Light Hits: This Week in Collision Repair
A “Who Pays for What?” survey conducted earlier this year by Collision Advice and CRASH Network found that just over two in five shops are itemizing operations related to the additional prep time required for adjacent panels on their estimate and about half of those say they are reimbursed ‘always’ or ‘most of the time’ by the eight largest national insurers. The results of previous surveys are available here.
The Auto Care Association and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence announced the newest automotive professionals to earn the prestigious World Class Technician designation in 2026.
The ASE World Class Technician designation recognizes automotive service professionals who have demonstrated an exceptional level of technical expertise and commitment to ongoing training and certification. To earn the designation, technicians must pass a rigorous series of ASE certification tests across multiple specialty areas. View a full list of the winners here.
AirPro Diagnostics reaffirmed its pledge to the Collision Industry Foundation Annual Donor Program at the second highest tier, “Urgent Care.” Introduced in 2021, the program enables the CIF to provide immediate financial relief to collision repair professionals in need after a disaster.
A list of annual donors is available here. It is through the donors’ generosity that CIF can help individuals impacted by accidents, floodings, and wildfires in many parts of the country. Check out testimonials from recipients here.
The Metro Vocational Technical Assistance Program Annual Golf Tournament and Ball Drop will be on June 17. Check-in opens at 8 a.m., the ball drop at 9 a.m., and golfing starts at 9:30 a.m. Registration must be in by June 10. The cost is $80 per individual or $320 for a foursome. Ball drop options include one ball for $25 and five balls for $100. For more information or to register, click here.
The Collision Repair Education Foundation 24th Annual Golf Fundraiser will be on July 21 and sponsorships are now open. All sponsorship opportunities include onsite brand visibility, pre- and post-event recognition, and golfer registrations. Full sponsor benefits are outlined below and descriptions of each opportunity can be found here.
The Collision Industry Economic Association CONNEX 2026 Conference also has sponsorship opportunities available. All sponsors receive at least one complimentary admission. Some categories include event announcements, an ad in the conference booklet, and lobby/meeting room signage. In addition, there are a few opportunities left to sponsor a breakfast, lunch or reception. The conference begins on September 29. For more information, click here.
Since 1996, the American Welding Society has recognized April as National Welding Month to build awareness of the welding industry and the skilled professionals who keep it moving forward. In 2026, AWS marks the 30th anniversary of this nationwide observance under the theme, “Celebrating Welding Since 1996.” AWS will spotlight stories from across the welding community on Instagram and a special National Welding Month Weld Wednesday with AWS podcast will air on Wednesday, April 8. Join the conversation on social media with #NWM2026.