[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6575293,"mediaKeyId","3119557-b5f2267f60e8bc4c753b85ec3aa667b6","parentId",3119557,"title","BAR case study: collision repair, storage fees and disputed totals underscore need for clearer documentation","audioSeconds",135,"startMs",7192000,"endMs",7327000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3119557-b5f2267f60e8bc4c753b85ec3aa667b6&start=7192&end=7327","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3119557-b5f2267f60e8bc4c753b85ec3aa667b6/thumbnail_7192000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6575293/California/BAR-case-study-collision-repair-storage-fees-and-disputed-totals-underscore-need-for-clearer-documentation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6575293-caaca01e015171d4c34fb88fd0f16f7c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770455045&Signature=X68EznC4Mw~~RD75dFWbAXw18NTjq-F~8z2ak4rNjIcW7KjcqX1Bf3Uy0HKjRWdIVBEaPdsDngTqjw3E9ypJzG6Xzv7gYtVGL3a3s3LbEX6KYaGC6QpLmfoPLXAI7v6rdk9OyEnqbBapB0wj2qKyHBO1mnqMaDZxFwmwZh2FlFG1PpzmDaJVQpthEsaN-PvofR1uvDbv7kWYGyyfpWlSyn0yHA1ZqVWz-lroCpsGIx4L3GZoCcVIHlpMeo4EPp1gSa9004MmenpHJuMDGctCcIwbo6-DHO0PAfTuxXk7A1mrw9Ih8UDNeGc7dhyEkSRAbuLB-k~g~oB1GaWxeuBdkg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Respiratory Care Board of California","date","2025-04-25T02:21:17.123Z","article","The Bureau of Automotive Repair presented a complaint case study illustrating how post‑collision repair and storage disputes develop when repair intentions are unclear and documentation is incomplete.

Deputy Chief Bill Thomas reviewed a transaction in which a vehicle arrived at an automotive repair dealer on Dec. 27 and, according to the repair facility’s records, staff quickly concluded the vehicle was unlikely to be economical to repair. The facility informed the insurer within days that the vehicle was a total loss; the insurer assigned an adjuster and later confirmed a total‑loss determination. The repair shop’s January repair order, however, itemized pre‑scan diagnostics, a collision inspection, headrest and steering‑column checks, seat belt inspections, storage for specified date ranges, a lien charge and tax—bringing the shop’s presented total to $5,419.38.

The insurer reviewed the charge package and approved a much smaller total—$1,612.50—reducing diagnostic time, disallowing labor tied to collision inspection and related items (claiming no evidence of repairs), reducing storage to a smaller number of days at $100 per day, and eliminating the lien and tax charges because documentation for some items was not provided.

Why it matters: BAR told the advisory group this is the second similar referral it has investigated recently and used the case to illustrate where documentation and early communication could reduce disputes. BAR staff said an ARD that completes a documented estimate and obtains authorization before doing work or turning a matter into a repair transaction is in a stronger position to justify repair charges. Conversely, if the ARD knows early on that repairs are uneconomical, treating the matter as a storage‑only transaction and communicating that to the registered owner and insurer reduces later disputes over storage allowances and lien charges.

BAR flagged several legal and regulatory considerations: the bureau said knowingly entering a repair transaction for a vehicle that is not economically feasible to repair may raise fraud concerns under Business and Professions Code Section 9884.7(e) (allegations that material facts were withheld), and the storage regulations under development seek to define comparable market storage rates, require itemized invoices and specify circumstances for charging storage. BAR staff urged shops to provide consumers with a written estimate or a documented inspection report when transforming an intake into a repair estimate, and to notify owners promptly if the facility will begin charging storage because the vehicle will not be repaired.

