Jill Tuggle, ABAT executive directorAfter a year defined by major legislative progress, shifting insurer dynamics, and a rapidly evolving repair landscape, the Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT) is closing out 2025 with a renewed call for unity, advocacy, and hands-on education. Executive Director Jill Tuggle said the association is entering 2026 with one clear message for repairers: Now is the time to stand firm for proper reimbursement and invest in strong technical foundations.
A landmark legislative win — and its ripple effects
Much of 2025’s momentum can be traced back to one of the association’s biggest achievements in recent history: Texas’ passage of the Right to Appraisal bill. ABAT spent years advocating for this consumer-protection measure, which ensures disputes over repair costs can be resolved through an independent appraisal process rather than dictated solely by insurers.
The bill’s passage was both a policy victory and a morale boost for repairers who had long felt sidelined in payment disputes. “The economy has impacted the industry in many ways,” Tuggle said. “Rolling over is not going to solve any problems. Whether you operate in a customer-pay model or rely heavily on insurance interactions, every shop needs to take a stand for proper reimbursement and what is right for the consumer.”
Throughout 2025, ABAT continued guiding how shops can use the new appraisal protections while strengthening their documentation and repair-planning processes. The association expects this win to shape negotiations and claims practices throughout 2026.
Prioritizing mentorship and workforce development
While legislative work remained essential, ABAT spent much of 2025 emphasizing a challenge that has no quick fix: the industry’s workforce shortage. Tuggle said mentorship must become a shared responsibility among all Texas repairers — large and small.
“We need a strong workforce now more than ever,” she noted. “It takes leaders to pave the way to safe repairs instead of taking shortcuts. Investing in younger technicians and helping other shops is not optional — it’s the only way forward.”
ABAT’s board, along with shop owners statewide, continued building partnerships with schools, technical programs, SkillsUSA chapters, and training partners to promote collision repair as a stable, tech-forward career path. The association also expanded member resources for onboarding apprentices, improving the training culture, and creating internal advancement pathways.
Training becomes the centerpiece of 2026 strategy
If 2025 was about strengthening advocacy and workforce efforts, 2026 will be about sharpening technical capability. ABAT is launching its most ambitious regional training schedule yet, with hands-on, certification-based programs rolling out in Dallas, Houston, and College Station early in the year.
“We are focusing on training that really makes a difference,” Tuggle said. “It’s time to dig in, focus on the basics, and finish strong.”
For Q1 2026, ABAT is partnering with Betag Innovation, Kaizen Glass Solutions, and other vendor trainers to deliver full-day programs emphasizing:
- - Advanced repair planning
- - Hands-on panel repair and refining skills
- - In-house glass repair and replacement
- - ADAS-related procedures
- - Quality control and efficiency fundamentals
These in-person courses reflect what shops have repeatedly asked for: training that moves beyond theory and helps technicians gain confidence with live tools, vehicles, and real-world workflows.
Where ABAT is steering members next
Looking ahead, Tuggle said Texas repairers need to focus on three priorities to stay competitive and compliant as the industry continues shifting:
1. Stand firm on proper reimbursement — use documentation, OEM procedures, and the Right to Appraisal when needed.
2. Mentor aggressively — support young technicians and help neighboring shops uphold repair quality.
3. Engage in hands-on training — equip teams to handle increasingly complex vehicles safely and successfully.
ABAT will continue advocating at the state level, expanding its education footprint, and strengthening collaboration with schools, vendors, and shop owners. As the association enters 2026, its goals remain rooted in the values that have shaped its growth: protecting consumers, elevating repair quality, and supporting every Texas shop striving to do the right thing.
Leona Scott