The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Illinois (AASP-IL) exists to serve the Members and Public of the State of Illinois through informing, involving, and influencing the SAFETY and QUALITY of REPAIRS.  AASP-IL has been around since the 1960’s and is working to raise awareness of the Illinois Automotive Collision Repair Act.  AASP-IL’s President Emeritus and Consumer Liaison, Wade Ebert, helped worked with the Illinois Assistant Attorney General of the Consumer Fraud Bureau to help drive the enactment of this comprehensive law entitled the Automotive Collision Repair Act.   

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Illinois (AASP-IL) recently reviewed a list of currently licensed collision repair facilities in Illinois and discovered a gap exists between licensed facilities and the universe of non-licensed automotive collision repair facilities.  AASP-IL did see some dealer owned collision repair facilities that do appear to have a current UDL business license, but more dealer owned collision repair facilities that do not have a current UDL business license.  Why might this gap exist and how do we remedy this issue?  We must first seek to understand the challenge and then work together to solve it. 

The law in Illinois for the collision repair industry is called the Automotive Collision Repair Act and it was founded to guide businesses and protect consumers when it comes to the Collision Repair industry. 

According to the Pre-Amble of the Illinois Automotive Collision Repair Act, (815 ILCS 308/5), Sec. 5, Purpose: “With the increased complexity and technology involved in the repair of collision-damaged motor vehicles, there is a need for improved communication and accounting between collision repair businesses and motor vehicle owners. This Act enables purchasers of these services to make informed decisions based on standard practices by Illinois automotive collision repair businesses.” (Source: P.A. 93-565, eff. 1-1-04.)

“The Automotive Collision Repair Act was passed to help clarify responsibilities of the complex relationships consumers face when seeking to have their damaged vehicles repaired.  The Automotive Collision Repair Act became law on January 1, 2004.  The Automotive Collision Repair Act was designed specifically  to level the playing field in Illinois.  It requires that the shop recognize its responsibility to the consumer and treat that contract as prime. It requires repairers to write estimates of repairs that are as nearly complete as is practicable. A pattern or practice of underestimating repairs violates the act”.  (Source:  Body Shop Business, Legislation and Intrigue in Illinois, May 1, 2005, Wade Ebert.  

For reference, click to view a complete copy of the: Illinois Automotive Collision Repair Act.

What is needed for this landscape of disconnection to change and for collision repair facilities in Illinois to become compliant with the law?  AASP-IL believes a commitment to do the right thing for consumers is paramount.  AASP-IL also believes compliance with this law is critical for businesses asset protection, growth and sustainability. 

Does your business: 

Is your business:

AASP-IL is currently hosting a 6-part legal webinar series featuring attorney, Patrick J. McGuire, who has worked with AASP-IL Members for 20+ years.  Collision repairers who understand their legal rights and responsibilities have a distinct advantage over those who don’t. This six-part seminar series is essential for anyone who needs a refresher or would like to learn about the laws that impact collision repairs in Illinois. It is designed to provide a cost-effective and convenient way to get an overview of current law with a focus on practical, day-to-day issues. Each seminar will include 50 minutes of instruction followed by 10 minutes of Q&A.  If you would like to participate in our future webinar series and view additional details, please visit:  AASP-IL Legal Webinar Series.  

“This information is critically important to all collision shop businesses, both in the state of Illinois and throughout the U.S., as the topics of his content will be relevant to all of these types of businesses, both in terms of safety and protection of the business, but also to help stand up and advocate for consumers taking care of the most important person in the equation of collision repair,” said AASP-IL Executive Director Julie Lombardo. (Source:  Repair Driven News, AASP-IL hosts 6-part legal webinar series featuring Pat McGuire, June 9, 2003).

How does a Collision Repair business initiate compliance?  Complete and submit an Illinois Secretary of State, Vehicle Services Department, Dealer Services business license application Instructions for UDL Business License and UDL Business License.  The UDL Business license expires annually on 12/31 and must be renewed.  Securing appropriate signage for posting in a prominent area, easily visible to consumers is another critical piece to compliance.  If you are interested to purchase signs from AASP-IL, please visit:  AASP-IL Member Resources.  

AASP-IL exists with the gracious support of its sponsors and members.  It is our privilege to serve the Automotive Collision and Mechanical repair industry.  Here is a recap of our Purposes of Organization:

The AASP-IL Board of Directors has made it a top priority commitment to work to educate and communicate within our industry.  AASP-IL’s current President, Bob Gottfred of Erie LaSalle Body Shop & Car Care Centers has a visionary leadership approach encompassing a culture of importance for shops to conduct safe and proper repairs and return vehicles to OEM standards.  Gottfred passionately chairs AASP-IL and works to share best practices amongst all shops.  Gottfred believes in providing shops current information and tools to grow their businesses as the technology and investment landscape continues to evolve in collision and mechanical repair.  AASP-IL hosted the Annual AASP-IL Convention and Trade Show on March 4th in Naperville.  This year’s conference brought together two notable changemakers, Mike Anderson of Collision Advice and former Chicago Bears NFL Hall of Famer, Mike Singletary.  The day also included several OEM’s:  General Motors, Ford Motor Company and Subaru of America as well as industry leading suppliers to provide a day packed with education and resources for the automotive repair industry. 

AASP-IL’s focus for this year is MOVING FORWARD and we welcome your commitment to join us and not be left behind.  We are stronger together!  AASP-IL Membership