Impact of the Collision Repair Division
The ARA Collision Repair Division is dedicated to supporting and advancing B.C.’s collision repair industry. We work to ensure fair labor rates, access to OEM repair procedures, and investment in skilled trades to keep businesses competitive and profitable. As the industry evolves with new vehicle technologies, we provide advocacy, training, and resources to help repairers stay ahead.
INDUSTRY PARTNER
DRIVING PROGRESS: ARA's IMPACT ON COLLISION REPAIR
Empowering skill development.
Teaming with industry frontrunners such as Axalta, the ARA has hosted two estimating workshops aimed at refining skills in crucial areas. We’ve also partnered with Estimate Scrubber to offer members of its Collision Repair division a new specialized tool to help ensure fair compensation for collision repair services.
Labour rate increases.
The ARA shared labour information with the government to support and advance the collision repair industry, resulting in a combined 19% increase over three years.
As part of a 3%-3%-3% deal announced in 2022, the collision repair industry received an additional rate increase of 3% on July 1, 2023. Also in 2023, collision centres in BC received 6.6% labour-rate increase and 3.4% increase in billable fees.
ARA Estimate Scrubber.
ARA EstimateScrubber supports estimators by thoroughly reviewing estimates to help companies bill for what they are entitled to while highlighting any potential misses and overlooked items.
DETAILS:
Software checks your estimate against ICBC rules and identifies potential oversights in line with ICBC guidelines.
Software assists with training novice estimators by helping them grasp complex rules without continuous senior oversight.
Experience EstimateScrubber firsthand with a two-week free trial with no obligations.
AUTO CAREERS BC
Investing in the future of our workforce.
The ARA is committed to supporting the province’s future workforce and developing the automotive service industry. Initiatives such as AutoCareersBC and the Pedal Car Challenge are aimed at engaging and fostering the next generation of automotive professionals.
$164,945 RAISED
The ARA has worked to fundraise for scholarships and bursaries to support individuals who aspire to work in the automotive trades, including collision repair.
In 2015, the ARA established the Automotive Retailers Foundation Inc. (ARFI) as a registered charitable foundation with the goal of advancing education and relieving poverty in Canada – particularly within the automotive trades sector.
EVfriendly training program.
New and Improved
The ARA is excited to announce the expansion of our EVfriendly training program, which demonstrates our industry’s commitment to embracing the growing trend of electric vehicles.
The ARA supports collision and autoglass repair operators in adapting to industry changes, particularly with the rise of electric vehicles.
Our EVfriendly program provides the training and resources needed to handle challenges safely, while advocating for policies that ensure a sustainable future for the industry.
ARA member benefits.
Over 1,000 active ARA business members.
ARA is the largest trade association of its kind in Canada.
70+ years representing the automotive industry in BC.
3,000+ active ARA Group Benefits Plan members.
The Automotive Retailers Association (ARA) is the largest trade association representing the automotive industry in British Columbia. Our primary focus is on addressing the key issues and needs of our industry so that our members can concentrate on the success and growth of their businesses. With over 1,000 business members throughout the province, the ARA plays a vital role in representing the automotive sector within BC.
The ARA represents the automotive service industry in British Columbia by working with the government and stakeholders in ways that help entrepreneurs grow.
- The ARA Group Benefits Plan has covered members for decades. This places it among the longest running and most stable association plans in Canada.
- The plan insures thousands of employees in all divisions of the ARA as well as associated members across Western Canada.
- By participating in the plan, members are leveraging their investment and reaping the rewards of having a strong voice for the automotive industry through the ARA.
- Investing in employee benefits enhances job satisfaction and provides security for employees and their families while also sending a clear message to employees that they are valued members of your organization.
The ARA’s training website provides unique online courses. The ARA also works with external educators to provide the training necessary for businesses to remain viable in today’s automotive service industry.
The ARA’s buying power gives members special pricing on a wide range of products and services offered by our supplier partners. When you join the ARA, you become a member of our buyers’ group, which provides the opportunity to save money on things like our employee benefits program, business and home insurance, group RRSP plan, credit card processing, office supplies, uniforms, coveralls and work wear, collection services, and much more.
The ARA is a hub, connecting you with peers, experts, government, training providers, associations, and suppliers through networking event such as meetings, conferences, training sessions, and social gatherings.
The products and services that the ARA provides to members at special rates include license and lien searches, lien registrations, ICBC damage checks, CarProof, collections, forms, signs, decals, and more.
Contact your Collision Repair Division advisor today.
David Ribeiro
Senior Industry Relations Advisor
- 604-842-7987
- crd@ara.bc.ca
- 1-8980 Fraserwood Court, Burnaby, BC
“On behalf of the Automotive Retailers Association, I would like to extend a warm invitation to you and your company to become a part of our dynamic network of professionals committed to advancing the collision and autoglass repair industry in British Columbia.
For over 70 years, the Automotive Retailers Association has been a cornerstone of support for the collision industry in British Columbia, offering steadfast representation and advocacy. The ARA is dedicated to providing the opportunities and the support necessary for your business growth and prosperity.”