The Industry Has Changed—And So Should Our Definition of “Drivable”

When I first got into the collision repair industry, there was an unspoken trick to landing a job from a walk-in customer: find a reason to classify the vehicle as a non-drive.

We weren’t trying to mislead anyone—it was just how the game was played. A broken headlamp, cracked taillight, damage to the driver’s door, or a popped hood latch were all reasons to say, “This car isn’t safe to drive. Let’s get you into a rental and start the repair process.”

Back then, pre- and post-repair scans weren’t part of everyday conversation. We weren’t calibrating forward-facing cameras or discussing radar alignment. ADAS systems weren’t even on the radar. Conversations about insurance coverage were minimal—you dropped off your car and trusted your policy would cover it.

The reality is, we weren’t wrong for the time. But we weren’t exactly right either.

Fast forward 20+ years, and everything has changed. Vehicles are more complex, insurance carriers are more aggressive about managing costs, and the stakes for vehicle safety are higher than ever.

That’s why we’re having this conversation now—because understanding what “drivable” really means could save you from unnecessary risk and serious financial consequences.

A family rides through the city in a visibly damaged Toyota Corolla—underscoring the risk of misclassifying a vehicle as ‘drivable.

The Hidden Costs of Calling a Car "Drivable"

It’s tempting to assume that if your vehicle starts, steers, and rolls, it’s drivable. That’s exactly what insurers and even some repair shops will tell you.

But using “drivable” as a blanket term glosses over critical safety concerns and creates a domino effect of financial consequences:

1. Rental Coverage Gets Cut Off
Insurers often stop rental reimbursement once a vehicle is considered roadworthy. If your car is marked as drivable—even prematurely—you could be left without transportation. I can recall countless conversations where the insurer refused rental coverage over the weekend simply because the vehicle was dropped off on a Friday instead of a Monday.

2. Storage Fees Shift to You
If your vehicle is considered "safe to move," insurers may refuse to continue paying storage fees. That means you pay the bill until the car is relocated—whether you’re ready or not.

Under one insurer's policy it reads:
"If the covered vehicle sustains loss for which we make a payment under Comprehensive Coverage or Collision Coverage, then we will pay reasonable expenses incurred to:

1. tow the covered vehicle…

2. store the covered vehicle, if it is not drivable immediately after the loss, at:…"

3. You May Be Forced to Tow It Yourself
Once labeled as drivable, insurers may deny any further towing assistance, forcing you to coordinate it yourself—or worse, drive a potentially unsafe vehicle.

4. You Could Be Driving a Ticking Time Bomb
Many hidden failures don’t trigger warning lights. Faulty seatbelts, misaligned ADAS sensors, even compromised crumple zones can go unnoticed without OEM-required diagnostics and inspections.

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General Motors mandates specific inspections and OEM part usage after a collision to ensure airbag systems and occupant safety features perform as intended

Manufacturers Aren’t Guessing—They’re Requiring Inspections

OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) have invested billions in vehicle safety systems. After any collision, even minor, many now require specific post-collision inspections before a vehicle can be declared roadworthy.

Some examples:

• General Motors (GM): Requires inspection of the steering column, safety belts, restraint system modules, and crash sensors—even in low-speed events.

• Subaru: Mandates steering column inspection, seatbelt pretensioner checks, airbag sensor testing, and SRS diagnostics before returning a vehicle to service.

• Ford & Honda: Provide flowcharts for post-collision evaluation, including structural verification, ADAS calibration, and full diagnostic scanning—even when the vehicle appears fine.

This isn’t overkill—it’s necessary. Modern vehicles don’t wear their damage on the outside anymore.

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What Insurance Coverage Hinges On

Insurance policy benefits like towing, storage, and rental are often governed by a section called Supplementary Payments. But eligibility for those benefits often hinges on whether your vehicle is deemed drivable.

Common policy stipulations include:

• You must “mitigate losses” by relocating the vehicle if it is drivable

• You may forfeit storage coverage if you “refuse reasonable movement”

• Rental reimbursement may end once the vehicle is deemed usable

If a repair facility marks your vehicle as drivable based on appearance instead of inspection, you could lose out on coverage you were entitled to.

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Real Talk: From Gut Instinct to OEM Data

One of the unique privileges of working with collision centers across the country is the people you meet—and the stories you collect along the way. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard a painter or a technician say, “I’ve been doing this longer than you’ve been alive.” And at the time, maybe they weren’t wrong, but I had to laugh.

