ABPA Denounces Recent Auto Body Repair Legislation in Maryland
Smithfield, RI, Mar. 4, 2014 — The Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA) is publicly denouncing and expresses grave concern over the recently announced Auto Body Repair legislation in Maryland (Senate Bill 487) and its corresponding House Bill, 574. Senate Bill 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’s 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.”
There were many statements from the representative of WMABA that were completely false. These false statements include:
OE radiators have a better warranty that the alternative supplier radiators.
FACT – The three major alternative suppliers in the MD/VA area (LKQ, Partschannel & Empire) all offer LIFETIME warranties on their radiators. By comparison, most car companies do not offer a warranty greater than three years.
Consumers will be required to pay additional rental car fees caused by delays due to alternative parts.
FACT – Any delays due to parts (both OE and alternative) are typically covered by the insurer or the body shop.
The changes being considered under this new bill would create a virtual monopoly on replacement collision parts during the first three years and drive up the numbers of vehicles being totaled. Consumers will eventually pay the price with higher insurance rates.
“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.”
About the ABPA: With more than 150 members, the Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA) occupies over 400 distinctive locations including collision parts distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and parts recycling plants. ABPA’s members are responsible for distributing more than 75 percent of the independently produced aftermarket crash replacement parts sold to the collision repair trade. For more information about the ABPA, visit autobpa.com.
