews.com/20...

Want to reach our guest?
James "Spike" Rodis
Manager, Process Procedures and Training
OEM Calibration
‪@oemcalibration‬

Collision Coffee Talk: BMW Ends Certification For DRPs? What Is Constructive Total Loss

Kristen Felder — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 11:42:04 -0600

I was a slower than normal week in the news, but the things that popped up deserve some discussion.

- Arkansas passes law that leinholders must be on all payments even rental

- State Farm moves to eliminate OE glass from use

- BOI is back on for shop owners

- What is a Constructive Total Loss? Can an insurer total a car regardless of how much the repairs cost?

Collision Coffee Talk: Allstate DEMANDS Story Removal and Adjuster Fails Test 5 Times!

Kristen Felder — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 11:32:08 -0600

It’s Monday February 17, 2025 and we’ve got another content jammed edition of Collision Coffee Talk. The only NON-Sponsored podcast in the industry.

This week we cover:
- New insurance companies that face insolvency and liquidation.

- Allstate DEMANDS blog site Futurism remove article or make extensive “corrections” via change request format similar to auto repair estimates.

- asTech parent company Repaify files motion to dismiss lawsuit filed by another Repairfy holdings company, but former employees write in to tell his about missing Ferraris??

- Illinois collision association sponsored bill has major issues that could put collision repair shops within the state in a bind

- Adjuster hired by GEICO admits they failed the basic exam 5 times

- Opus IVS white paper has been downloaded over 600 times, get your copy here: https://bit.ly/3CSpcoM

Collision Coffee Talk: Liberty Mutual Legal Dept Upset and Kristen Hates DRP!

Kristen Felder — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 10:42:50 -0600

Last week was an hurried episode due to class, but now she has all the time and a lot of people…. We mean things to talk about.

- Why industry meetings miss the point of the math problem
- Liberty Mutual employee post generates lots of questions for potential lawsuits
- Why Kristen picks on DRP shops
- What’s happening the next few months with training

Collision Coffee Talk: Comparative Negligence and Associations Push Bad Bills

Kristen Felder — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 09:30:45 -0600

- Insurers using comparative negligence in attempt to reduce total loss fees. State Associations pushing bills that may have tough consequences for shops.
- CCC hosting webinar training for insurers that shops should listen in and learn.

Collision Coffee Talk: LISTEN Before You Install AM Headlamp! Feds Investigate Auto Insurance

Kristen Felder — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 09:43:25 -0600

- Repairfy (asTech) and Kinderhook lawsuit allegations and documents.
- Ford BlueCruise Under NHTSA Investigation AM Headlamps May Be Future Issue
- US Treasury Department releases study on Auto Insurance
- Bargain Deals For Material On Facebook Could Be Deadly
- Insurers Total Cars With Little To No Damage

Click here to download Court filing: https://bit.ly/4hmZs2n
Click here to download Federal Insurace Office (FIO) report: https://bit.ly/3WB1cwX

Collision Coffee Talk: The Canoo is sinking!

Kristen Felder — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 11:28:31 -0600

In this episode we cover another company sinks under the leadership of Tony Aquila (formally Solera).
- Honda wins ADAS lawsuit out of New Jersey
- Car theft is on the rise. Find out what cities and states and how it affects Bodyshop liability
- State Farm hired atty gives shop a compliment and agrees they should be paid.

Collision Coffee Talk: We LOVE State Farm and MSO's (Seriously)

Kristen Felder — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 11:21:45 -0600

Nope it's not a comic book addition of Bizarro World. But you're going to want to listen to this one.

Collision Coffee Talk: Insurer Pays Policy Limits and CCC Spends Your Money (send more)

Kristen Felder — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 15:50:42 -0600

First Coffee Talk with Kristen in 2025 and we've got a lot to cover.
Insurers Continue To Consolidate
CCC Wants To Help Insurers Reduce Expenses, Asking Shops to Pay Them More
AsTech Serves as Warning To All As Lawsuits and Public Awareness Increase Around ADAS
Critical Thinking Around Policy Limits
Automotive IA Claims School Benefits

Collision Coffee Talk: Christmas Gifts and Petty Corporate Jabs for The New Year

Kristen Felder — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 11:09:33 -0600

First, we're skipping next week so Kristen went longer than normal. Some year end thoughts on what's happening in the industry and who needs to exit immediately. We also include a list of companies we believe have earned your business in the things they have done to help collision repairers and the things they have refused to do when, even when offered great money.

Collision Coffee Talk: OEM Software Recalls and Insurance Company Blacklists

Kristen Felder — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 11:00:21 -0600

Did you know that OEM software recalls now account for 43% of OE recalls?
Did you know that the scan tool you use is what is talking to the software? Why would you not want to use the OE tool?
Add to the list insurance companies are being sued for data privacy, the laws around text messaging customers, Federal Transparancy laws and a coaching session with insurance adjusters...

Yep it's a lot, better pour a big cup of coffee

Collision Coffee Talk: DOI Investigates RTA Untrained Independent Adjusters and OEM Scanning?

Kristen Felder — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:35:48 -0600

There is a lot going on in the industry and one of them may cost a shop some felony charges. Take a listen to the latest Collision Coffee Talk. Download the documents here: https://bit.ly/3ZImE4Y

Collision Coffee Talk: December To Remember!

Kristen Felder — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:29:01 -0600

After a holiday week it's a pretty quiet Monday. We chat about the changes in the shop around vehicle repair and planning for 2025, alternatives in estimating, itemizing for DRPs and Claims School.

Collision Coffee Talk: Total Loss Fees, Photos and New Insurance Adjuster Claims School

Kristen Felder — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:25:50 -0600

Kristen is back talking about the issues from the past week in the collision repair industry.
- Insurance companies denying payment of total loss fees
- Stop sending in a ton of pictures with estimates
- Why can't shops understand electricity
- NEW claim school launching in February

Collision Coffee Talk: Steering vs Tortious Interference By Insurance Adjusters

Kristen Felder — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:19:59 -0600

It's Monday and we're talking the most common question Collision Hub receives. Insurance company adjusters steering or tortiously interfering with customer choice in collision repair. We'll also talk about a $2.5 million dollar HR lawsuit won by a shop and the need for solid HR policies in your business.

Collision Coffee Talk : AM Parts Recalled, Insurance Supplement

Kristen Felder — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:16:42 -0600

Aftermarket Part Safety Recall...What is a Supplement and the Role of Insurers? asTech Thinks They Know What Is Good For Shops (and employees)