The Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA) is publicly denouncing the recently announced collision repair legislation in Maryland (Senate Bill 487) and its corresponding House Bill, 574. S.B. 487 would prohibit insurers from requiring the use of alternative collision parts on vehicles less than five years old.
“Senate Bill 487 will severely limit the choices that the consumer has in getting their vehicle repaired,” said ABPA Executive Director Edward Salamy. “These types of anti-consumer bills not only eliminate competition, a foundation of the American free enterprise system, they also increase the potential for higher insurance costs.”
ABPA claims that a representative of the Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association (WMABA) made a series of false claims, including:
OE radiators have a better warranty than alternative supplier radiators.
Consumers will be required to pay additional rental car fees caused by delays due to alternative parts.
“The ABPA is not only monitoring the legislation in Maryland, but it has also come to our attention there is similar anti-consumer legislation being introduced in Rhode Island and Michigan,” said Salamy. “Having your vehicle involved in a collision is already a very stressful experience for the consumer. Having a repair association such as WMABA using scare tactics to achieve their own agenda is not in the best interest of the consumer.”
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