Michigan Auto Body Association Has Launched
The new professional organization aims to provide a unified voice for collision repair shops across the state.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Auto Parts
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The Michigan Auto Body Association has formed to serve as a statewide professional body for the collision repair industry. The group will prioritize legislative advocacy at the state capitol in Lansing.
Why it matters
The organization provides a unified platform for shops to address industry challenges, including anti-steering protections and reimbursement for OEM-required procedures. Members will also gain access to shared resources through a national affiliation.
The association's board consists of a chair, vice chair, treasurer, and secretary. Legislative priorities are currently modeled after specific existing laws in Rhode Island.
The players
Michigan Auto Body Association
This is a new statewide professional association representing the interests of collision repair shops.
Society of Collision Repair Specialists
This is a national organization that provides affiliate associations with access to education, healthcare, and retirement benefits.
The details
Founding board members organized the group following peer conversations at industry events to address friction between service professionals and customers. The association has joined the Society of Collision Repair Specialists as an affiliate to offer members education, healthcare, and 401(k) programs.
Timeline
September 22, 2026: The association announced its official founding.
October 23, 2026: An open house will be held in Burton, Michigan.
April or May 2027: The association will host its first annual meeting.
Roadmap
The association's adoption of Rhode Island-style legislative priorities marks a strategic effort to formalize shop protections in the Michigan market. This move aligns with broader industry trends where state-level groups seek consistent, legally backed standards for OEM-required repairs.
Collision repair shop owners in Michigan can now access collective bargaining power and pooled benefits like 401(k) programs through the new association. These resources aim to streamline business operations and provide standardized support for navigating complex repair procedures.
The takeaway
The formation of this group highlights the industry-wide move toward regional advocacy to combat rising costs and procedural friction. Repair shop owners looking to stabilize their operations may benefit from the association's planned programming and legislative reach.
What happens next
The association will host an open house in Burton, Michigan, on October 23, 2026, and is scheduled to hold an annual meeting in April or May 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about industry shifts in the Michigan Auto Parts section.
More information
For more information on the organization and its mission, visit the Michigan Auto Body Association website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by BodyShop Business.
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