There are a number of vehicle body associations across the United States, with almost every state having some type of organization for people who work in the vehicle body repair industry. In addition, there are similar establishments in the UK and in Europe. The largest of these in the UK is the Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association (VRBA), which has been in existence since 1914. Its primary purpose is to represent and support all its members who are employed in the vehicle body repair industry.
The purpose of this UK-based vehicle body organization is to offer quality support and training to its members by providing industry standards for vehicle body repair, as well as to coordinate their ideas with other trade associations for the betterment of the vehicle body repair industry. It also provides its members with representation at government level, in addition to sponsoring seminars and furnishing technical information and software programs to assist members with the operation of their business.
Members have been fully trained in body repair and are cognizant of all industry rules and regulations, thus assuring their clients that the work will meet the highest standards of quality. Members follow the Code of Practice, which details the pre-contractual stipulations of terms of payment, pricing, and warranty. The VRBA also sets in place quality standards of workmanship and fair estimates, while member businesses are inspected annually to ensure compliance with all industry and government standards. In addition, this organization also represents the UK body repairers internationally at the AIRC and the Euroguarant, where vehicle body repair standards are set across the borders in Europe.
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) in the US includes much of the vehicle industry, with about 14,000 member businesses including body repair. This organization has been in business for over 50 years, promoting positive legislation for the industry, providing significant training, and reinvesting membership dollars for advancements in automotive repair. In addition, it sponsors the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) and the world's largest body repair event, the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE). Members display the logo or sign at their place of business.
A smaller group, The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS)), was founded in Blue Springs, Missouri in 1983. This association has a membership composed of vehicle body workers from various shops across the US, including auto body parts, collision damage repair, auto glass replacement, and auto refinishing. The Society's main goal is to represent, inform, and train their members to deliver quality professional work. It promotes and keeps members abreast of government legislation and industry standards, while members adhere to a strict code for workmanship and customer service.