Early on, I used to get frustrated hearing that kind of pushback. But over time, I learned to lean into it.

I remember one exchange vividly. A painter was adamant that his way was the right way—because he’d been doing it for years without a problem. I smiled and replied, “That’s awesome! I’ve never had the chance to spray lacquer—what are you painting? Maybe you can show me.”

The room went quiet. A few people smirked. Because anyone in the business knows lacquer hasn’t been used in decades, and the fact is, the painter has had to change with the times.

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This section of a real insurance policy shows that storage and towing costs are only covered when a vehicle is considered not drivable immediately after the loss.

Point is: we all have different backgrounds, but the car we’re working on today isn’t the same car we worked on even five years ago. WE HAVE TO CHANGE!

So let’s be honest, after more than 25 years in this industry, even I’ll say: the game has changed.

That being said, in the early days, I’ll admit, we relied on instinct. You’d glance at the car, maybe jiggle the hood or crack a door open, and decide whether it felt safe enough to drive. But those days are over.

Today, we don’t go by feel—we go by procedure.

If the manufacturer says the radar needs to be recalibrated after bumper damage, you don’t guess, you do it!
If the OEM says to pull the steering column and measure it, you do it!

And it’s not just theory—real cases have proven what happens when these steps are skipped.

Mike Anderson, from Collision Advice, wrote an article highlighting instances where undeployed airbags were found damaged during post-collision inspections—even though no official deployment had occurred. If those inspections hadn’t been done, the owners would have unknowingly driven around in vehicles with non-functional airbag systems.

Read the article here →

So if your shop—or your adjuster—is still playing it by ear and stuck on how they’ve always done it, it’s time to hit pause and start asking better questions.

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6 Questions to Ask Before Anyone Calls Your Car “Drivable”

Before accepting that your vehicle is drivable, ask your repairer:

1. Have all OEM repair procedures been reviewed and properly followed?

2. Have pre- and post-repair scans been completed?

3. Has the vehicle been fully measured for structural misalignment?

4. Have post-collision inspections—steering column, restraint systems, ADAS components—been completed? Ask for your manufacturer’s exact requirements.

5. Have seatbelts, sensors, and crash detection systems been checked per OEM guidance?

6. Was a wheel alignment and ADAS recalibration performed? Can you see the reports?

If the answer to any of these is “not yet,” “it wasn’t needed,” “your insurance company didn’t authorize it,” or “we only do that if there’s a warning light,” do not accept the drivable label!

In fact, those answers should raise serious concerns about the repair facility you’ve chosen.

Your safety—and your claim—depend on getting this right.

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Misclassifying a Vehicle Is More Than Inconvenient—It’s Dangerous and Can Cost You

I recently reviewed a claim involving a vehicle repaired at a dealership—a place most people assume is trustworthy. Unfortunately, the shop made repair decisions based on assumptions about what the insurer would or wouldn’t cover.

They repaired parts that should have been replaced, skipped structural measurements, missed critical damage, and ignored required safety procedures. As a result, the ADAS sensors were misaligned and multiple safety systems went unverified. But that’s just the start… Now the owner is facing serious coverage issues, and has incurred significant out of pocket expenses, not to mention time that the family will never get back.

A completely avoidable mess—caused by poor decisions and lack of accountability.

Non-Drive Status Isn’t About Inflating a Claim

Some insurers may suggest that shops classify vehicles as non-drivable just to extend rental benefits or inflate repair costs.

Let’s be clear: Declaring a vehicle non-drivable is about protecting lives and honoring policyholder indemnity. If critical inspections haven’t been done or safety systems remain unverified, that vehicle does not belong on the road.

Non-drive status isn’t an exaggeration. It’s compliance with manufacturer standards, and often, the law.

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How Collision Claims Advisors Supports Both Shops and Vehicle Owners

At Collision Claims Advisors, we bridge the gap between proper repair, policy language, and consumer protection.

For Repair Facilities:
We offer consultative services to improve throughput, reduce insurer friction, ensure compliance with OEM standards, and serve as a trusted resource for:

• Post-repair inspections

• Right to Appraisal (RTA) support

• Diminished value evaluations

• Total loss appraisals

For Vehicle Owners:
We help you make informed decisions about how and where your car is repaired. If something doesn’t feel right, or you’re being pushed to drive a car you’re unsure about, we’ll help assess and document the situation so nothing is missed or misrepresented.

Whether you’re fixing the car or trying to get it fixed, we make sure it’s done right—and documented right.