Ending: BAR reiterated that the bureau acts as a neutral fact‑finder in complaints, encouraged ARDs to document diagnostic findings and estimated repair costs in writing, and asked advisory members to review the draft storage rules and other regulatory clarifications BAR is preparing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Bureau of Automotive Repair- Advisory Group Meeting- April 24, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","BAR presented a complaint case study in which an ARD and an insurer disputed storage and repair charges after a collision; the bureau highlighted points of contention and said forthcoming storage regulations aim to clarify market‑rate storage, disclosure and tear‑down documentation.","taxTitle","Respiratory Care Board of California, Boards and Commissions, Executive, California","taxId",76751,"location","California","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6575297,"BAR rolls out online educational‑certification and business change workflows",952,7728000,8680000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3119557-b5f2267f60e8bc4c753b85ec3aa667b6&start=7728&end=8680","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3119557-b5f2267f60e8bc4c753b85ec3aa667b6/thumbnail_7728000.jpg","/articles/6575297/California/BAR-rolls-out-online-educationalcertification-and-business-change-workflows","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6575297-0920ff40aa51a657f547282ad8840718/orig.mp4?Expires=1770455045&Signature=l4GrA1SaBueCm24O-4o3rp9rnoCNYQjDJsj3RWGs5PKbS2mzg23DVdtperrCgl~XBrFHPiwwRKYqdf28xj4az~JlwQGrQ5nG5JcKuidNrcwaNC3EvrEOHAtcfq8DPs0vMOdzUePI6M9Zuxe1cctGl5ukkvy6J3fJIsZVlGuKvCGHJy9VjgrcBY5PYtJls2edsxE0NoT3WWtPojRw0EFDDBdhLjTq7jCrjmVcuUrOqeHzskzXQREvhmwFg0WUjdwnG2BNHkskHOGLeuRHHpQ3tBh7yudNxif8aTZmWinZAkUfEyYJu7siFsa-v1ooqDcj5mguwUYPeGl1dVeytANEUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bureau of Automotive Repair demonstrated new online features in its SimplyGov/ELM licensing platform that let automotive repair dealers (ARDs) submit educational certifications and request business or controlling‑individual changes electronically.

Licensing manager Cole Gandalman and analyst Rebecca Guile showed the new educational‑certificate workflow that validates an ARD’s submitted certificates (ASE, OEM, ICAR, BAR‑accepted training or post‑secondary diplomas) and publishes approved badges on the bureau’s Auto Shop Locator. The Ed‑cert workflow uses front‑end validation and publishes approved items to the public profile once licensing staff approve the upload.

Why it matters: dealers can now add training badges and keep business contact, address and authorized‑individual records current online. The change‑of‑business and controlling‑individual workflows prefill bureau information, support Google address lookup, allow uploading of required SOS or educational documents, and produce a signed, auditable form upon submission; BAR staff said typical processing goals are three to five business days.

BAR staff said they will continue to accept support requests by email (barlicensing@dca.ca.gov) and that the licensing team is assisting earlier uploads generated before the workflow was live. Vendors and advisory members asked for clearer public listings of what constitutes “BAR‑accepted training” and for short “how‑to” video snippets to help shops unfamiliar with online forms. BAR agreed to publish guidance and ensure the accepted‑training list is accessible on its website.

Ending: BAR staff said they plan to integrate online renewals into the SimplyGov platform in the coming months, and encouraged industry associations to help distribute guidance to shops that prefer paper filings.","BAR demonstrated new SimplyGov online workflows allowing automotive repair dealers to upload educational certifications and submit business or controlling‑individual change requests; staff said email support and outreach are available for shops.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6575302,"BAR explains roadside emissions survey process, confidentiality and uses of data",397,5205000,5602000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3119557-b5f2267f60e8bc4c753b85ec3aa667b6&start=5205&end=5602","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3119557-b5f2267f60e8bc4c753b85ec3aa667b6/thumbnail_5205000.jpg","/articles/6575302/California/BAR-explains-roadside-emissions-survey-process-confidentiality-and-uses-of-data","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6575302-c3be2978c04fa5a1230d27d4508697d1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770455045&Signature=KOmfV~pGn2iMIb-0nIRhWS5Rr24bV~RWocge-0hrNEnqkIJrqXxG34dbh-irn0NWC0nRz~32E6FXXCVnG4hXJu~lNpHBMpOqjKAOa90siQdAMOXqvNToY4z5TAOGnXr3pjIY3BzZ9koYmMw~nkQJ62Q3o2-md7Ekh1epZTvlBFLS5D9bDkosN-MsOO5MChHijEj0lL6EUC5~0zd3bhvY5914iWDvx~OLE5Dyr5nPUgLa5yowBQps3NKIqKjQ0yhvOqPorNtSnTx2ugFguSUHQDxSHw5R3guHqTD1Sx2Sex9qRqEWX-yR~-rpBSStpyCXMlGzmr3Z2Q~4fkLb-xeX0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","BAR auditors described the bureau’s roadside emissions survey program and how the bureau collects voluntary OIS data with California Highway Patrol assistance to evaluate smog‑check performance.

Gary Goodwin of BAR’s Audits and Inspection Branch explained survey operations to the advisory group: teams of two to four BAR representatives and a CHP officer perform short OIS tests at selected sites across the Central Valley, Bay Area, Greater Los Angeles, Inland Empire and San Diego. The bureau emphasized participation is voluntary and said it does not collect personal identifying information for public release; VINs and other potentially identifying fields are handled carefully and redacted from public datasets unless a researcher has explicit authorization.

