WMABA Alerts Members to Misinformation on Parts Bill - BodyShop Business

WMABA Alerts Members to Misinformation on Parts Bill

Association claims insurers are asking collision repairers to testify against Senate Bill 487 that addresses aftermarket parts and parts procurement.

The Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association (WMABA) has put out an alert to its members that it has come to their attention that insurance companies are asking repairers to testify against the group’s pro-consumer parts legislation in Maryland.
 
WMABA claims that the insurers are telling repairers and legislators that this bill will total loss more vehicles, which the association says "is nothing more than unsubstantiated fear mongering."

In its email alert, WMABA spelled out what it feels is the truth about the legislation and why repairers should support it:

The 2014 Senate Bill 487 (House Bill 574) prohibits the use of aftermarket parts for the first three years of the vehicle (not longer), a time in which it is under warranty and possibly a lease agreement that conflicts with the insurer specification of those parts. If the consumer then needs to have the genuine parts to stay in compliance, they would be out-of-pocket the difference. Insurers are aware of the specifications of warranties and lease agreements that come with new vehicles, and are acting in direct conflict with them simply to reduce claims payments. This is entirely at the expense of the consumer, who is left with loss of vehicle value or additional out-of-pocket.
 
Our customers pay premium dollars, and are getting less than they deserve and expect by the insurers’ cost-containment tactics.
 
The bill also prohibits insurer mandate of a particular process or vendor for the procurement of parts or materials in the repair of the vehicle. This gives the repairer and the consumer the benefit of removing parts choice limitations set by insurers that are there for the benefit of the insurers’ pockets only.


More information:

View full text of the bill

Find your legislator

WMABA Pledges Support of Maryland Parts Procurement/Aftermarket Parts Bill

You May Also Like

ASE Practice Tests Available Online

ASE is encouraging those pursuing certification to take the official practice tests as part of their test preparation process.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) reminds those preparing for ASE certification or recertification to consider taking the official practice tests as part of their test preparation process.

“Figuring out how to best study for an exam can be a challenge," said Matt Shepanek, vice president, credential testing programs for ASE. "Those preparing for ASE certification can get a good idea of what to expect by adding the official ASE practice tests to their study plans. ASE practice tests are delivered exclusively online and can help automotive professionals prepare by allowing them to try out questions of similar content and format to those used on the real ASE tests.”

Corby’s Collision Center: Since 1942

Bentley (Bud) and Evelyn Corby started Corby’s in a little gas station in Honeoye Falls, N.Y.

CIF Announces Enterprise as Repeat Annual Donor

Enterprise has donated for the fourth consecutive time at the Urgent Care (second highest) tier.

NABC Donates Recycled Ride to Central Georgia Mom

The NAB), GEICO and Five Star Collision Center-Wimbish recently donated a refurbished vehicle to a deserving mother of four.

NABC Donates Recycled Rides at NORTHEAST Show

The NABC, GEICO, Mountain View Auto and Collision Center of New Jersey donated two refurbished vehicles at the recent NORTHEAST Show.

Other Posts

Crash Champions Expands in Idaho

Crash Champions has announced the acquisition of Addison Collision Repair in Twin Falls, Idaho.

Auto Care Association Welcomes GAO Report on Vehicle Repair Restrictions

The Auto Care Association is renewing its call for Congress to advance federal Right to Repair legislation that protects independent business owners and consumers.

ProColor Collision Welcomes First Shop in Montana

ProColor Collision Gallatin Valley is operated by Robert Rinta and Simon Gratch, who both served honorably in the Montana National Guard.

Association News

The latest association news appearing on bodyshopbusiness.com.