R.I. Senate backs auto-body shop backed repair bill
The
The body shops' lobbyist is former Rep.
This year's debate centers on replacement parts, which typically fall into two categories: those supplied by the original equipment manufacturers (OEM) for each vehicle under their own name, and those described as "after-market" parts that may or may not have been produced by the same manufacturer in the same factory.
At its most basic, the bill extends from 30 months to 48 months-from-manufacture the period during which an insurer is banned from requiring a repair shop to use aftermarket parts without the written consent of the vehicle owner. It also links the kinds of repairs allowed to those recommended by the original equipment manufacturers. The bill now goes to the House for consideration.
The auto-body shops and their legislative backers contend they are looking out for the consumer by guaranteeing that those with cars four years old or newer get replacement parts made by the original-equipment-manufacturer for their vehicles. To do otherwise puts the drivers at risk and potentially jeopardizes warranties, they argue.
"The insurance companies want you to use aftermarket parts after your accident because it's cheaper for them," Providence Auto Body said in a 2015 blog post.
"What this bill seeks to do -- and only do -- is allow the consumer the choice," said Sen.
But the state's insurers -- and
For what it's worth: Ruggerio received nine
"More than a decade of special interest bills promoted by the
"This has absolutely nothing to do with safety and everything to do with increasing auto-body shops' profits at the expense of
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On Twitter: @kathyprojo
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