A Crash Course in AI for Auto Collision Repair  

Jan. 31, 2024
ChatGPT is shaking things up for auto collision repair, making communication smoother, estimates quicker, and the overall process just a whole lot better.   

Life in the fast lane means we're always chasing efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction. And guess what? The game is changing with the rise of AI, specifically ChatGPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer), in the automotive sector. Sounds fancy, right? Well, it is. In this article, let's break down how GPT is shaking things up for auto collision repair, making communication smoother, estimates quicker, and the overall process just a whole lot better.   

The following examples were provided by AI by merely asking ChatGPT what it could do for the auto collision repair industry. We have been experimenting with  it, and I encourage you to check it out before you get left out!  

Talking to Customers Made Easy: 

One headache for repair shops is  explaining complex car stuff to customers who might not speak “auto.” That's where ChatGPT steps in, making it simple. Think GPT-powered chatbots on websites - I have used them and thought I was speaking to a real person! They provide instant answers to customer questions, clear repair explanations, and easy-to-understand timelines. It's like having a friendly, tech-savvy buddy at the shop. We are looking to implement this on our website!   

Quicker Estimates, Less Hassle: 

ChatGPT doesn't just talk; it does math, too. By analyzing damage info, such as photos, it spits out accurate repair estimates in a flash. Less time squinting at dents, fewer human errors - it's a win-win. You just need to feed it some data, and it does the heavy lifting.   

We have experimented with this but not found the process to be “accurate” quite yet, but I suspect that this is exactly the method that insurance companies are using to produce  “estimates.” 

All the Paperwork, None of the Hassle: 

Documentation can be a drag, but not with GPT. It digs through repair reports, tech notes, and damaged car pics to craft detailed repair summaries. Less time stressing for techs, fewer chances for mix-ups - a neat and tidy record of the whole repair process.   

I am currently dropping repair plans in it to develop summaries. We will see how that goes. 

Smart Inventory Moves: 

Running out of parts or drowning in excess stock? GPT checks historical data and market trends, giving repair shops the lowdown on what parts to stock up on and what to skip. It's like a crystal ball for auto parts, helping shops save time and money. 

Tech Training, Supercharged: 

The auto world evolves, and so should the techs. GPT steps in here, too, powering training modules that keep technicians in the loop with the latest repair techniques and safety protocols. Interactive simulations and virtual scenarios make learning a breeze, pushing up the quality of repairs. 

How We Use It: 

At our shop, we've made GPT our go-to for various tasks. Need a catchy social media post? Drop in an image and ask GPT for a witty caption with hashtags and emojis.  Just being honest, I don’t even speak that language.  Facing a tricky email or crafty response to an insurance company inquiry?  Let GPT craft a firm or humorous response.  You can even ask it to dumb it down or be serious.  We even used it to draft this very article, in parts, but of course, we gave it a human touch.  As mentioned above, we continue to experiment with it for different tasks. 

A word of caution: It's addictive, and yes, Chat GPT can goof up. But hey, it's all in good fun! Enjoy the ride!  

About the Author

Shey Knight

Shey Knight graduated from Jacksonville State University with a Bachelor of Science in Production Management and a minor in Real Estate. After graduating, Shey worked for CKM realty and was the youngest broker/ Realtor in Birmingham, Alabama, while working with Southtrust bank. Shey was recruited back to Autosport in 1990, where he began his career in auto collision repair. Shey currently serves as an Opelika Rotarian and has served on the board and as president. He currently serves on several boards including the Opelika Chamber of Commerce Foundation board, the CCRE and as Treasurer for GSCA (Gulf States Collision Association). He has served on past boards and roles including Opelika Chamber of Commerce and Board Chairman, Disaster Team Captain for the Lee County Red Cross and board member, board member and past president for the Opelika-Auburn Jaycees, board member for Southern Union State Junior College collision repair advisory board and Youth for Christ Board. Shey serves as CFO for Autosport Bodyworks, also co-owns Vinyl Guys (a vinyl installation company) and is a licensed property and casualty insurance agent and professional sand sculptor. Shey is married to Terri Knight, where she teaches at Auburn University. They have two adult children and enjoy traveling, camping, riding motorcycles, snow skiing, scuba diving, gardening and enjoying their first granddaughter.

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