Why it matters: the survey is BAR’s legislatively mandated tool to assess smog‑check effectiveness and support the Smog Check Performance Report and related U.S. EPA reporting. Survey results help BAR and its engineering branch analyze program performance, including differences between roadside OIS results and shop inspections and whether readiness monitors or pre‑inspection repairs affect outcomes.

Process and consumer experience: BAR staff greet motorists, explain the survey, pull OIS data (no BAR‑97 roadside testing), and provide a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) to participants; there is no pass/fail certificate issued and no enforcement action tied to the roadside data. Staff said roadside testing reduces time on site and that attendees receive notifications about safety recalls or obvious safety issues if found. Refusal rates varied (staff estimated 30–40% after discontinuing ASM tests) and BAR uses statistical analysis to check for bias between vehicles that participate and those that refuse.

Ending: BAR said it conducts roughly 10,000 roadside surveys annually and coordinates site permitting and traffic control with local jurisdictions in advance; the bureau invited members to ask questions about methods and to request aggregate data for research or planning.","BAR described its roadside emissions survey program, which collects voluntary OIS data with CHP assistance to evaluate program performance and support state reports required by federal and state law.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6575307,"BAR explores contracted testing network to support pre‑OBD vehicles",483,2757000,3240000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3119557-b5f2267f60e8bc4c753b85ec3aa667b6&start=2757&end=3240","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3119557-b5f2267f60e8bc4c753b85ec3aa667b6/thumbnail_2757000.jpg","/articles/6575307/California/BAR-explores-contracted-testing-network-to-support-preOBD-vehicles","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6575307-c71a85e3bac61ec0eb3bebafa8dd13cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770455045&Signature=hWovJcw~yhEyxlyM1gDqR-Qfmk2PoO~c3RR3GSdL0VqyJAjykc4B9lJTplj4e0Jy8vOG3en3bKPpjrGwTzAip13ibv0tJF2qKyPoBznaSy2hRluCXwyt1OnU9DbLhxLyY1OYG0GrwXkFe9skaYZFjh~sfBM8z5u9SeHPALtrKCsSR-xt9m4rbxe6EK~YZ0ws0br2vIEoXJgkVxzXa9IjxWx6npvjioHHXdqvtq3-oHDOyZUw5-sCpDfr4abbu~4~zv-sSnk741iHAGZM0Nhpyqw~WgMIdXlEmkFaT4NE576G6lPa-G2pDGHDYpMcV7jngwAXlvouH1A1u0DA2UGU2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bureau of Automotive Repair presented a data‑driven review on a potential contracted testing network to continue emissions testing for pre‑OBD (model‑year 1976–1995) vehicles, citing concerns about station capacity and the shrinking testing market.

Deputy Chief Clay Leek walked advisory members through telephone and survey data, vendor discussions and BAR‑97 test volumes to assess whether a competitively bid contractor could coordinate testing for older vehicles and subcontract with licensed smog stations. BAR said the contracted network concept stems from authority granted in AB 1263 (the bureau’s sunset bill) and would be competitively procured and could include subcontracted licensed smoke‑check stations.

Nut graf: BAR said the pre‑OBD population, while numerically smaller than newer vehicles, still contributes to overall emissions and that moving 1996–1999 model‑year vehicles to the BAR OIS (on‑board diagnostics) system without an alternative for older cars could exacerbate access problems for vehicle owners seeking BAR‑97 inspections.

The bureau reported telephone survey results that showed median OIS price at about $60 and median BAR‑97 price at about $95, with limited geographic variance. An email survey to STAR and non‑STAR stations returned a majority willing to continue BAR‑97 testing (56% of STAR respondents) and a majority willing to join a contracted network as subcontractors (65% of STAR respondents; 59% of non‑STAR respondents). Equipment suppliers (BAR‑97 vendors) told BAR they planned to continue support and field service; vendors reported current equipment‑as‑a‑service lease pricing in the roughly $500–$700/month range depending on vendor and options.

BAR also presented station test‑volume data showing many licensed stations conduct fewer than one BAR‑97 test per day; staff said that distribution leaves many stations incurring equipment costs while performing little testing. Staff proposed that a prime contractor could guarantee coverage, control consumer price exposure and allow smaller stations to participate as subcontractors without retaining rarely used BAR‑97 gear.

On policy interactions, BAR said pending legislation (SB 712, SB 1368) could change the population of vehicles that require testing, and that the bureau will tailor decisions as needed. BAR recommended further outreach including a Request for Information (RFI) to prospective bidders to refine costs and service models, and asked the advisory group for input on additional metrics to evaluate.

