OEM repair procedures lead 2019 state policy conversation

Dec. 27, 2018
Complicating matters for a state legislative cure is inconsistency. For example, some states may opt for the Rhode Island model and apply OEM repair procedures only to when OEM parts are used, other states could move to require OEM procedures in all cases of collision repair.

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) recently hosted a webinar for the collision repair media to discuss Original Equipment Manufacturer Repair Procedures including Pre- and Post-Scanning of vehicles that have been involved in an accident.  ASA and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (Alliance) held a press conference this summer, in Atlanta, Georgia, stating an interest in highlighting OE repair policies in a number of states during the 2019 state legislative sessions.

Participants in the recent webinar included:

  • Wayne Weikel, senior direct of government affairs, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers
  • Jake Rodenroth, director of industry relations, asTech
  • Darrell Amberson, ASA Immediate Past Chairman and president of operations, LaMettry’s Collision

Robert Redding, ASA Washington, D.C. Representative, served as moderator of the webinar. After a review of 2018 related legislation in Indiana, Illinois and Rhode Island, Weikel discussed automakers efforts to make shops and consumers aware of OEM repair procedures including a website that outlines automaker policies relative to vehicle repair, www.oem1stop.com. He also discussed the scope of how OEM Repair procedure policy should look in states. Finally, Weikel gave participants a sample of states that will be of focus in 2019 for legislative activity. It’s important to note that only in Rhode Island did OEM repair procedure legislation become law.  Both Indiana and Illinois bills died during the session. The final Rhode Island bill fell short on policy in that the new law only applies when OEM parts are used.

There has been much interest in requiring OEM repair procedures amongst collision organizations since the John Eagle Collision Center decision in 2017 that profiled the risk of not adhering to OEM repair procedures.

Although some would divide this policy debate between shops following OEM repair procedures or separately scanning, many of the automakers have publicly stated that scanning is part of the repair procedures recommended by the OEM’s. 

Jake Rodenroth, asTech, provided slides and a presentation that was more technical in nature.   Highlights included emphasis on how complex today’s vehicles are and the need for pre- and post scanning of vehicles involved in an accident. This included a snapshot of vehicle complexity:

  • 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab (DT) Topology Map
  • Audi A8
  • Discussion of Calibration today
  • Comparison of the human body’s complexity with today’s vehicles            

Darrell Amberson has been an advocate for pre- and post-scanning of vehicles in LaMettry’s shops as well as in the national policy arena. Both Weikel and Amberson argued that following OEM repair procedures should be a natural occurrence for shops and supported by the insurance industry. This should not be a legislative issue. It should be cured in the marketplace but unfortunately has not, thus the need for policymakers to intervene.

Complicating matters for a state legislative cure is inconsistency.  For example, some states may opt for the Rhode Island model and apply OEM repair procedures only to when OEM parts are used, other states could move to require OEM procedures in all cases of collision repair and yet others, allow the status quo, where it is the shop’s decision and in many cases driven by insurer recommendations. A fifty-state model as to how vehicles should be repaired is not optimal. This is the model that consumers and repairers face regarding other collision issues. State departments of insurance regulate the insurance industry. 

Although the U.S. Congress has made attempts to regulate the insurance industry at the federal level, the states still are in control of insurer regulation, thus insurers' relationships with consumers and repairers.  The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act created the Federal Insurance Office (FIO) at the U.S. Department of the Treasury but the FIO has been limited to studies and analyses of the insurance industry and is not considered a regulator of property and casualty insurers. 

For the foreseeable future, OEM repair procedure policy will have to be addressed by the states.

Sponsored Recommendations

ZEUS+: The Cutting-Edge Diagnostic Solution for Smart, Fast, and Efficient Auto Repairs

The new ZEUS+ simplifies your diagnostic process and guides you through the right repair, avoiding unnecessary steps along the way. It gives you the software coverage, processing...

Diagnostic Pre- and Post-scan Reports are Solid Gold for Profitability

The following article highlights the significance of pre-scans and post-scans, particularly with Snap-on scan tools, showcasing their efficiency in diagnosing issues and preventing...

Unlock Precision and Certainty: TRITON-D10 Webinar Training for Advanced Vehicle Diagnostics

The TRITON-D10 lets you dig deep into the systems of a vehicle and evaluate performance with comparative data, systematically eliminating the unnecessary to provide you with only...

APOLLO-D9: Trustworthy Diagnostics for Precision Repairs

The APOLLO-D9 provides the diagnostic information and resources you need to get the job done. No more hunting through forums or endlessly searching to find the right answers. ...

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Vehicle Service Pros, create an account today!