When your car gets into an accident, it goes through a whole journey - from the crash site to a collision repair shop and back to you in pre-collision condition. Behind the scenes, a lot of standards, rules and organizations help ensure that repair shops do things correctly.
Even though they’re not government agencies, industry watchdogs and trade associations are some of the strongest allies a body shop can have. These organizations advocate, educate and protect repair professionals. The following are examples of organizations lobbying for the collision repair industry:
SEMA – Specialty Equipment Market Association. SEMA helps make sure your shop can keep doing great work on all makes and models, not just the ones manufacturers want you to touch.
SCRS – Society of Collision Repair Specialists. They make sure lawmakers know that proper repairs are about safety and fairness.
ASA – Automotive Service Association. ASA speaks directly with lawmakers on your behalf, and their national presence gives them major pull.
OEM Industry Groups. When your shop follows OEM repair procedures, you’re not just doing the right thing; you’re legally backed in many cases.
I had the pleasure of connecting with and asking a few questions of Beth Seberger, president of the Association of Automotive Service Providers Illinois, and Julie Lombardo, executive director of AASPI. Their organization focuses on collision repair in Illinois but shows the dedication behind the scenes for this industry.
Q: What is your organization’s current mission or directive when it comes to supporting collision shops in Illinois?
”The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Illinois (AASPI) exists to serve our members and the public by informing, involving, and influencing the SAFETY and QUALITY of repairs. Our mission is more than just a statement; it's the foundation of everything we do.
"AASPI is 'Working for You' to foster a collective voice for the collision and mechanical repair industry. We’re committed to advancing business development, promoting professional education, and ensuring strong, sustainable representation in the legislative and regulatory arena. Whether we’re tackling insurer interference, pushing for safer repair standards, or helping shops stay compliant and profitable, our focus remains fixed on protecting both the repairer and the consumer,” - Beth Seberger & Julie Lombardo
Q: Are there any challenges or barriers that make it difficult to carry out that mission effectively?
"Absolutely. One of the most consistent challenges we face is insurer interference, where shops are pressured to prioritize insurer cost-saving agendas over manufacturer procedures and safe, complete repairs. This isn’t just a business problem; it’s a safety issue and an industrywide liability.
"But what often gets overlooked is this: collision repairers in Illinois are licensed to serve the consumer, not the insurance company. The Illinois Collision Repair Act exists for a reason. It’s there to protect the customer and ensure that shops are licensed and follow ethical, transparent and safe repair practices.
"Too many repairers forget who their actual customer is. It’s the vehicle owner - the person who trusts you to restore their car safely and correctly - not the insurer trying to cut corners. As a licensed body shop, you are bound by law and professional responsibility to follow the Collision Repair Act, document proper procedures, and put the customer’s best interest first. That’s not just the right thing to do - it’s the law.
"AASPI continues to advocate for stronger enforcement of these standards while reminding shops that compliance begins at the shop level. When we stand together in upholding the law and refusing unsafe practices, we protect our businesses, our reputations and the people who trust us with their vehicles."
Q: Can you share a few recent successes or “wins” your organization has achieved for collision shops in Illinois?
"AASPI has made significant headway in protecting fair repair practices by engaging directly with state regulators, lawmakers and insurance stakeholders. We've pushed back against efforts to normalize underpayment for materials, shortcuts on OEM procedures and refusal to follow safe repair guidelines.
"Our government advocacy efforts have also delivered important wins. Because of the strong relationships we've built with legislators, AASPI was able to weigh in on proposed bills - like HB 2671 and HB 2472 - that, as originally written, could have created loopholes for insurers to bypass OEM procedures or avoid paying fair storage charges. Thanks to our engagement, those proposals were carefully reexamined, and we successfully voiced concerns that protected repairers and consumers from vague or dangerous language that would have further tilted the scale in the insurer’s favor.
"On top of our legislative work, we’ve expanded our educational outreach through webinars, in-person sessions (many also include livestream option) and mobile app for convenience. AASPI is working to help shops: document repairs properly, advocate for fair reimbursement and understand their legal responsibilities under the Illinois Collision Repair Act.
“Above all, AASPI continues to amplify the voice of the repair industry through proactive, consistent, and informed advocacy - fighting to make sure safety and quality always come first.”
Q: What’s the best way for collision shop owners in your area to connect with you or your team?
“We encourage all collision and mechanical shop owners in Illinois to visit www.aaspi.org to learn more about membership, events, legislative updates and available resources.
“We have been working hard to provide value to members, through educational programming, discounts, and purchasing cooperatives which offer rebates. We understand that economic times are tough, and this is the perfect time to join AASPI for support, networking and professional development enrichment. For those businesses who work in the industry to provide products and services – we need you too and welcome you to become an annual corporate sponsor to give back to the industry in Illinois!”
Thank you, AASPI, for the contribution.
Remember, you are not in this alone. Look into regulatory bodies in your state and look at recent legislation that is being passed in your state. Texas passed legislation that requires insurers to use OEM parts for newer vehicles unless the owner chooses otherwise and bans insurers from restricting shop choice, effective Jan 1, 2026 (SB1429). Whether you’re an owner, manager, or technician, it’s good to know that you’ve got organizations watching your back. They’re fighting to make sure your work is valued, your shop is respected, and your voice is heard.
About the Author
Cassaundra Croel
Cassaundra Croel brings 18+ years of consulting and project management experience to DRIVE. Educated in Management and Political Economics from Denver University and UC Berkeley respectively, Cassey has been able to apply her training to sports, real estate and consulting and business development at DRIVE.