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

Lobbyists for insurers and aftermarket parts manufacturers are trying to understand the ramifications of the CRA’s sponsored SB 1059 which simply says insurers cannot require a repairer to use aftermarket parts in the repair of a vehicle under factory warranty. The bill allows use of aftermarket parts if the repairer agrees to use them. While insurers don’t like the bill, they have to be careful in their opposition. “We want to make the customer whole” is the common refrain from insurers. Voiding warranties with the use of aftermarket parts is not a consumer-friendly action. Hey, how about letting the licensed repairer make the call? The CRA thanks Senator Carole Migden (D-San Francisco) for authoring legislation to protect consumers and repairers alike. The bill reinforces the fact that the contract to repair a damaged vehicle is between the vehicle owner and a licensed automotive repair dealer, not an insurer. CRA lobbyist Richard Steffen said the bill will be amended to exempt glass from its mandates while setting a limit on the warranty time in which the mandates will apply (five years is suggested). He said he expects significant negotiations to begin on the bill in about two weeks. He also indicated there might be “surprise amendments” offered from an important source.