New Hampshire Senate Bill 436, introduced by State Senator Nancy Stiles, R-24, passed the New Hampshire House of Representatives on May 11th. It had passed the Senate on March 3, 2016.
S.B. 436 requires an insurer to disclose whether or not an estimate has been prepared based on the use of aftermarket parts. Any insurer that fails to provide the disclosure would be prohibited from requesting or requiring the use of aftermarket parts.
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has been a proponent of S.B. 436 since its introduction and has sent letters of support to the New Hampshire legislature. Robert L. Redding Jr., ASA Washington, D.C., representative, wrote in a March 2016 letter to New Hampshire policymakers:
“ASA supports requiring insurers and auto collision facilities to provide disclosure of part type, description and warranty information to the consumer for all part types. Consumers will be best served if written consent is required for the use of these parts.
“ASA believes a competitive parts marketplace of tested and verified quality parts is in the best interest of the motoring public. ASA opposes parts policies that focus solely on cost efficiency without regard to certification, verifiable quality and safety.”
S.B. 436 is currently before the New Hampshire governor for final approval. To view the text of the legislation, visit www.TakingTheHill.com.
