ABPA denounces recent Maryland auto body repair legislation

Maryland House Bill 1258 would require auto body repairers to use only car company branded parts for repairs made during the first two years after a vehicle’s date of manufacture, and would also require insurance companies who pay for repairs to approve only original manufacturer parts during that time period.  For vehicles older than two years, the bill would limit the repair choice to either “certified” parts or original manufacturer parts.   

“Senate Bill 1258 is only good for the car companies, giving them a virtual monopoly on parts for the first two years of the vehicle’s life,” said ABPA’s Executive Director Edward Salamy.  “We also have concern about the limits this bill places on a consumer’s desire to use alternative parts and how this would affect them financially.”

Based on the language of the bill currently under consideration, House Bill 1258 could also potentially exclude NSF certified parts. This would further limit choice in the marketplace by eliminating a large portion of the certified parts inventory. 

Jim Smith, President of the ABPA, adds, “This Bill is being sponsored by industry special interest groups that are pushing their own agenda and are not concerned about the general welfare of consumers. If this anti-competitive legislation is passed, insurance premiums will be in jeopardy of being raised and more vehicles will be totaled by insurance adjusters because the cost of repairs would become too expensive.”

About the ABPA

With more than 160 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 www.autobpa.com.