Episode 239 - The Real Risks Behind Cheap Collision Repair with Ken Miller

 Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.
Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE

Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute:
https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2025

Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.
Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability

Make sure you mention: CTISUMMER to get FREE data migration!

If you're ready to make a real change in your shop's success, join Shop Marketing Pros' Plan With the Pros workshop this October to connect with them and other shop owners. You'll leave with your entire year for 2026 planned out.

Click here to register: https://geni.us/PlanWithThePros

Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.

Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into one sleek, digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!


In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Ken Miller, owner of 821 Collision and president of AASP New Jersey. Ken outlines the ongoing challenges faced in the collision repair industry, stressing the relentless pressure from insurance companies and their impact on repair quality. He shares a chilling story about uncovering dangerously incomplete repairs on a nearly new vehicle, emphasizing the importance of thorough inspections and documentation. The conversation also explores the increasing overlap between collision and mechanical shops, driven by the complexities of ADAS systems and the need for greater collaboration and education in both fields.

00:00 Insurance Challenges Undermine Auto Repair
05:09 Tampered Seat Belt System Detected
08:00 Post-Collision Inspection Basics
12:45 Car Repair Struggles and Inspections
13:26 Car Imperfections and Concerns
16:43 Professional Responsibility Irrefutable
20:29 Insurers’ Auto Settlement Practices
24:50 Researching Title 17 Regulations
28:22 CEO-Employee Pay Gap Concerns
32:29 Dispute Over $40K Repairs
36:36 Calibration and Liability in Auto Repairs
40:22 Reluctance in Auto Repair Challenges
42:08 Insurance Companies' Calibration Dispute
46:44 Licensure Tied to I-CAR Accreditation
50:01 "Advanced Auto Tools Misjudged"
51:44 Challenges in Training and Labor Rates
55:46 Expanding Mechanical Team in NJ
58:14 Enhancing Mechanical Show Value
Episode 239 - The Real Risks Behind Cheap Collision Repair with Ken Miller
Broadcast by