The Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT) hosted a successful webinar March 11, drawing 65 attendees eager to learn about upcoming events and groundbreaking developments in collision repair data.
The webinar featured announcements from ABAT Executive Director Jill Tuggle and an in-depth presentation from BillableGenie.com, outlining innovations in estimate repair data collection.
Upcoming Events and New Member Portal
Jill Tuggle.
Tuggle kicked off the webinar with several exciting announcements, including a new and improved website with an enhanced member portal. The redesigned platform will offer opportunities for engagement and networking among members.
Tuggle also previewed ABAT’s upcoming Collision Day at the Capitol in Austin, TX, on March 26, encouraging all repairers to participate and advocate for the industry. Learn more about ABAT’s March 26 event here. Additionally, she previewed ABAT’s annual trade show scheduled for Sept. 12-13 at the Marriott Dallas Allen Hotel & Convention Center in Allen, TX.
BillableGenie.com Introduces Data Revolution for Repair Shops
The highlight of the ABAT webinar was a presentation by Sam Valenzuela of National AutoBody Research, alongside his father, Richard Valenzuela, demonstrating the latest updates to BillableGenie. Their innovative platform is designed to give repair shops unprecedented access to paid claims data, potentially leveling the playing field against insurers.
Shops that install the app can anonymously contribute estimating data without including sensitive customer information. Subscribers gain access to powerful search tools that allow them to analyze real-world pricing, labor rates and estimate details across various categories -- including DRP and non-DRP shops, OEM-certified facilities and dealership or independent operations.
Harnessing Data to Strengthen Negotiations with Insurers
The presentation emphasized the importance of leveraging data in negotiations with insurance companies.
Screenshot of BillableGenie.com.
One of the webinar participants asked a question in the chat that resonated with many others: “Using this data from BillableGenie and showing the insurance company sounds great. But a lot of [the] time, the insurance company just shrugs its shoulders and says, ‘We’re not paying it.’ What do you suggest we can do to combat that?”
Sam Valenzuela explained that historically, insurers controlled the narrative by referencing their datasets, while repairers lacked comparable resources. With BillableGenie.com, shops can now counter insurer objections with hard data, showing what shops are actually writing and what has been approved and paid across the country.
For example, the tool enables users to search specific repair operations, such as “clean for delivery,” and see the average reimbursement rates. By the end of 2025, the platform aims to aggregate 1.3 million records from over 500 participating shops -- creating an invaluable resource for the industry.
Transparency and Market Data: A Game Changer for 2025
The Valenzuelas likened BillableGenie’s approach to how gas price apps facilitate transparency in fuel costs. While their LaborRateHero.com platform enables shops to input their posted labor rates -- rather than insurer-contracted rates -- and gain real insight into industry-wide pricing trends, the updated version provides the ability to systematically search for comparable shop estimates to help repairers make informed business decisions and push back against insurer-imposed limitations.
During live demonstrations, attendees saw how the platform’s user-friendly search function allows filtering by state, labor rate, DRP status and OEM certification. The tool is designed to empower shops with real-time, actionable data, helping them secure rightful payments for their work. Shops can enroll or request a free one-on-one demo by going to their website.
Looking Ahead: Advocacy and Educational Opportunities
ABAT reinforced its commitment to advocacy and education, urging members to attend Capitol Hill Day and stay engaged in legislative efforts that impact the industry.
Looking ahead to ABAT’s 2025 trade show, members can expect even more educational opportunities, including Spanish-language classes to ensure broader access to critical industry insights.
With powerful tools like the new BillableGenie and ABAT’s ongoing efforts to support repairers, 2025 is shaping to be a busy, exciting and impactful year for Texas repairers.
Leona Scott