Final Thoughts: From Misconception to Protection

The word “drivable” seems harmless. But it can cost you thousands—and worse, put lives at risk.

Ask the right questions. Demand the right documentation. Don’t let anyone put your car back on the road until it’s truly safe to be there.

Quick Reference: Collision Safety Checklist

Before accepting that your vehicle is drivable:

✅ Pre- and post-repair scans are complete
✅ OEM procedures have been reviewed and followed
✅ Structural alignment has been inspected
✅ Restraint systems (seatbelts, airbags) have been verified
✅ ADAS recalibration has been performed and documented
✅ You have supporting documentation on file

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Coming Up Next…

Think You’re Covered? The Collision Repair Myth That Could Cost You
Many drivers assume their insurance policy guarantees quality repairs. But the truth might cost more than you think. Our next article dives into the myth that "coverage equals protection"—and how to protect your investment. 

How to File a Diminished Value Claim: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you've recently been in an accident that wasn’t your fault and had your vehicle repaired, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss in market value—known as diminished value. A common question we hear is: "How do I file a diminished value claim?" or "What do I need to do to file a diminished value claim?" This blog post will walk you through the process so you can confidently pursue the compensation you deserve.

Step 1: Understand What Diminished Value Means

Diminished value refers to the reduction in your vehicle’s market value after it's been involved in an accident, even after quality repairs have been completed. Even if your vehicle looks and drives like new, a reported accident can impact its resale or trade-in value.

There are three types of diminished value:

• Inherent Diminished Value: The most common type. This occurs simply because the vehicle now has an accident history.

• Repair-Related Diminished Value: Arises from substandard or incomplete repairs.

• Immediate Diminished Value: The loss in value immediately after the accident, before repairs are made.

For more information, click here:

Step 2: Determine If You’re Eligible

To successfully file a diminished value claim, the following should generally apply:

• You were not at fault in the accident.

• Your vehicle has been fully repaired and the damage exceeded $1,000.

• Your vehicle is not leased (you must be the registered owner).

• The vehicle is typically less than 5 years old.

• The claim is being made within the statute of limitations. For example in your state (in Arizona, it’s 2 years).

Step 3: Gather Documentation

To build a strong claim, collect the following:

• A certified diminished value appraisal (from a licensed IACP appraiser like us)

• A copy of the repair estimate and final invoice

• Photos of the damage (before and after repairs),

• A CARFAX or vehicle history report showing the accident

• Documentation of recent vehicle maintenance or upgrades

Step 4: Submit Your Claim

Contact the at-fault party’s insurance company (or your own if available under uninsured motorist coverage). Ask how to submit a diminished value claim and provide:

• A written demand including the appraised diminished value amount

• Supporting documents

• Your contact information and claim number

Some insurers have specific forms or departments that handle these claims, so be sure to ask.

Step 5: Be Ready to Negotiate

Most insurance companies will push back or make a lowball offer. This is common. Stick to the facts, use your certified appraisal as leverage, and be persistent. You may need to:

• Request a supervisor review

• Provide additional documentation

• Reiterate your legal right to recover diminished value under tort law

Step 6: Consider Escalation If Necessary

If the insurance company refuses to pay a fair amount:

• Request written explanation of denial

• File a complaint with your state’s Department of Insurance

• Consider invoking your right to appraisal if it’s a first-party claim

• Consult legal counsel if you plan to file in small claims court

Final Thoughts

Filing a diminished value claim doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Collision Claims Advisors, we specialize in helping consumers like you navigate the process from start to finish—with certified reports, demand letters, and expert guidance that gives you the confidence to push back and claim what you’re owed.

Need help? Request a consultation today or start your certified appraisal online.

The Truth About Collision Repairs and Insurance Company Involvement

The Truth About Collision Repairs and Insurance Company Involvement

When you take your vehicle to a well-known and highly-rated body shop after an accident, it’s only natural to expect that the repairs will be handled by experts who will restore your car to its original condition. Unfortunately, from my experience, the reality is far more complex and often disappointing. While a shop’s reputation may give you some confidence, the tangled web between collision repair facilities and insurance companies can leave you with a vehicle that looks good on the surface but is far from safe. Let me explain why this happens and what you can do to protect yourself.

The Influence of Insurance Companies on Repair Quality

Many people assume that taking their vehicle to a reputable body shop guarantees expert repairs. While that should be the case, the real issue often lies in the relationship between the repair facility, the insurance company, and you—the consumer. Most of us rely on our insurance policies to cover collision repairs, while assuming that the shop will follow best practices. However, many repair facilities are not equipped to deal with the complexities of insurance policies, leaving you at a disadvantage.

