In a survey regarding the fit, function and finish of Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA)-Certified crash parts, roughly half of California Autobody Association (CAA) shops surveyed – 49 percent – said they found one
in four CAPA parts to be OEM-equivalent, and 1.3 percent of surveyed
shops reported that all CAPA parts were OEM-equivalent.
Despite perceived inferiority to OEM parts, 43.8 percent of shops surveyed reported that they have installed CAPA-Certified crash parts due to an insurance policy requirement, and about 78 percent of shops reported installing CAPA parts because of DRP requirements.
Most concerning, the CAA says, is that nearly 90 percent of respondents said that many body shop customers aren’t aware of insurance policy provisions that require aftermarket parts use until after they have an accident. The CAA believes legislation to enhance consumer awareness of these types of policy provisions is needed immediately.
The CAA conducted the survey after the introduction of S.B. 350, a bill that would have given CAPA parts the legal presumption of being equivalent to OEM parts in terms of fit, function and finish. The amended S.B. 350 is now a two-year bill.
The survey found that about 40 percent of respondents sell 10 to 50 CAPA parts per month. About 20 percent sell 50 to 100 CAPA parts per month, while 34 percent sell less than 10 parts per month.
About 70 percent of all respondents agreed that many changes need to be made regarding the regulation of aftermarket parts use. For parts that are found to be non-equivalent, CAA recommends nationwide decertification, compensation for inspection and handling of non-equivalent parts, and extension of consumer rental car coverage for delays caused by specification of non-equivalent parts.
On its Web site (www.capacertified.com), CAPA says it ensures that certified parts meet the organization’s quality standards for fit, component materials and corrosion resistance.
Currently, CAPA certifies metal and plastic parts and lighting equipment.
Visit www.calautobody.com for more information.
