How Are Collision Repairers Going to Get Paid for Aluminum?

How Are We Going to Get Paid for Aluminum Repair?

Collision repairers in the BodyShop Business LinkedIn Readers Group are discussing right now how they plan to recoup their investment in aluminum repair equipment.

ford-f-150Have you been participating in the latest discussion on the BodyShop Business LinkedIn Readers Group? Editor Jason Stahl posed the question, “How are you going to get paid for aluminum repairs?” It’s a very popular question being asked throughout the industry right now due to Ford introducing the 2015 F-150 and other automakers discussing plans for using aluminum bodies in future vehicles.

So far, a few collision repairers have expressed their thoughts on the subject:

“We have a higher posted rate, and we hold to it. If the insurer declines, we give the customer the opportunity to cover the shortage,” said Jim Sowle, body shop director at Sewell Automotive Companies.

Said Bill Fowler, president of Bill Fowler’s Bodyworks Inc., “I have decided to stand down for now. The MSOs in my market are dedicating one shop to perform aluminum repairs, and it appears they will do the work at the same rate as steel vehicles. I cannot justify the investment required to take on aluminum repairs if I see no reasonable return on the investment. Until I see myself turning away significant numbers of vehicles, I will keep my money in my pocket for now and see where this goes. As of now, it appears every other shop in my market, except the two large MSOs, have adopted the same strategy.”

Editor Jason Stahl confirmed Fowler’s comment by saying, “One repairer told me he’s playing ‘wait-and-see’ to see if the price of the necessary equipment will come down. Right now, he can’t justify the investment.”

Fowler responded, “I am hearing more and more people saying the same thing. I am also hearing regret from some shops that have made the investment and aren’t seeing enough aluminum repair work, if any, to recover the expense.”

Jim Patrick, collision repair shop manager at Joseph Chevrolet, added, “I think for most of us it’s a wait-and-see to where the aluminum repair rates will end up. Most of us charge a little more for our frame labor to help cover the investment ($40,000 to $70,000) for the frame rack. But we charge no more for paint labor, and the investment is a lot more ($70,000 to $200,000.) So where will the aluminum repair rate end up? And how will we recover the investment? As you can see, I have more question than answers.”

Why don’t you join the discussion? Join the BodyShop Business LinkedIn Readers Group and chime in with your thoughts today!

You May Also Like

NABC Donates Recycled Ride to Tucson, Ariz. Family

The NABC, Allstate, Maaco and  Meineke Car Care recently donated a refurbished vehicle to a deserving Tucson, Ariz.-area mom.

The National Auto Body Council (NABC), along with Allstate, Maaco and Meineke Car Care, recently donated a refurbished vehicle to a deserving Tucson, Ariz.-area mom via the NABC's Recycled Rides program. The presentation was held at the Meineke Car Care center in Tucson.

Johana Aguilar, a mother of four, was nominated as what the Child and Family Resources agency called “the perfect candidate” for the Recycled Rides program. Two of her four children require special schooling and medical appointments, and her husband has been ill. The only vehicle they have had has been unreliable. This fully refurbished 2016 Jeep Compass will ease her life tremendously. Freedom Brands owns four Maaco centers and five Meineke Car Care centers throughout the greater Phoenix and Tucson regions. 

ASE Practice Tests Available Online

ASE is encouraging those pursuing certification to take the official practice tests as part of their test preparation process.

Corby’s Collision Center: Since 1942

Bentley (Bud) and Evelyn Corby started Corby’s in a little gas station in Honeoye Falls, N.Y.

CIF Announces Enterprise as Repeat Annual Donor

Enterprise has donated for the fourth consecutive time at the Urgent Care (second highest) tier.

NABC Donates Recycled Ride to Central Georgia Mom

The NAB), GEICO and Five Star Collision Center-Wimbish recently donated a refurbished vehicle to a deserving mother of four.

Other Posts

NABC Donates Recycled Rides at NORTHEAST Show

The NABC, GEICO, Mountain View Auto and Collision Center of New Jersey donated two refurbished vehicles at the recent NORTHEAST Show.

Crash Champions Expands in Idaho

Crash Champions has announced the acquisition of Addison Collision Repair in Twin Falls, Idaho.

Auto Care Association Welcomes GAO Report on Vehicle Repair Restrictions

The Auto Care Association is renewing its call for Congress to advance federal Right to Repair legislation that protects independent business owners and consumers.

ProColor Collision Welcomes First Shop in Montana

ProColor Collision Gallatin Valley is operated by Robert Rinta and Simon Gratch, who both served honorably in the Montana National Guard.