In my years in the industry, I’ve seen how insurance companies frequently intervene in the repair process, aiming to reduce costs. They often pressure repair facilities to use cheaper, non-OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts or alternative repair methods that deviate from the manufacturer’s guidelines. While this approach may benefit the insurance company’s bottom line, it often results in a vehicle that may look fine but could be unsafe in future accidents.

The Financial Loophole: When Repairs Don’t Reflect the True Cost

An insurance policy is designed to indemnify you for a financial loss. While the physical damage to your car happens at the time of the accident, the financial loss isn’t realized until the repair facility invoices the work. Consequently, if the insurance company influences the shop to ignore your manufacturer’s repair guidelines and requirements or otherwise cut corners, use alternative parts like aftermarket or used parts, ultimately never being billed for what should have been done, hence because it was not done, you haven’t incurred the full financial loss that your policy should have covered. This loophole allows insurance companies to save money at your expense, often leaving you with an unsafe vehicle, while passing liability onto the collision center if something catastrophic were to happen in the event of a subsequent accident.

One historic example of this was the John Eagle Collision Center vs. Tracy Morgan: In this high-profile case, the shop repaired a Honda Fit using adhesive instead of welding as specified by the manufacturer, resulting in severe injuries to the occupants during a subsequent collision. The jury awarded the plaintiffs $42M, emphasizing the importance of adhering to OEM guidelines and the dangers of cutting corners to save costs. The judge is on record stating that when John Eagle made the decision not to follow the OEM guidelines- that was a business decision, thus holding them liable for the injuries sustained in the subsequent accident.

The Risks of Direct Repair Programs (DRP)

Insurance companies also control costs through the use of Direct Repair Programs (DRP), Preferred Partners, or Network Shops. These programs may seem convenient for consumers, but they often prioritize cost-cutting over repair quality in exchange for a steady stream of referral work. DRP shops, operating on tighter margins, may cut corners—such as not completing all manufacturer-required repairs or using inferior parts—to meet the insurance company’s demands. While this reduces costs for insurers, it can compromise the safety and durability of your vehicle. Make no mistake, shops working under this model are working to serve the hand that feeds them, and not working in the best interest of the consumer.  As such, I have seen DRP contracts that have explicit verbiage limiting a repair facility ability to properly inform the consumer of their rights, effectively cuffing their hands in trade from referral work.

Non-DRP shops are typically more inclined to follow the manufacture’s guidelines, though this isn't always guaranteed. When genuinely advocating for the consumer, these shops often find themselves at odds with the insurance company. The insurer might label the shop as difficult, while the shop—feeling the pressure—may falsely imply that they are constrained by what the insurance company authorizes. This happens because repair facilities, although well-intentioned, are often not experts in policy law and aim to avoid upsetting you, the customer. Unfortunately, this well-meaning approach can backfire, leading to delays, substandard repairs, additional financial burdens, and, ultimately, a vehicle that may be unsafe to drive because the manufacture’s guidelines were not properly followed. The reality is, only you can authorize the repair work, including the choice of parts.

The Importance of OEM Parts and Understanding Your Policy

Not all insurance policies are created equal, and many may not cover the full cost of OEM parts or other expenditures relating to the loss. It’s crucial to research and select a policy that does. That being said, most repair centers won’t ask for a copy of your policy and may default to the cheapest, easiest option as they have been “conditioned” by the insurance company’s typical pressures. However, it is important to understand that you have the right to insist on OEM parts, even if it means coming out of pocket for the difference. This ensures that your vehicle is repaired according to the manufacturer’s standards, preserving its safety and value.

In the class action lawsuit, State Farm vs. Avery, the lawsuit revolved around State Farm’s use of non-OEM parts in vehicle repairs. The case highlighted the risks associated with using substandard parts and the insurance company’s role in influencing repair decisions. The Illinois Supreme Court initially awarded the plaintiffs $1.18 billion, although the decision was later overturned. Nonetheless, it underscores the legal complexities surrounding insurance company practices, repair standards, and part selections.

A Real-Life Example: The Human Cost of Insurance Company Interference

To illustrate the human side of this issue, let me share a story. I once had a client—a grown man, who worked in construction—who sat in my office with tears streaming down his face. He needed his truck to get to work, which contained his tools, and couldn’t afford to lose his job. The insurance company had made the process so difficult for the non-DRP, dealership collision center handling his repairs, that the work had been delayed for weeks. He was stuck between a rock and a hard place, and the emotional toll was evident. He was desperate for a solution. Often times this leads to consumers making decision out of pure survival needs, creating additional challenges.   

