Michigan Auto Body Association Has Launched
A new trade group formed to represent local collision repair shops and advocate for standardized repair procedures.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Auto Parts
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The Michigan Auto Body Association has officially formed to serve as a unified voice for the state's collision repair industry at the capitol in Lansing. This new organization replaces the previous state collision repair association and now functions as an affiliate of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists.
Why it matters
By organizing at the state level, collision repair shops aim to gain influence on legislative issues like anti-steering protections and reimbursement for necessary repair procedures. This change is intended to streamline interactions between service providers and their customers.
The newly formed association has officially aligned its legislative goals with existing laws found in Rhode Island. Founding board members established the entity after the dissolution of Michigan's previous trade group.
The players
Michigan Auto Body Association
A new statewide professional trade group that advocates for collision repair shops on legislative issues and repair standards.
Society of Collision Repair Specialists
A national organization that provides educational and benefits support to affiliated state-level collision repair associations.
The details
The association operates by affiliating with the Society of Collision Repair Specialists to provide its members access to healthcare, 401(k) programs, and educational resources. Board members originally connected through peer discussions at various industry events to prioritize advocacy for repair transparency. The group specifically focuses on securing fair compensation for repair procedures required by original equipment manufacturers.
Timeline
The association announced its official founding on September 22, 2026.
An open house will be held in Burton, Michigan, on October 23, 2026.
The organization plans to hold its annual meeting in April or May 2027.
The Home Front
The association adopts a regulatory model patterned after Rhode Island law to govern repair shop advocacy. This shift signals an effort to standardize how Michigan repair shops handle consumer-facing billing and anti-steering protections.
Vehicle owners should be aware that this group seeks to standardize how repair shops advocate for OEM-required procedures, which may eventually impact how insurance claims and repairs are processed. For official information regarding the organization's mission and future resources, visit the Michigan Auto Body Association website.
The takeaway
The creation of this association marks a shift toward unified legislative advocacy for automotive repair businesses in the state. Owners of damaged vehicles should verify that their repair shop follows manufacturer-recommended protocols for safety and quality.
What happens next
The association will host an open house in Burton, Michigan, on October 23, 2026, followed by an annual meeting scheduled for April or May 2027.
Further reading
Find more updates on repair standards and industry resources in our Auto Parts section.
More information
For more information on the association's mission, visit the Michigan Auto Body Association website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by BodyShop Business.
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