Explore every episode of the podcast Mitchell Collision Podcast

With the introduction of new U.S. import tariffs, auto insurers and collision repairers are navigating an uncertain future. In this episode, Ryan and Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association, discuss the downstream impact of tariffs on the industry and how some businesses may be preparing forpotential disruptions.

Much has changed since the first advanced driver assistance systems were introduced and today’s “rides” bear little resemblance to those of the past. Matt Moore, senior vice president at the Highway Loss Data Institute, joins the show to explain how the complexity and construction of modern vehicles affect claims frequency and severity. He also shares current trends in consumer driving behavior that have led to an increase in accidents and fatalities.

Auto claim costs continue to grow—requiring an even greater focus on expenses. In this episode, Ryan Smith, vice president of claims and salvage operations at Saskatchewan Government Insurance Corporation (SGI), shares how his organization is successfully balancing this cost increase with its commitment to high-quality collision repairs by prioritizing safety, ingenuity and industry collaboration.

Shop consolidation. Vehicle complexity. Rising repair costs. All these factors can affect investment strategy in the automotive aftermarket. Steve Huntzinger, co-founder of Dunham Lane Capital Partners, joins the podcast to highlight the opportunities and challenges impacting both the automotive collision industry and its investors.

What keeps carriers and collision repairers up at night? In this episode, Ryan highlights the effect of recent collision claim trends—including rising repair costs, parts supply chain disruptions and advancements in vehicle technology—on the auto insurance ecosystem. He also provides a sneak peek at the four trends to watch for in 2024.

Ryan is joined by Damon Aldrich, Enterprise Holdings’ director of EV and infrastructure strategy, for an in-depth discussion on vehicle electrification. Together, they detail how the increase in EV adoption is affecting insurers, auto body shops and even rental car companies. They also identify what factors could hinder future EV market growth and prevent this segment of the car parc from reaching industry projections.

Art Crawford, vice president of collision centres at AutoCanada, discusses the role that OEM certification plays in proper repair, customer loyalty and shop profitability. He and Ryan also examine how facilities like AutoCanada are collaborating with the OEMs to support and service the next generation of automobiles, including electric vehicles.

Think that paint color doesn’t affect a vehicle’s performance and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)? Think again! Jeff Wildman, manager of OEM and industry relations at BASF, joins host Ryan Mandell to discuss the latest trends in automotive coatings, how they impact collision repair and why OEM procedures are critical—especially when it comes to paint.

Joe Sparacino, managing director of automotive aftermarket investment banking at Stifel, shares his perspective on the industry. From mergers and supply chain disruptions to the introduction of new markets focused on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), Joe and Ryan uncover the trends that have investment bankers and key stakeholders taking notice.

Ryan and Ben Clymer, Jr.—CEO of the five-location MSO, Ben Clymer’s The Body Shop—discuss today’s challenges with the efficient delivery of proper, safe repair, including the ongoing impact of supply chain disruptions. They also uncover new growth opportunities and even potential roadblocks for the collision industry.

Ryan and Edwin Pope, principal analyst at IHS Markit, discuss the growing use of lightweight materials in new automobile design and construction. While these alternatives are helping to improve safety, boost fuel economy and reduce costs, they are also creating new challenges affecting insurance claims and the delivery of proper and safe repair.

In this episode, Ryan welcomes Jeff Helget, vice president of operations at B&R Auto Wrecking. Together they explore how the automotive recycling industry is adapting to growing vehicle complexity, the pandemic’s impact on the supply chain, and changes in method of inspection including virtual and automated estimating.

Paul Prochilo, CEO of Canada’s Simplicity Car Care multi-shop operation and chairman of the Canadian Collision Industry Forum (CCIF), joins Ryan to discuss how COVID-19 has changed his business and the industry. Hear how the pandemic, despite its challenges, has produced silver linings and find out what they mean for the future of proper, safe vehicle repair.

Ryan Mandell and Tony Cotto, director of auto and underwriting policy at National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC), discuss the impact of COVID-19 on automotive insurers. Learn how carriers have quickly adapted to a new normal and how they’re re-imagining the future of claims post-pandemic.