Two Collision Repair Association of California (CRA) members had an article published in a recent edition of Capitol Weekly
that expressed their views on OEM and aftermarket parts as a way to
educate consumers and protect them during the auto claims process.

Richard Steffen and Allen Wood, who, along with other members of the
CRA, have been active in trying to get legislation passed they feel
will protect consumers, said it was up to legislators to “warn car
owners about insurance companies that hide certain collision repair
practices from their policyholders” in their article titled, “ Drivers
Beware: Insurers Often Cloak Their Collision-Repair Practices.”

“Here is what most consumers don’t know: To save money, insurers compel
collision repairers to sign secret agreements that spell out what make
of parts are to be used to fix damaged vehicles,” the article in the
newspaper of California government and politics said.

Steffen and Wood also explained why they believe some insurers prefer
aftermarket parts and why some body shops use them: “Aftermarket costs
a little less than OEM. But why do repairers agree to use these less
desirable parts? Well, if you want the insurer to refer claimants to
your repair shop, or if you don’t want them steered away, concessions
are required.”

The article then summarized Senate Bill 1059, which would make it
unlawful for an insurer to require that aftermarket parts replace key
components of a vehicle under warranty during the vehicle’s first three
years as a new car.

To view the article in its entirety, click HERE.