Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association

10/26/2026

10/23/2026

10/19/2026

Estimating Tip – CCCONE – Bumper Overhauls & Bonded Reflectors
While certain bumper overhaul operations may include the standard R&I/R&R labor for reflectors, this is strictly labor for installation only. Component removal, cleaning and retaping bonded reflectors for reuse is NOT an included operation.

Per MOTOR Guide to Estimating (GTE) guidelines and DEG Inquiry 42153 (https://na2.hubs.ly/H08jy9c0):

“Adhesive backing removal, surface clean-up, and adhesive replacement require an on-the-spot evaluation for additional labor.”

Per Estimate Work Time Premise (https://na2.hubs.ly/H08jy9d0)

“Material /consumable product costs” (cleaning solvents, adhesion promoters, double-sided tape) are separate, non-included costs.

Fitment Note: Exercise caution when reusing bonded reflectors. Standard aftermarket attachment tapes are often thicker or thinner than OEM spec, which can cause poor fitment or prevent the reflector from seating flush.

10/19/2026

10/13/2026

Estimating Tip – CCCONE – Refinish & Blend Operation “Wet Bed”

Certain refinish and blend procedures require the application of a "wet bed" (color blender/bedding agent) to achieve proper metallic and pearl orientation. Per recent Guide to Estimating (GTE) revisions, wet bed application is not included in standard refinish or blend labor times. All labor and materials associated with wet bed application would be ON THE SPOT evaluation.

10/12/2026

10/09/2026

🌀🚨 **HURRICANE ALERT: Preparation Matters—and Our Collision Repair Community Is Here to Help!**

As Hurricane Isias moves toward the Gulf Coast, communities across the Gulf Coast and Southeast are preparing for potentially dangerous flooding, heavy rainfall, and strong winds.

Our thoughts are with everyone in the storm's path, including the collision repair businesses, employees, and families who may be affected.

⚠️ **A few important reminders to stay safe:**

🚗 Move vehicles away from flood-prone areas whenever possible.

🏠 Follow local emergency guidance and evacuation orders.

🎒 Prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies, medications, and important documents.

⚡ Never attempt to drive a flood-damaged vehicle, and stay clear of downed power lines and dangerous debris.

❤️ **HELP IS AVAILABLE FOR COLLISION INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS!**

The **Collision Industry Foundation (CIF)** provides emergency assistance to individuals working throughout the collision repair industry who have been impacted by natural disasters and other catastrophic events.

Whether you're a technician, estimator, shop owner, or industry support professional, CIF may be able to help with qualifying personal losses and emergency needs.

👏 **A huge thank-you to CIF for being there when our industry needs it most!** Their commitment to supporting collision repair professionals and their families is a powerful reminder of what makes this industry special.

🤝 **Please share this information!** You never know who in our collision repair community may need assistance or know someone who does.

👉 Read the full article from Repairer Driven News for storm preparation tips and information on how to request assistance or support CIF:

https://www.repairerdrivennews.com/2026/10/09/hurricane-isias-moves-toward-gulf-coast-heres-how-to-prepare-and-collision-assistance-available/

**Stay safe, look out for one another, and remember—we're stronger together!** 💙

Hurricane Isias is expected to bring heavy rainfall to the central U.S. Gulf Coast and much of the Southeast Friday and into the weekend, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). NHC told…

10/08/2026

🚨 SCAM ALERT: WMABA MEMBERS & COLLISION REPAIR BUSINESSES — PLEASE BE AWARE! 🚨

We're seeing an alarming increase in sophisticated scam phone calls, fraudulent emails, and phishing attempts—and they're becoming harder than ever to recognize!

⚠️ Recent scams include:

📞 Calls claiming to be from American Express or Chase fraud departments that sound completely legitimate—even displaying the correct company name or phone number on caller ID.

📧 Emails impersonating WMABA executive officers and requesting donations for women's and veterans' organizations. These are NOT authorized WMABA fundraising efforts!

🎉 Fake party invitations sent from legitimate but compromised email accounts.

💰 Scammers impersonating insurers, parts vendors, or customers to obtain sensitive information or redirect payments.

REMEMBER: Just because a call or email looks legitimate doesn't mean it is!

🛑 Don't click suspicious links or open unexpected attachments.

🔐 Never provide passwords, banking information, or verification codes to unsolicited callers.

📱 Hang up and independently verify suspicious requests using a trusted phone number.

💻 Protect your business with multifactor authentication and employee awareness.

💵 Always independently verify changes to payment or banking instructions.

Taking just 30 seconds to STOP, THINK, and VERIFY could save you or your business from serious financial loss or a cybersecurity incident.

👇 Please review the attached graphic and SHARE it with your employees, coworkers, friends, and fellow collision repair professionals.

If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from WMABA or its leadership, please contact us directly before responding.

Let's look out for one another and keep our collision repair community safe! 💙