Ending: BAR said implementation would take years, not months, and sought stakeholder feedback on design options, pricing controls and how DMV/registration notices might direct motorists to the contracted network if adopted.","The bureau presented data on a proposed contracted BAR‑97 testing network for model‑year 1976–1995 vehicles and discussed impacts if 1996–1999 vehicles are shifted to OIS testing.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6575312,"BAR staff outline legislation and six regulation packages under review",726,1315000,2041000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3119557-b5f2267f60e8bc4c753b85ec3aa667b6&start=1315&end=2041","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3119557-b5f2267f60e8bc4c753b85ec3aa667b6/thumbnail_1315000.jpg","/articles/6575312/California/BAR-staff-outline-legislation-and-six-regulation-packages-under-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6575312-e4d555cd72c65166cfb452599dd06135/orig.mp4?Expires=1770455045&Signature=LX-2NR8Zp~CYbHiDM0HVO6dwdRlnI--xBHl7tTEDMWxWTEXt4X9dfq8RYo7VrZq5SUlOpoq-CeZAzlzL~GllMr4DrqaqCTdXzdVTi1ngSR4Yi5Ps2Rn6YglWJZ3O1lyJz32PeTZtC5xnz87Y3cY~xk3smJRQQOZpgoMl4vOKwwYjR~KDOT35Ar~d5PfWpmgA1XT2wGETT2g7Z7R5oha-A7a3T09njNQBBsp-8-LXt2muYl0G0RF2VcljPTkhhV8UijX84vs1S2RAcZ3r3k~cBO~5~IeP7gKohaTnd5WZtaXlqv4GpK4R2tHHFEdNoYy18GnO1z7ly9Ue4N96V-woWg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bureau of Automotive Repair on Tuesday briefed its advisory group on state legislation and six regulation packages the bureau is tracking and preparing, saying some items could reach rulemaking this summer.

BAR Chief Patrick Dorey and Executive Office staff Holly Helsing and Kayla Shelton led the update, laying out key bill numbers and rulemaking timelines and asking the advisory group for feedback before packages enter a formal 45‑day public comment period. The bureau highlighted AB 1263 (sunset law that granted BAR authorities), AB 987, SB 712, SB 1368 and SB 861 among measures it is following and said staff will usually take a formal position on bills later in the process, typically when they reach the governor’s desk.

Why it matters: the bureau’s regulatory work implements statutory direction and affects shop compliance and inspections. Several of the regulation packages would change inspection or documentation obligations for repair shops and could alter how consumers and insurers handle post‑collision and towing/storage situations.

Most immediately, BAR staff outlined six regulation packages it is advancing or preparing to file: (1) an omnibus cleanup and terminology updates already adopted and effective April 1; (2) a tear‑down disclosure package to standardize estimates and documentation (including third‑party payer itemization) that has finished modified‑text review and is pending Office of Administrative Law (OAL) review; (3) smog‑check readiness monitor limits intended to tighten OBD readiness criteria for model‑year 1996 and newer gasoline vehicles and 1998 and newer diesel vehicles; (4) a storage‑fees package to consolidate rules governing towing and storage fees, require itemized invoices and create a website search tool showing average and median local daily storage rates; (5) a mobile and referral ARD package clarifying the definition and geographic radius for mobile repairs and defining when referral/payment arrangements create an ARD; and (6) a technical cleanup to cross‑reference the Business and Professions Code after the bureau adopted vehicle safety systems inspection rules.

On timing, staff said some packages (tear‑down disclosure, technical cleanup) are already with OAL and could be effective later in the year depending on OAL review; they estimated the public comment period for the storage/towing package could begin in late June. Staff emphasized they sometimes provide technical assistance to bill authors or committees earlier in the process but generally do not take a formal position until later.

Advisory group members asked about how public comments are handled (responses are compiled in the final statement of reasons for OAL review) and urged BAR to produce plain‑language guidance for shops implementing tear‑down and storage documentation. BAR staff said outreach materials and clearer templates are under consideration.

The bureau solicited additional stakeholder feedback for the listed packages before filing with OAL and reminded attendees the rulemaking record (comments and responses) will be part of the public file when finalized.

Less critical details: staff reminded members that legislative deadlines fall in June and September and that bills must be signed or vetoed by Oct. 12. BAR staff also noted the adopted omnibus and technical cleanup regulations became effective April 1.","Bureau of Automotive Repair staff updated advisory members on bills the bureau is tracking and six regulation packages in development, including storage-fee rules and tear-down disclosure for collision repairs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

BAR case study: collision repair, storage fees and disputed totals underscore need for clearer documentation

BAR rolls out online educational‑certification and business change workflows

BAR explains roadside emissions survey process, confidentiality and uses of data

BAR explores contracted testing network to support pre‑OBD vehicles

BAR staff outline legislation and six regulation packages under review