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How Rising Auto Tariffs Are Driving Up Repair Costs — What It Means for Your Body Shop
Discover how 2025’s 25% auto part tariffs are impacting collision repair shops—from rising costs to insurance delays. Learn how ROME Collision Management Software helps independent body shops stay efficient and profitable.
The collision repair industry is rapidly evolving, and in 2025, success hinges on delivering an exceptional customer experience. With claim volumes declining, repair shops must embrace technology, streamline communication, and invest in training to stay competitive. AI-powered tools are enhancing efficiency, mobile apps are improving transparency, and customer retention strategies are becoming essential. Shops that prioritize customer trust, leverage innovation, and adapt to modern vehicle complexities will lead the industry forward. As James Rome highlighted in a recent interview, the future of collision repair is about reimagining the customer journey and staying ahead of industry shifts.
The Declining State of Direct Repair Programs in the Insurance Industry
Direct Repair Programs (DRPs) have long been a cornerstone of the insurance and auto repair industry, serving as a bridge between insurance companies and auto repair shops. These programs were designed to streamline the repair process, offering benefits such as...
Body Shop Management: The Role of Rome Collision Management Software in Exception-Based Management
In the fast-paced world of automotive collision repair, the role of a body shop manager is both challenging and rewarding. A great body shop manager is not just a leader but also a strategist, capable of balancing customer satisfaction, employee productivity, and...
Write Better Estimates for Auto Repair
Writing better estimates as a body shop estimator is essential for customer trust, shop profitability, and smooth insurance claims. Here’s a best practice process to help you write better estimates: 1. Initial Damage Assessment: Walkaround Inspection: Conduct a...
Understanding Collision Center Labor Rates and Insurance-Driven Concessions
“Understanding Collision Center Labor Rates and Insurance-Driven Concessions,” explores how labor rates at collision centers are influenced by direct repair programs (DRPs) with insurance companies. The article examines how collision centers often agree to lower labor rates in exchange for higher business volume and streamlined claims processing. It also discusses how these concessions can impact the cost and quality of repairs for vehicle owners. By shedding light on these dynamics, the blog helps both collision centers and vehicle owners navigate the complexities of repair costs and insurance relationships.
James Rome
James Rome is the president of ROME Collision Center Management Systems, software designed to improve collision shop profitability and productivity. He is also the host of Collision Pulse Podcast that focuses on sharing collision shop best practices and profitability tips. For over 20 years James has been helping collision shops grow through education, consulting and services.
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