This is just one example of how the relationship between insurance companies and repair shops can lead to unnecessary stress and hardship for consumers. It underscores the importance of understanding your rights and choosing a repair facility that adheres to OEM guidelines.

Conclusion

The process of repairing a vehicle after an accident is far more complex than it may seem. Insurance companies often prioritize cutting costs over ensuring quality repairs, leaving consumers with vehicles that may not perform as expected in future accidents. Understanding your rights, choosing a repair facility that follows OEM guidelines, and being aware of the potential pitfalls of insurance company involvement are crucial steps in protecting yourself and ensuring that your vehicle is repaired to the highest standard.

In summary, while it’s reasonable to expect expert repairs from a well-known collision repair facility, the reality is that insurance company involvement can significantly compromise the quality and safety of those repairs. By understanding the dynamics between repair shops and insurers, and by taking control of the repair authorization process, you can better protect yourself and ensure that your vehicle is repaired correctly and safely.

Understanding Diminished Value: How Appraisals Define Loss and Protect Your Financial Position

When your vehicle is involved in an accident, even after it has been meticulously repaired, its market value may not be the same as it was before the incident. This reduction in value is known as "diminished value," and it can have a significant impact on your financial position. In this article, we will explore the concept of diminished value, how it affects you as a vehicle owner, and the crucial role that appraisals play in defining that loss. Drawing from my career experience, I’ll also highlight relevant case law and real-world examples where appraisals made a substantial difference in claim outcomes.

Understanding Diminished Value

Diminished value refers to the reduction in a vehicle’s market value after it has been damaged in an accident and subsequently repaired. Even when repairs restore the car to pre-accident condition, potential buyers may view a vehicle with a damage history as less desirable, resulting in a lower resale or trade-in value. In my experience, many vehicle owners don’t realize the impact of diminished value until they try to sell or trade their vehicle and discover it’s worth far less than expected.

The Role of Appraisals in Diminished Value Claims

A professional appraisal is one of the most important tools for protecting your financial position after an accident. While an appraisal doesn't necessarily protect the car's market value, it serves to define the loss in value that results from the accident. This clear, objective assessment is critical when filing a diminished value claim with your insurance company.

From my perspective, an appraisal provides the evidence needed to substantiate your claim, showing precisely how much value your vehicle has lost. Without a solid appraisal, insurance companies may attempt to downplay or deny diminished value claims altogether.

For example, in State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. v. Mabry (2001), the Georgia Supreme Court ruled that State Farm must pay for diminished value claims, even if a vehicle was repaired to pre-accident condition. The court recognized that a vehicle's value could still decrease due to its accident history, which must be compensated. Read more about the Mabry case.

Another example is the Jacques v. Allstate case, where the plaintiff successfully used an appraisal to demonstrate the loss in value after an accident. This appraisal was key to obtaining a significant settlement, highlighting the importance of accurate documentation in these claims. See details of the Jacques v. Allstate case.

How Appraisals Support Financial Compensation

Throughout my career, I’ve seen numerous cases where a well-supported appraisal was essential for securing fair compensation. In one particular case, a client’s vehicle was in a serious accident, and while the repairs appeared flawless, the car’s value had dropped significantly. With a thorough appraisal, we were able to clearly define the diminished value, which led to a successful claim and a settlement that properly indemnified the client.

An appraisal involves more than just evaluating the damage; it requires a deep understanding of market trends, vehicle history, and repair quality. That’s why I always recommend that vehicle owners obtain a professional appraisal after an accident, especially if they plan to file a diminished value claim. It’s not only about knowing the value but also about ensuring that you’re fully compensated for your financial loss.

Conclusion: Protecting Your Financial Position

In conclusion, while an appraisal may not restore your vehicle’s original market value, it is a vital tool in defining the loss and ensuring you are fairly compensated for it. Diminished value is a real concern for vehicle owners, but with the right approach and proper documentation, you can protect your financial position. As demonstrated in cases like Mabry and Jacques, being proactive and informed can make all the difference when dealing with insurance companies. Check out this guide on how to prepare for a diminished value claim.

In my view, understanding and addressing diminished value is not just about getting what you’re owed—it’s about ensuring you don’t suffer additional financial loss after an accident. By taking the right steps, you can safeguard your investment and move forward confidently.