GM expands collision assistance app to reach more consumers

GM vehicle owners can now launch the Collision Assistance app on their own for minor incidents that don’t activate an OnStar.

Brian Wakefield, GM director of Global Digital Service Solutions, told Repairer Driven News consumers can now launch the app via GM vehicle mobile apps.

The app, which launched in late 2024, provides consumers with a search tool for certified GM shops. This includes certified dealer, independent, and MSO shops. 

Consumers can also use the app to collect key details at the scene by using the app’s camera and following prompts. 

Previously, consumers received a notification about the service, after OnStar was activated. Wakefield said an example of an incident that may not activate OnStar would be a door hitting another door in a parking lot. 

“This really expands the reach to engage with more customers who have that need,” Wakefield said. “They don’t have these events that frequently and so they may not have their favorite repair facility, this helps guide them with their shop search.”

Wakefield said following the launch of the initial app, GM saw consumers using certified GM shops at a higher rate. 

“It is achieving the intended purpose of helping educate the customer on safe and proper repairs and the benefits of the GM certified network,” he said. 

The self-discover feature has been launched and available for only a few weeks so there is little data available yet, Wakefield said. However, he said the app has already seen high engagement from consumers. 

Educational campaigns with dealers and brand websites have helped inform consumers about the option, he said. 

“I think collision repair is a key moment that matters and that’s an important part of the vehicle ownership experience,” Wakefield said. “Many times people involved in a collision don’t know what to do because they are involved in an incident pretty infrequently.

“We think collision assistance provides the right level of support and engagement with the customer to help guide them through those important moments right after a crash. It helps reinforce safe and proper repairs, and helps the customer find a repair facility that is committed to that.” 

GM has released a series of position statements focused on OEM procedures and OEM parts in recent months. This includes position statements on ADAS, bumpers, pre-and-post scans, windshields and aftermarket parts. 

For a shop to be GM-certified it must hold an I-CAR Gold status, and meet facility requirements, spec-based tools, and equipment and scan/calibration options. 

To find out specifically how to be certified visit here.

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Photos courtesy of GM