California Autobody Assocation to hold meeting on pending storage regulations

The California Autobody Association (CAA) will hold a webinar on pending storage regulations on Dec. 11. 

Andrew Batenhorst, CAA Glendale/Foothill Chapter president, will lead the conversation, which will outline the proposed regulation changes and how to formulate an effective written response to the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). 

The meeting starts at 12:30 p.m. and will last 30 minutes. It will not include an open discussion or questions. Join on Microsoft Teams here using meeting ID 251 793 798 062 88 and password Xy9Jh6PX.

BAR is collecting public comments on the changes until the end of the year. The bureau has been working on the language for over a year and has held multiple workshops following the passage of Assembly Bill 1263 in 2023, which granted BAR authority to address the subject. 

Collision industry representatives have voiced concerns about the regulation, including the creation of a public database that will provide median and average storage rates by radius, as well as a requirement for shops to allow a minimum of three days for authorization after teardown before charging for storage.  

To submit a comment to BAR, email Holly Helsing at [email protected] or Tessa Miller at [email protected]. Or send a letter to either of them at the Bureau of Automotive Repair, 10949 North Mather Blvd., Rancho Cordova, California, 95670. 

The California Autobody Association is also collecting comments to send to BAR. Any concerns can be emailed to Jack Molodanof at [email protected]

Last month, the Oklahoma Auto Body Association (OKABA) and 13 auto body shops filed lawsuits against the state of Oklahoma requesting a temporary injunction and declaratory judgment, claiming that newly passed laws that took effect on Nov. 1 are unconstitutional.

Senate Bill 641, introduced by Sen. Lonnie Paxton (R-23), an Oklahoma Farm Bureau insurance agent, was passed by the 2025 legislature, creating a law that caps the daily storage fees for total loss vehicles at $39 for gas vehicles and $125 for EVs with a damaged battery. It can be increased to $75 for gas and $200 for EVs on the 11th day.

House Bill 1084, passed by the 2025 legislature, creates a law that bans consumers from assigning benefits to an auto body shop. Read the full suit filed against the law here.

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