Collision Repair Association of California | CRA | Auto Accident | Car Repair

CRA Factory Parts Bill Gets Boost from Senate Judiciary Committee As Bill Passes After An Amendment Toughens Its Provisions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               
April 15, 2008
Contact:  Richard Steffen
(916) 524-8046

(SACRAMENTO)– Despite howls of protest from lobbyists representing insurers and aftermarket companies, the California Senate Judiciary Committee not only approved the CRA-sponsored SB 1059 today, it also added new muscle to the bill. By a 3-2 vote the committee agreed to add the following provision to the bill: “At the time of sale, the insurer shall specifically notify the insured whether the insurance contract allows for the use of aftermarket parts, and that such use may affect the insured's vehicle manufacturer's warranty.  The required use of aftermarket parts must also be clearly and conspicuously disclosed in bold type in the front declaration page of the policy."

Once again Lee Amaradio, CRA board member and owner of Faith Quality Auto Body, Murrieta, delivered riveting testimony that underscored how consumers are often unaware of how their insurance policy limits repairs on a new car. Amaradio also testified during the bill’s first hearing at the Senate Banking, Finance and Insurance Committee. This time he noted that a factory warranty would be honored across America while an aftermarket warranty would force the consumer to return to the body shop where the part was installed while the shop, in turn, would have to hunt down the aftermarket producer of the part.” Is this the kind of protection that want for your new car? ” he asked.